The individual classes within the norms for work and safety footwear are described below:
EN ISO 20345:2022 SB
- In terms of comfort and wear resistance, a level of quality as defined by an agreed European Standard
- A safety toecap providing protection against impact injury to the toes caused by falling objects, the toes being trapped under a heavy object, etc.
- Level of protection: 200 Joules / 15 kN
EN ISO 20345:2022 S1
- As above SB standard, plus closed seat region
- Antistatic properties
- Energy absorption of seat region
EN ISO 20345:2022 S1-P
- As above S1 standard, plus penetration resistance
EN ISO 20345:2022 S2
- As above S1 standard, plus water-penetration and absorption resistance
EN ISO 20345:2022 S3
- As above S2 standard, plus penetration resistance
- Cleated outer sole
EN ISO 20345:2022 S7
- As mentioned S3 standard plus a non-metallic nail penetration protection with resistance to 3.0 (S) or 4.5 (L) mm nails
- Waterproof footwear
EN ISO 20347:2022 OB
- In terms of comfort and wear resistance, a level of quality as defined by an agreed European Standard
- Basic work-shoes
EN ISO 20347:2022 O1
- As above OB standard, plus closed seat region
- Antistatic properties
- Energy absorption of seat region
EN ISO 20347:2022 O1-P
- As above O1 standard, plus penetration resistance
EN ISO 20347:2022 O2
- As above O1 standard, plus water-penetration and absorption resistance
EN ISO 20347:2022 S3
- As above O2 standard, plus penetration resistance
- Cleated outer sole
Anti penetration protection according to EN ISO 20345:2022 / 20347:2022
The penetration resistance of the outsole has been measured in a laboratory using a truncated nail and a force of 1100 N.
Alternative penetration-resistant inserts are available; metallic types and non-metallic materials:
- Metal is less affected by the shape of the sharp object/hazard (diameter, geometry and sharpness), but does not cover the entire lower area of the footwear due to limitations in the production of the footwear. They are included in and marked as the protection class, e.g. S1P, S3
- Non-metallic materials can be lighter, more flexible and provide a larger coverage area compared to metal. Two non-metallic types are available; PL or PS depending on the thickness of the nail when tested - 4.5 mm (marked with L), 3 mm (marked with S). They are marked by protection class e.g. S1PS, S3L, S7S
Slip resistance according to EN ISO 20345:2022 / 20347:2022
Slip resistance is an important feature of safety/work footwear. According to the standards, it is considered mandatory and will therefore not carry a special mark. According to the standards, another test for additional slip resistance can be carried out. This will then be marked with an SR symbol. This slip resistance test is carried out on ceramic tiles with different lubricants. The heel and forefoot of the shoes are tested separately.
Please note that even if the footwear is certified and slip-resistant, the user must always and as a responsible person take into account the work conditions and the surface.
Other relevant certification symbols used within the mentioned standards:
- Antistatic footwear (A)
- Energy absorbing heel region (E)
- Resistance to oil (FO)
- Outsole resistant to hot contact, max. 300 degrees Celsius for 1 min. (HRO)
- Heat insulation up to max. 150 degrees Celsius for 30 min. (HI)
- Cold insulation down to max. -17 degrees Celsius for 30 min. (CI)
- Metatarsal protection (M)
- Ankle protection (AN)
- Extra external protection in the toe region (SC)
- Ladder grip (LG)
- The numbers "MM / YY" represent the month and year the shoe was manufactured and are shown on the CE mark
- The factory symbol shown on the label represents the production and is shown together with the responsible unit