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 P

  EN ISO 20345:2011 specifies safety requirements for footwear used in a range of industries to protect wearers from mechanical risks and other workplace hazards. The 'P' designation indicates that the footwear has been tested for penetration resistance, which means it can withstand a force of up to 1100 Newtons from sharp objects like nails. This test is conducted by applying a specified force to a nail or similar sharp object against the sole of the footwear to ensure it cannot penetrate through to the foot. Footwear meeting this requirement is essential for industries where workers are at risk of stepping on sharp objects, such as construction or manufacturing, providing a critical level of protection to the wearer's feet.

  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 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.

• 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.