An explanation about safety footwear
Should I choose safety shoes with toe caps and penetration protection?
Choosing safety footwear can be a bit of a challenge, since there are so many things to consider when choosing footwear for work. Below, you can read an explanation of what the different terms mean, which you can use to help you choose footwear that best suits you and your needs. Remember to check any requirements regarding footwear and other safety equipment when you are in a place where work is going on.
Safety footwear is certified according to the European standard for safety footwear, EN ISO 20345:2011. Footwear certified according to this standard has, as a minimum, toe caps that protect against impacts of an energy level of at least 200 J (joule) and against compression (at least 15 kN, kiloNewton). This basic standard for footwear is called SB (see more information about standards below).
| Safety footwear | Waterproof boots | |||||
| Safety classes | S1 | S1P | S2 | S3 | S4 | S5 |
| SB: Toe protection | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| P: Penetration protection - penetration resistance minimum 1100 Newton | x | √ | x | √ | x | √ |
| A: Antistatic properties - from 0.1 MΩ to 1000 MΩ | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| E: Shock-absorbing sole - minimum 20 J (joule) | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| WRU: Water-resistant upper | x | x | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| FO: Oil and petrol-resistant outsole | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ | √ |
T: toe protection
Protects the toes against falling objects på 200 Joule and of at least 200 J (joule) and against crushing (at least 15 kN, kiloNewton)
P: penetration protection
Prevents sharp objects from penetrating the sole
SRA: non-slip properties
The outsole has been tested on ceramic tile wetted with a soap solution
SRB: non-slip properties
The outsole has been tested on steel with glycerol
SRC: non-slip properties
The outsole has been tested under SRA and SRB conditions
ESD
Diverts static electricity through the sole in a controlled and safe manner. The requirements are according to standard IEC 61340-4-3, with an electrical resistance of ≥ 0.1 MΩ < 100 MΩ
HRO
Tested and approved for contact heat up to 300 °C for 1 minute
HI
Insulated against heat
CI
Insulated against cold
WR
Water-resistant
FO
Oil and petrol-resistant outsole
ProNose
Is an extra toe reinforcement of the upper or rubber cap affixed to the shoe that makes the footwear suitable for work involving kneeling, as it reduces direct wear on the toe
Safety requirements for work with chainsaws
Safety footwear when using chainsaws is certified according to the European standard for safety footwear, EN ISO 17249:2013. The foot protection must be boots or high-top shoes with slip-resistant soles, a cut-resistant layer and a toe cap that protects against heavy objects that fall onto the foot. The steel toe cap must be at least class S. The cut-resistant layer should be at least protection class 2 or 3.
The boots are categorised by chain speed:
| Class 1 | 20 m/s |
| Class 2 | 24 m/s |
| Class 3 | 28 m/s |
Below you can see our selection of men’s and women’s safety shoes. Remember that we also have safety sandals, safety dealer boots, and safety boots.
Questions about choosing safety footwear?
If you are in doubt about what best suits your needs, you are always welcome to contact our customer service.
You can contact our customer service at info@cheap-workwear.com or on tel. 9674 2030.
They will be ready with suggestions to help you find just what you are looking for.