New Safety Footwear Standards: Everything you need to know

 

What are the New Safety Footwear Standards?

 

EN ISO 20345:2022

 

In this article we will cover:

  • What are the new standards?
  • What are the most important changes?
  • A table of all new markings
  • FAQ’s: When is it live? Are the 2011 standards still relevant?
  • Glossary
  • Further reading

 

What are the new safety footwear standards?

The EN ISO 20345:2022 standard for safety footwear was updated in 2022. This supersedes the previous 2011 update (which will remain in place until Q1 of 2024).

Changes have been made in a number of areas – ranging from the requirements that footwear must meet to the test methods themselves. This also means that some standards have been revoked.

You may be asking, why have the standards been updated? Well, it is hoped that the changes will make for more precise testing and clearer marking of safety footwear that reflects more realistic real-world conditions and modern materials.

This guide aims to help you understand the new changes and the impact they may have on you and your organisation, and seeks to explain the standards in a clear way.

As always, the overall aim for updated standards is to reduce injuries in the workplace.

 

 

What are the most important changes of the new standards?

While all changes to the standards have significance, some are aimed primarily at the manufacturers. Therefore, here we have listed some changes that will likely impact you the most:

 

Slip resistance markings changed:

The old slip resistance markings of SRA, SRB and SRC no longer exist. This is because slip resistance has been deemed such a crucial feature of safety footwear, and it is now considered mandatory and will not carry a mark. There is an option for an additional slip test to be carried out, which will be marked with an SR symbol.

The slip resistance test has also changed in the way it is carried out – now on a ceramic tile surface not a steel plate, and using different lubricants. Also, the heel and forepart of the boot will be tested, not the flat.

Water resistant symbols changed:

The old symbol of WRU (meaning water-resistant uppers) has been replaced by a new code of WPA – meaning water penetration and absorption.

Scuff cap abrasion resistance test added:

There is a new test for the durability of the scuff cap, intended to establish its capabilities of protecting the toecap. This has a symbol of SC if it is passed (after 1,000 abrasion cycles).

Ladder grip test added:

A ladder grip test assess the suitability of the footwear for use on ladder rungs, and tests the area which rests on the rung (between the heel and forepart of the boot below the arch) to a fire-fighter standard. The symbol for passing this is LG.

Puncture resistance test changed:

The term ‘penetration resistance’ has changed to ‘puncture resistance’.

If the insert is a steel plate, the markings haven’t changed, it is still P.

However, there are two test methods for NMAPI inserts, which stand for non-metal anti-penetration inserts, more commonly known as a composite insert or insole. Of these two test methods, the difference is the diameter of the nail used for the test, to represent different environments.

PL means the footwear was tested for general risks with a nail 4.5mm in diameter.

PS means the footwear was tested with a nail 3mm in diameter, and is relevant for risks such as sewing needles or hypodermic needles.

Crucially, a boot, shoe or trainer cannot have more than one marking, it is either P, PL or PS.

 

Full table of all new markings:

2022 Safety Footwear Standards

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

When do the new safety footwear standards become ‘live’?

Now – as the safety footwear standards have already been published, all new products will be tested to the new standards, and so will carry the new codes.

Are the 2011 standards still relevant?

The certification is valid for 5 years, so the standards will run side by side until all safety footwear is re-tested to the new standards. Products may be re-tested before the certificate expires, but there would be a cost associated with this so manufacturers are likely to leave it as long as possible. It has been advised that as of Q1 2024, all new safety footwear will need to be the new standard.

 

Glossary:

Upper – any part of the footwear above the sole.

Outsole – this is the piece of material on the bottom of the shoe – generally a compound of rubber on a safety boot.

Insole – this is the material inside the footwear, generally soft and flexible, which the wearer’s foot rests on. It usually is replaceable as it squashes down after a period of usage.

Insert – the protective insert below the insole in the footwear, may be a steel plate or composite material. It protects the foot from risks from below.

 

 

Further reading:

 

Information credits: v12footwear.com, iso.org, uvex-safety.com, blackrock.

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