Standards and labels

• EN 61340-5-1:2016

  EN 61340-5-1:2016 is a European standard that defines the requirements and test methods for measuring the performance of ESD (electrostatic discharge) protective clothing. This standard covers the performance of clothing, including material, design and construction, that is intended to protect the human body against electrostatic discharges, which are a type of electrical shock caused by the build-up of static electricity on the body or clothing. The standard also includes test methods to evaluate the clothing's performance, including tests for electric strength, charge decay, and resistance to penetration of electrostatic charges. Test results must show that the clothing meets or exceeds the required performance levels and other requirements specified in the standard.

  Test results

  Electrostatic Discharge Antistatic

  The standard EN 61340-5-1:2016 specifies requirements and test methods for materials and products that control electrostatic discharge to prevent damage or malfunction of electronic/components in sensitive environments. When a product is labeled as Antistatic under this standard, it signifies that the material or protective equipment has properties that prevent the build-up of static electricity by allowing it to dissipate. This result generally implies a surface resistance in a specific range or contains materials that dissipate electrostatic charges. Testing for antistatic properties typically includes measuring the resistance of the material or product by applying a voltage across it and determining its resistance using tools such as an electrostatic voltmeter or a surface resistance meter. This test is essential in environments such as electronic assembly or explosive atmospheres, where static discharge can be harmful. Properly marked materials under EN 61340-5-1:2016 ensure that the products are safe for use in settings where electrostatic discharge could pose a risk, thereby safeguarding sensitive equipment or environments from electrostatic damage.

• 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 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.

  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 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 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.

• 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.

• 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.