Standards and labels

• EN ISO 20345:2011

  Test results

  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 A

  EN ISO 20345:2011 sets standards for safety footwear intended for professional use, ensuring that such footwear provides adequate protection according to specified safety requirements. Rating A means the footwear has antistatic proterties. The practical implication of an A rating result is that the footwear is certified as having met the necessary conditions for standard professional use, which can reassure procurement professionals of the product's basic safety compliance specific to an industrial or harsh working environment. Such comprehensive testing and certification mean that businesses can ensure worker safety and regulatory compliance when procuring such footwear.

  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 E

  The standard EN ISO 20345:2011 encompasses general requirements for safety footwear to ensure they provide adequate protection in various occupational environments. The specification of test result E indicates that the footwear has undergone and successfully met the electrical insulation performance requirements. This specific test assesses footwear's ability to prevent electrical current from passing through the body from the ground, a critical safety feature for those working in environments with electrical hazards. The test involves placing the footwear on a conductive surface and measuring the resistance when a specified voltage is applied, thereby ensuring the footwear provides the necessary protection against electrical hazards. This result is significant for safety footwear, guaranteeing wearer protection in electrical environments and reducing the risk of electrocution, thus contributing to safety standards compliance for occupational footwear in the European market.

  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.