EN ISO 20345：2022

Changes in Safety Shoe Standards and Basic Requirements

The European Union has approved the EN ISO 20345:2022 standard for “Personal Protective Equipment – Safety Shoes,” scheduled for release on April 30, 2022. This new standard will replace the EN ISO 20345:2011, granting it legal status in September 2022 and becoming fully mandatory on April 1, 2023.

What Does EN ISO 20345:2022 Encompass?

EN ISO 20345:2022 outlines both the fundamental requirements and optional requirements for general-purpose safety shoes. It also provides requirements for improved and personalized versions of safety shoes. The standard’s primary objective is to protect the wearer’s feet and legs from hazards in the workplace.

Key Changes and Additions

Treatment of Non-Metallic Toe Caps and Puncture-Resistant Insoles: The new standard introduces high and low-temperature and acid-alkali sweat immersion treatments for non-metallic toe caps and puncture-resistant insoles, making testing more reflective of real-world usage scenarios.

Product Categories: While the old standard recognized six product categories (SB, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5), the new standard offers further subdivision, introducing S3L, S3S, S5L, S5S, S6, S7, S7L, and S7S categories. S3L, S3S, S5L, S5S, S7L, and S7S are classified based on non-metallic puncture pins’ specifications.

Electrical Performance: The updated standard includes additional requirements for ladder-pattern slip-resistant outsoles to meet the needs of specific scenarios involving ladder climbing. Moreover, with the growing demand for customization, the new standard incorporates requirements for personalized footwear.

Slip Resistance Testing: The previous method included three testing requirements (SRA, SRB, SRC). The presence of the “Ø” symbol on the sole indicated no slip resistance testing was needed. In the absence of any symbols, meeting the conditions A and B requirements was sufficient. For soles with the “SR” symbol, both conditions C and D requirements had to be met in addition to A and B.

Should You Invest in New Safety Shoes?

Safety shoes are a critical component of personal protective equipment. To ensure that your footwear consistently provides optimal protection, they should be in good condition. Typically, employer liability insurance associations recommend replacing safety shoes regularly, especially when they are damaged in a way that compromises their protective function. However, in some jobs, shoes may experience significant wear and tear, necessitating more frequent replacements as needed. Employers typically cover the cost of new work shoes. You can assess the condition of your safety shoes based on EN ISO 20345 and decide whether it’s time to purchase a new pair.

When assessing the condition of safety shoes, pay attention to the following:

• Clearly visible and deep cracks affecting half the thickness of the shoe’s upper but not affecting the protective features.
• Severe wear of the shoe’s upper material, particularly in areas like the toe cap or midsole designed for puncture resistance.
• Deformation or separation of shoe upper seams.
• Cracks on the outsole that are longer than 10 mm and deeper than 3 mm.
• Tread depth, with any single tread point being less than 1.5 mm.
• Damage to the lining or toe cap.
• Gaps between the shoe upper and outsole longer than 15 mm and deeper than 5 mm.
• Further damage, such as material melting and fusion of two or more tread faces, tread depth reduced to less than 1.5 mm, melting of the outer edges of the tread with the midsole visible, noticeable deformation and compression of the original insole (if present), significant deformation of the outsole due to heat, abnormal fastening (zippers, laces, eyelets, hook-and-loop fasteners).

Conclusion

The adoption of the EN ISO 20345:2022 standard signifies significant improvements and additions to safety shoe requirements. As a responsible wearer of safety shoes, it’s crucial to regularly inspect and replace them when necessary to ensure your safety and protection in the workplace. Your employer typically bears the cost of acquiring new safety footwear, so make use of EN ISO 20345 guidelines to make informed decisions about the condition of your safety shoes. Prioritize your safety by keeping your footwear in excellent working condition.