Standards and labels

• EN ISO 20345:2011

  Test results

  General Requirements S5

  The General Requirements S5 result in the EN ISO 20345:2011 standard identifies that the product has met specific safety criteria defined under category S5. This includes all the requirements for safety footwear made from ruber or polymeric that include, among other factors, the footwear having 200 joules toe cap, fully enclosed heel, antistatic protection, energy absorption of seat region, penetration resistant midsole, and having cleated outsoles. The S5 specification in this standard confirms adherence to rigorous testing protocols that assess these features. The test method involves subjecting the footwear to simulated conditions that evaluate their resistance to water penetration and absorption, along with measuring the performance of outsoles on various surfaces to ensure they meet the minimum requirements for safety in different working environments. The practical implication of this result is that the footwear is suitable for environments where contact with water is frequent and where enhanced grip and durability are necessary, thereby assuring the safety and comfort of the wearer in challenging conditions.

  General Requirements M

  The EN ISO 20345:2011 standard specifies the minimum requirements for safety footwear used in the workplace to protect against various risks. The M marking signifies that the safety shoes have metatarsal protection which means the top of the shoe is fortiifed to protect the top of the foot where the metatarsal bones are. The test method to determine compliance with EN ISO 20345:2011 involves assessing features of the shoe and testing that the upper is protective against outside forces. For a product in this category, passing these standards means it’s sufficiently safe for use under the stipulated working conditions, which ensures user safety and adheres to regulatory compliance in the EU market.

  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 HI

  The General Requirements HI result in the standard EN ISO 20345:2011 indicates that the footwear has been evaluated for insulation against heat. This particular result implies that the footwear can offer a certain level of protection against heat, ensuring that the user's feet are insulated when exposed to high temperatures. The test for this requirement involves assessing the footwear's capacity to provide insulation from heat under controlled test conditions. Given the practical implications, this result suggests that the footwear is suitable for environments where exposure to heat is a significant factor, such as in foundries or steel mills, thereby safeguarding the wearer’s feet against thermal risks. This is crucial for procurement professionals when considering safety footwear for sectors where heat resistance is paramount, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and protective performance criteria.

  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.

  General Requirements CI

  The CI designation in the standard EN ISO 20345:2011 refers to the insulation performance of footwear against cold. This specification indicates that the footwear offers insulation against cold conditions, protecting the wearer's feet from low-temperature environments. The test method for determining this involves measuring the temperature decrease inside the footwear when exposed to cold conditions over a specified period. This performance is crucial for footwear used in conditions where exposure to cold is significant, ensuring safety and comfort for the wearer in such environments. The practical implications for safety footwear in this category include enhanced worker safety and performance in cold climates, applicable to industries such as construction, cold storage, and outdoor operations in winter conditions.

  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.

• CE Marking

  CE Marking is a label that shows a product meets certain safety and environmental standards set by the European Union. To get the CE Marking, a company must test and certify their product meets these standards. CE Marking is required for many products sold in the EU, including electronics, machinery, toys and medical devices. It helps ensure that products are safe for consumers and the environment, and allows for easy trade within the EU.

• PPE Category 2

  PPE stands for "personal protective equipment." PPE Category 2 refers to equipment that is more complex, and has a higher level of risk. Examples of PPE Category 2 include safety helmets, ear protection, and fall arrest equipment. In Europe, PPE Category 2 must meet certain safety standards set by the European Union, which means that it must be designed and manufactured to protect the user without causing harm. Companies that make or sell PPE must prove that it meets these standards. They also must have a quality management system in place and have to be audited regularly by a notified body.