The current safety footwear standard in Europe is EN ISO 20345, with the latest update being EN ISO 20345:2022. This standard specifies requirements for protective footwear, including impact resistance, compression resistance, and other safety features. Footwear is classified into categories like SB, S1, S2, S3, S4, and S5, each offering different levels of protection. The standard ensures that safety footwear meets rigorous testing and certification requirements to protect workers in various industrial environments.
Key Points Explained:
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Current Standard:
- The primary standard for safety footwear in Europe is EN ISO 20345, with the latest version being EN ISO 20345:2022.
- This standard replaced earlier versions (e.g., EN ISO 20345:2011) to incorporate updated safety and testing requirements.
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Basic Requirements:
- All safety footwear must provide toe cap protection against a 200-joule impact (equivalent to a 20 kg object dropped from 1 meter).
- Additional mandatory features include compression resistance (15 kN) and sole penetration resistance (for certain classifications).
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Classification System:
Safety footwear is categorized based on protection levels:- SB (Basic): Only toe cap protection (200J impact resistance).
- S1: Adds anti-static properties, energy absorption, and an enclosed heel.
- S2: Includes water resistance (60 minutes) in addition to S1 features.
- S3: Adds penetration-resistant midsoles and cleated soles to S2.
- S4: All-rubber or polymeric construction with anti-static properties (similar to S1 but waterproof).
- S5: Combines S4 features with penetration resistance and cleated soles.
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Optional Protections:
- P: Penetration-resistant midsole (tested against a 1100N force).
- HRO: Heat-resistant outsole (up to 300°C for 60 seconds).
- E: Energy absorption in the heel.
- WRU: Water-resistant upper.
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Certification & Testing:
- Footwear must undergo rigorous testing by accredited labs to ensure compliance.
- Products must display the CE mark and relevant classification codes.
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Industry Applications:
- Different classifications suit various workplaces (e.g., S3 for construction, S1 for light industrial use).
- Employers must select footwear based on risk assessments (e.g., slip resistance for wet environments).
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Future Updates:
- Standards evolve to address new risks (e.g., electrical hazards, chemical exposure).
- The 2022 update emphasizes ergonomic design and sustainability in manufacturing.
This structured approach ensures safety footwear meets the highest protection standards while catering to diverse workplace needs.
Summary Table:
| Classification | Key Features | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|
| SB (Basic) | Toe cap protection (200J impact) | General industrial use |
| S1 | Anti-static, energy absorption, enclosed heel | Light industrial, workshops |
| S2 | Water resistance (60 mins) + S1 features | Wet environments, food processing |
| S3 | Penetration-resistant midsole, cleated soles | Construction, heavy-duty work |
| S4 | All-rubber/polymeric, waterproof | Chemical labs, oil/gas industries |
| S5 | S4 + penetration resistance, cleated soles | Extreme conditions, mining |
Optional Protections:
- P: Penetration-resistant midsole
- HRO: Heat-resistant outsole (300°C)
- E: Heel energy absorption
- WRU: Water-resistant upper
Ensure your workforce is equipped with certified, high-performance safety footwear that complies with EN ISO 20345:2022. As a large-scale manufacturer, 3515 offers a comprehensive range of safety shoes and boots tailored for distributors, brand owners, and bulk buyers. Our products combine rigorous safety standards with ergonomic design to enhance workplace protection and comfort.
Why choose us?
✅ Full compliance with EN ISO 20345:2022 and customizable options
✅ Diverse classifications (SB to S5) for all industrial needs
✅ Advanced features like slip resistance, heat protection, and waterproofing
✅ Bulk order expertise with competitive pricing for distributors
Contact us today to discuss your requirements or request a catalog!
