Safety shoes are essential personal protective equipment to protect workers and their feet from the dangers that exist in workplaces.
They are designed to provide protection against impacts, cuts and damage caused by heavy or sharp objects.
They are compulsory for workers in construction, handling and welding professions because they protect their feet against potential risks such as cuts, crushing and burns.
The safety shoe standards are very important and should be considered when choosing safety shoes for your work.
In this article, we will explain what you need to know about the safety shoe standards.
1.Safety shoe standards
To ensure the effectiveness of safety shoes as personal protective equipment (PPE), they must meet certain safety standards defined by each country or region.
In Europe, EN ISO 20345 is the most common standard for safety footwear. This standard specifies the minimum requirements for safety footwear, including requirements for resistance to impact, resistance to compression, resistance to puncture, resistance to slip and water resistance.
The EN ISO 20345 standard also requires that all safety footwear undergo laboratory testing to ensure that it meets the requirements minimum safety requirements.
In the United States, ASTM F2413 is the common standard for safety footwear. This standard specifies the minimum requirements for safety footwear
The ASTM F2413 standard also requires that all safety footwear be marked with safety symbols to indicate their level of protection. Safety symbols include compression resistance, puncture resistance, slip resistance and electrical resistance.
The safety standards for safety shoes vary from country to country and may be updated regularly. It is recommended to check the safety standards applicable to your country or region before purchasing safety shoes.
2. Protection levels of safety shoes
Safety footwear standards specify the different levels of protection required for footwear based on the potential risks in different work environments.
They include in particular classifications based on different levels of protection, such as the S1, S2, S3, SRC and S1P. These classifications are based on hazards and work environments and are used to help workers choose appropriate safety footwear.
- The S1 standard specifies the minimum requirements for safety footwear, including impact resistance, abrasion resistance, toughness oil and resistance to perforation. S1 safety shoes are therefore suitable for work environments where risks are low.
- The S2 standard adds additional requirements, such as water resistance and energy absorption in the heel area. S2 safety shoes are therefore suitable for work environments where there is a risk of contact with liquids or damp surfaces.
- The S3 standard adds additional requirements, such as penetration resistance and puncture resistant sole. S3 safety shoes are therefore suitable for work environments where there is a risk of contact with pointed or sharp objects.
- The SRC classification is an additional safety certification for safety shoes that have been tested for their slip resistance on ceramic surfaces and lubricated steel. SRC safety shoes therefore meet the slip requirements on the most common surfaces in work environments.
- The S1P standard is similar to the S1 standard, but it also requires a puncture-resistant sole. S1P safety shoes are therefore suitable for work environments where there is a risk of contact with pointed or sharp objects.
By understanding the different classifications for safety footwear, you can choose the appropriate footwear for your work environment and ensure your safety on the job of work. It is important to note that some safety standards for safety footwear may have additional requirements depending on the risks in certain work environments.
3. The symbols of safety footwear standards
Safety symbols are graphic icons that are used to indicate the different levels of protection offered by safety footwear. These symbols may include icons to indicate impact resistance, puncture resistance, water resistance, oil resistance, and slip resistance.
The most common safety symbol for safety shoes is a circle surrounding a shoe with an arrow pointing upwards. This symbol indicates that safety shoes meet the European safety standard EN ISO 20345, which specifies the minimum requirements for safety shoes.
Other commonly used safety symbols for safety footwear include an impact symbol to indicate resistance to shock, a perforation symbol to indicate resistance to perforation, a water drop symbol to indicate water resistance, an oil symbol to indicate oil resistance, and a slip symbol to indicate slip resistance.
In addition to these symbols, some safety shoes may also carry additional symbols to indicate specific characteristics such as heat resistance or static electricity. It is important to understand the safety symbols on your safety shoes to ensure you have the appropriate protection for your work environment.
Therefore, do not hesitate to consult the safety standards applicable to your country before purchasing safety shoes and understand the safety symbols used on your safety shoes to ensure your safety in the workplace.
4. Safety shoe manufacturing materials
Safety shoes are made from different materials to provide effective protection against potential risks and dangers in different working environments.
The most commonly used materials for safety footwear include leather, rubber, textile, PVC and composite materials.
Leather is a durable, breathable material that is often used to make the uppers of safety shoes. Leather offers highresistance to abrasion and tearing, making it ideal for harsh working environments.
Rubber is a durable and non-slip material that is generally used to make the sole of safety shoes. The rubber sole provides good grip on slippery surfaces and can also provide shock protection.
textile is a lightweight and breathable material that is frequently used for the lining of safety shoes. The textile provides good breathability for the feet, which can help prevent excessive sweating and odor.
PVC is a water and oil resistant material that is used for the uppers and soles of safety shoes. PVC offers good resistance to chemicals and abrasion, making it ideal for work environments where these risks are high.
Composite materials, such as Kevlar, carbon and fiberglass, are often used to reinforce parts of safety shoes that are exposed to high risks of shocks, perforations or compressions. Composite materials provide high protection while being lighter than traditional materials such as steel.
Conclusion
By understanding safety footwear standards, you can choose the right footwear for your job and ensure your safety in the workplace. Using the information in this article, you can be sure that you have all the knowledge you need to purchase safety shoes that comply with the appropriate safety standards.
