Satety Footwear
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety Footwear
EN ISO 20345
SB: Basic Requirements
EN ISO 20345 is the European standard that defines the minimum requirements for safety footwear used as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). It helps ensure protective footwear provides suitable protection against common workplace hazards, including impact, compression, punctures and slips.
The latest revision, EN ISO 20345:2022, supersedes the previous 2011 version.
Safety footwear compliant with EN ISO 20345 must meet basic safety criteria, including:
- 200 J toe cap protection
- 15 kN compression resistance
- CE marking and testing
- Basic slip resistance
- Closed heel
- Antistatic properties
- Energy absorption in the heel
Safety Categories
The standard classifies footwear into different safety categories, each with specific features:
- SB: Basic protection, toe cap only
- S1: SB + antistatic, energy absorption and closed heel
- S1P: S1 + penetration-resistant midsole
- S2: S1 + water-resistant upper
- S3: S2 + penetration-resistant midsole and cleated outsole
- S4: S1 features in waterproof polymer/rubber boots
- S5: S4 + penetration resistance and cleated outsole
Optional Additional Protections
Additional codes may be used to indicate further protection:
- A: Antistatic
- E: Energy absorption in heel
- P: Penetration resistance
- CI: Cold insulation
- HI: Heat insulation
- WR: Water resistance, whole shoe
- WRU: Water penetration resistance, upper only
- HRO: Heat-resistant outsole, up to 300°C
Slip Resistance Ratings
- SRA: Slip resistance on ceramic tile with soap
- SRB: Slip resistance on steel floor with glycerol
- SRC: Meets both SRA and SRB
Choosing The Right Footwear
- Assess workplace hazards, such as wet floors, chemicals, impact risks or sharp objects.
- Match the correct category, from S1 to S5, and any additional safety codes to the hazards present.
- Ensure the footwear fits correctly and remains comfortable during use.
- Check for CE marking and EN ISO 20345 compliance.