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EN ISO 20345:2011
This is the most common safety standard, which is known for its provision of a protective toe-cap as a basic requirement. There are many other safety features included under this EN ISO standard, which makes it sufficient for all industries.
EN ISO 20347:2012
This EN ISO safety standard differs from its 2011 counterpart because it does not offer a 200 Joules protective toe-cap. Instead, safety boots under this category are suitable for less dangerous lines of work, such as posting parcels.
ASTM F2892-11 EH
This standard exists for non-safety boots that are examined by a third-party organisation. These typically meet requirements for protecting you against electrical hazards (EH), or static dissipation (SD).
200 Joules protective toe cap (this can be either steel or composite).
SB rated shoes can carry other safety features, too; for example, you can have an SB P HRO SRC boot, which -- in linear order -- offers a protective toe cap (SB), anti-penetration mid-sole (P), heat-resistant sole (HRO), and slip-resistant sole (SRC).
200 Joules protective toe cap.
Closed seat region.
Anti-static properties.
Energy absorbing heel (typically 20 Joules).
200 Joules protective toe cap.
Closed seat region.
Anti-static properties.
Energy absorbing heel (typically 20 Joules).
+ Anti-penetration mid-sole.
200 Joules protective toe cap.
Closed seat region.
Anti-static properties.
Energy absorbing heel (typically 20 Joules).
+ Water-resistant upper.
200 Joules protective toe cap.
Closed seat region.
Anti-static properties.
Energy absorbing heel (typically 20 Joules).
Water-resistant upper.
+ Anti-penetration mid-sole.
200 Joules protective toe cap.
Closed seat region.
Anti-static properties.
Heel energy absorption (typically 20 Joules).
Fully water-resistant.
200 Joules protective toe cap.
Closed seat region.
Anti-static properties.
Energy absorbing heel (typically 20 Joules).
Fully water-resistant.
+ Sole penetration resistance.
P: Products with mid-soles that are resistant against contact with sharp objects.
A: Anti-static penetration.
E: Heel energy-absorption (typically 20 Joules).
FO: A sole that is fuel/oil resistant.
HRO: Products with soles that have proven resistant to at least 300 degrees-celsius contact for 60 seconds.
SR: Products with mid-soles that are resistant against contact with sharp objects.Products that are slip-resistant to varying degrees. Most commonly, safety boots come with an SRC rating, which refers to boots that are both tested on a ceramic tile wetted with dilute solution (SRA), as well as a smooth steel surface covered with glycerol (SRB). Safety footwear can also come with just an SRA, or SRB rating.
SRA: (to be worn in environments with low slip-risk):
Products that are tested on a ceramic tile that is wetted with dilute soap solution
SRB: (to be worn in environments with low slip-risk):
Products that are tested on smooth steel and glycerol.
SRC: (your best chance of avoiding slippage):
Any product that has passed both SRA & SRB slip tests.
Waterproof (no EN ISO abbreviation): Products marked as 'waterproof' will have a waterproof membrane inside the shoe, which is your final layer of protection against water penetration.
Steel Toe Cap
The footwear will be tested to and will be able to withstand an impact of 200 Joules. It will also mean the toe cap will withstand a resting mass of over 1000kg. Composite toe caps which are metal-free will also withstand the same weight, energy, and mass, but will be much lighter.
Anti-Penetration Mid-sole
Protects the base of feet from sharp objects and nails from piercing through the footwear. Usually a steel or composite shank will be placed within the mid-sole of the footwear. No meet the standards, the protection will have to resist a penetration force of up to 1100N.
Heat Resistant Sole
To be classed as HRO, the footwear will have a heat resistant sole of up to 300°C for 60 seconds. Other footwear featuring a heat resistant sole to anything under than 300°C will not be specified as HRO but will state some level of heat resistance.
Water Resistant Upper
Footwear will be water resistant and will block out water to some extent but will let some water seep through after lengthy periods of time in deep water.
Water Resistant
A water-resistant boot where the whole article is submerged in water for 80 minutes without any significant water penetration.
Waterproof
A boot with a waterproof membrane, to give you the absolute best chance of keeping your feet dry. A waterproof boot will naturally encompass water resistance (WR), too.
Oil Resistant
Footwear will be resistant to fuel oils and have grip on various surfaces.
Anti-Static
Electrical resistance between 0.1 and 1000 MegaOhm (MΩ) and will sufficiently protect against electric shocks, currents and live circuits.
Non Marking Sole
The soles will not leave black marks or streaks which usually appear when walking on smooth surfaces.
Goodyear Welted Sole
The upper of the shoe is welted to the sole and insole of the shoe in order for it to be more secure and longer lasting. This can be repeated if necessary therefore making the shoes last for even longer.
Safety Eyewear
Safety eyewear will comply to European Standards: EN 166 and will be classed by Class 1, 2 or 3; a safety Class of 1 provides the best protection.
All information provided here is advisory only. Please clarify with safety specialists or your employer that any footwear bought from ourselves is appropriate for your working environments and meets your requirements.
When buying safety footwear and accessories, it is imperative that you choose the correct products with the most accurate and appropriate safety features needed and required for your line of work and industry. Although some industry requirements overlap on what is necessary in terms of safety ratings and other safety features, the slight differentiation is vital to take into account, as the consequences of incorrect features can be a matter of life or death. Please buy at your own risk.