What impact do the new standards for safety shoes have in practice?
In 2022, the new norm for safety shoes, called EN 20345:2022 was published. As well as adjustments to existing requirements, this norm also imposed new requirements.
The arrival of this new norm, however, does not mean that safety shoes approved according to EN 20345: 2011 can no longer be sold.
New coding PS, PL, S6 and S7
As well as the categories from the 2011 version, there are several new codes for S1, S2 and S3 shoes.
- You now also have the addition of PS or PL and S6 and S7
- S6 = S2 + WR (waterproofing of the full shoe) without anti-perforation sole
- S7 = S3 + WR (waterproofing of the full shoe)
The letter S stands for Safety shoes which provide the higher protection against impact (EN ISO 20345:2022).
Extra optional features
Below, we will cover the most important adjustments to EN ISO 20345: 2022 and explain the new, additional features.
Slip-resistance
A mandatory basic requirement is the slip-test on a tile with soap, involving both a forwards heel slip and a backwards slip of the fore-foot. If you need more testing, we will also carry out a test with glycerine on a ceramic surface, involving both a forwards heel slip and a backwards slip of the fore-foot. This provides the SR code.
The markings SRA, SRB and SRC will not be used in the future. It is also essential that the forwards flat slip is removed, as this is not relevant in practice.
Perforation resistance soles
For a metal anti-perforation sole, nothing changes, only the ‘thick’ nail is used during the test so the letter remains a ‘P’.
Non-metal anti-perforation soles can be tested with a thick or thin nail. The letter PL (Perforation Large) or PS (Perforation Small) is then indicated.
Ladder grip
This is a new feature that was not covered in previous versions of the norm. It is not a mandatory basic requirement but an optional test.
The ladder grip (LG) indicates whether a shoe is safe to wear when using ladders. The heel of the shoe prevents the foot from sliding through a rung, thus helping to prevent you falling from the ladder.
Waterproof
There are two types of waterproofing: WR and WPA.
WPA is the new description of WRU. WRU is no longer used.
The waterproof capacity of the overall shoe is still tested and has the coding WR.
An extra feature that can be tested is WPA. This indicates the extent to which the shoe’s upper or shaft is waterproof.
These letters only apply to shoes. Boots are expected to always be waterproof and the leak test is therefore a basic requirement (without letters).
Toe-cap resilience
A toe-cap did not used to be tested. In the future, there must be evidence that the toe-cap effectively ensures that the toe of the shoe is less susceptible to wear and tear. This is given the code SC (Scuff Cap).
Fuel oil
In a departure from the last version of EN ISO 20345, Fuel Oil is no longer a mandatory test for the S-classification.
If you are likely to come into contact with fuel regularly, you should check the version of the norm:
- EN ISO 20345:2011 S1 is tested on fuels.
- EN ISO 20345:2022 S1 is not tested on fuels.
Ask about the additional FO marking.
If you come into contact with hydrocarbons, your shoes must have the FO label.
Summary
The most important thing to remember is that the safety shoes that are used today can be purchased into the near future. We are now in a period when both EN ISO 20345:2011 and EN ISO 20345:2022 can be used for the certification of shoes. After the transition phase, only EN ISO 20345:2022 will be used for certification.
Note that safety shoes with the EN ISO 20345:2011 norm will be valid until their expiry date. This is a maximum of five years after the certification date.
See the current range of certified safety shoes here
Need advice on which safety shoes are most suitable to your working conditions? Make an appointment and our expert will visit you to identify the best solution.