Standards and labels

• EN ISO 20345:2011

  Test results

  General Requirements HRO

  The HRO result listed in the standard EN ISO 20345:2011 pertains to the heat resistance of the outsole of safety footwear. This test result confirms that the outsole is capable of withstanding exposure to high temperatures without degrading its physical properties and performance. The test method requires that the outsole of the footwear be exposed to 300°C for a minimum of 60 seconds under specified conditions, during which the outsole should not melt or crack, ensuring that it continues to provide protection against hot environments. Since the HRO classification attests to heat resistance, this feature is particularly important in industries such as metallurgy or construction, where contact with hot surfaces is a common hazard. Understanding this result can assist procurement professionals in sourcing appropriate safety footwear that meets the required durability and performance in high-temperature working conditions.

  General Requirements S1

  The designation S1 under the EN ISO 20345:2011 standard signifies a basic level of safety footwear which includes several important features. Specifically, a footwear labeled as S1 has 200 joules toe cap, fully enclosed heel, anti-static protection, and energy absorption in the heel. The testing method to confirm the S1 classification generally involves specific conditions and apparatus to measure the effectiveness of the footwear under these criteria. For instance, the heel energy absorption is often tested by dropping a weight onto the heel and measuring the force transmitted through the footwear to simulate real-world impacts during usage. Meeting the S1 requirement implies that the footwear can adequately protect users in environments where static electricity, basic impacts, and exposure to fuel-related chemicals are a concern. This tag therefore allows safety managers and procurement professionals to match footwear to known workplace hazards, ensuring a suitable level of protection for employees in varied industrial settings.

  General Requirements CR

  The standard EN ISO 20345:2011 encompasses general requirements for safety footwear to ensure they provide adequate protection in various occupational environments. Rating 'CR' signifies that the footwear has a cut resistant upper ensuring enhanced protection. The test method involves assessing the material's resistance to splitting or cracking under certain conditions, which simulates real-world industrial hazards involving sharp objects or surfaces. Practically, this result ensures that the footwear is suitable for environments where there is a risk of materials splitting or getting caught, thereby providing essential safety benefits to the user.

  General Requirements FO

  The standard EN ISO 20345:2011, specifically its General Requirement FO, pertains to footwear containing fuel oil-resistant outsoles. When footwear under this specification successfully meets the FO requirement, it implies that the footwear's outsole has been tested and confirmed to resist degradation due to contact with fuel oil. The test involves exposing the outsole material to fuel oil for a determined period, typically 22 hours, at a controlled temperature of 22°C. This test assesses the change in volume and properties of the outsole following fuel oil exposure by measuring its tensile strength and elongation before and after the exposure. For procurement professionals, a positive FO result indicates that the footwear's outsole will maintain its mechanical performance and integrity when in contact with fuel oil, making it suitable for industries where oil exposure is frequent, providing durability and reliable performance under such conditions.

• Textiles

  Textiles are materials made from fibers, such as cotton, wool, or polyester. In Europe, there are rules for how textiles should be made, sold, and labeled. These rules are set by the European Union. These rules ensure that textiles are safe and do not contain harmful chemicals, that they are labeled correctly and that the use of certain dangerous chemicals are banned. These rules are set to protect the health and safety of consumers and the environment. Companies that make or sell textiles in the EU must comply with these rules.