When purchasing safety boots, it is crucial to understand their safety performance beyond appearance and comfort. Various codes and abbreviations on safety shoes, such as EN ISO 20345:2011, reveal the different safety levels they offer.
Meaning of EN ISO 20345:2011
EN ISO 20345:2011 is a standard that appears in many safety shoe product descriptions, which specifies basic and additional requirements for safety shoes. This standard is the foundation for the manufacturing and certification of safety boots, and all safety boots must adhere to this standard.
Abbreviations for Safety Levels
Safety shoes come in different safety levels, typically represented by abbreviations starting with the letter S. For example:
SB (Basic Safety): Provides toe protection, prevents impact of 200 joules, is fuel-resistant, and has energy-absorbing properties.
S1: In addition to basic toe protection, it also features antistatic protection, fuel resistance, and energy absorption in the heel.
S2: Includes all the protections of S1, along with additional protection against water penetration and protection on the upper surface.
S3: Offers all the protections of S2, as well as midsole anti-penetration (steel or puncture-resistant material).
S4: Provides the same level of protection as S1, but uses a molded polymer/rubber upper that is completely waterproof.
S5: Has the same features as S4 footwear, but with the added advantage of midsole anti-penetration.
Abbreviations for Additional Functions
Sometimes manufacturers add additional letters to the safety level abbreviations, such as SB-P. This indicates that the feature is optional. For example, P stands for impermeability. Other possible abbreviations include:
P - Impermeability
C - Conductivity
A - Antistatic
I - Insulated
WR - Water-resistant
M - Metatarsal protection
AN - Ankle protection
CR - Cut-resistant upper
WRU - Water-permeable and water-absorbing upper
HRO - Heat-resistant outsole
By understanding these codes, you can choose the most suitable safety shoes for your specific work environment, ensuring the best protection for your feet under challenging working conditions.
