Standards and labels

• EN ISO 20345:2011

  Test results

  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 S3

  The EN ISO 20345:2011 standard specifies the general safety requirements for protective footwear used in various industries. The S3 designation under this standard means the footwear has met certain criteria, including basic toe protection, anti-static properties, energy absorption of the seat region, water resistance, fully enclosed heel, cleated outsole, and penetration resistance by a steel midsole. This classification involves specific test methods like compression and impact tests on toe protection, antistatic resistance tests, energy absorption verification at the heel section, water penetration, and absorption tests to ascertain the upper material's resistance, and penetration resistance tests to ensure the protective features of the outsole and midsole. For industries requiring protective footwear that can withstand mechanical risks, moisture, and sharp objects, achieving an S3 result guarantees a high safety level, making footwear that meets this requirement suitable for environments with increased moisture and at risk of foot penetration by sharp objects.

  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 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.