Safety and work shoes have become an integral part of our working lives, and for good reason! They protect our feet and ensure that we can work more safely. EN 345 for safety footwear and EN 347 for occupational footwear, now known as EN ISO 20345 and EN ISO 20347, were first published in the early 1990s. The standards were updated in December 2021, having last been revised in 2011, and came into force in 2022 as EN ISO 20345:2022 and EN ISO 20247:2022, respectively. What impact does this have on safety in the workplace?
In this blog, we'll be taking a look at the most important differences and innovations between EN ISO 20345:2011 and EN ISO 20345:2022. We'll be examining and briefly discussing what this means for the protection of our feet at the end of the day. In particular, we'll be looking at penetration resistance, the slip resistance of the outsole and the new protection classes S6 and S7.
First off, we just want to touch on a few other changes and new features that we think you should know about but don't need a ton of detail.FO (fuel resistance) is no longer a basic requirement when testing outsoles. Fuel resistance can now be tested as an additional requirement and marked with the abbreviation "FO" (Resistance to Fuel and Oil). This is essential in workplaces with lubricants or fuels.
WRU becomes WPA. Instead of Water Resistant Upper, it is now called Water Penetration and Absorption. This test deals with how much water the upper part of the shoe can absorb or let through.
The new standard includes a new penetration resistance test. In the 2011 version, safety or occupational footwear had to pass a 1100-Newton test. Since then, shoe manufacturers have developed new materials that make shoes more puncture-resistant. In the past, only steel midsole shoes were puncture-resistant. Recently, other materials have become available. However, the 2011 penetration test sometimes gave different results for metallic and non-metallic materials. The 2022 version divides penetration resistance into three classes, which differ in their protective effect.
The new standard has changed not only the penetration resistance, but also the slip resistance test for the outsole. In the old standard, there were three categories: SRA, SRB, or SRC (a combination of SRA and SRB). In the new 2022 standard, slip resistance has now been incorporated into the basic requirement for safety and occupational footwear, and the required values have also been significantly increased. Safety and occupational footwear (e.g., for special applications) that does not meet this basic requirement must now be marked with the "Ø" symbol. If the application requires it, an additional, separate test can be carried out on a different sliding medium (glycerine). This tested additional requirement can then be marked with the abbreviation "SR" (Slip Resistant) on the respective shoe. Slip resistance has been significantly improved for the user.
The two newly created protection classes S6/S7 (for safety footwear) and O6/O7 (for occupational footwear) have been met with criticism because some view them as unnecessary extensions to an already complex standard. Previously, there were only five classes, but these have now been extended. However, the purpose of these new classes is not to identify new safety features on the shoe. Instead, the goal is to include the already existing additional test "WR" (Water Resistant) in its own protection class.
This means that S2(O2) and S3(O3) safety shoes (occupational footwear) with the additional WR test will now become shoes in classes S6(O6) and S7(O7). It is still unclear whether this change will become established, but it will hopefully not lead to more confusion of the already complex standard designations.
The new 20345:2022 and 20347:2022 standards place a particular focus on orthopaedic safety and occupational footwear. There are three clearly formulated types, each with specific requirements:
Type 1 is equipped with orthopedic insoles.
Type 2 is modified (customized) safety and occupational footwear.
Type 3 is custom-made safety and occupational footwear.
The 2022 version allows every manufacturer/distributor to have their safety and occupational footwear tested for the provision of orthopaedic insoles, as well as for finishing in accordance with EN ISO 20345:2022 or 20347:2022. Models tested in this way must be permanently and visibly marked with "OF" (Orthopedic Footwear) by the distributor (e.g., orthopedic shoe technician) once the insoles have been fitted/finished. This means that we can now supply every user worldwide with certified safety and occupational footwear-regardless of whether there is an orthopedic problem or not. We believe that this change fills a gap in the safety sector that was long overdue.
The standards and protective functions to which your footwear conforms must be marked on each shoe. The following example of safety footwear shows what information must be provided:
| Criterion |
Previously (EN ISO 20345:2011) |
New (EN ISO 20345:2022) |
|
Production Date |
At least quarter and year |
At least month and year |
|
Manufacturer information |
Marking of the manufacturer |
Name and full address of the manufacturer |
|
Reference to the standard |
Reference to EN ISO 20345:2011 |
Reference to EN ISO 20345:2022 |
|
Reference to categories |
SB, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5
|
SB, S1, S2, S3, S3L, S3S, S4, S5, S5L, S5S, S6, S7, S7L, S7S |
|
Additional requirements for special applications |
A, AN, C, CI, CR, E, FO, HI, HRO, I, M, P, SRA, SRB, SRC, WRU, WR |
A, AN, C, CI, CR, E, FO, HI, HRO, I, LG, M, P, PL, PS, SC, SR, WPA, WR, Ø |
Certificates for safety or occupational footwear tested to the 2011 version prior to the publication of the new standard (in the respective country) are still valid for 5 years from the date of testing. This means that it may be some time before all safety and occupational footwear on the market is tested only to the new 2022 version.
If you are asking yourself: "How do I find the right work shoes?" You have come to the right place. On our standards page you will find comprehensive information on the various standards in the field of occupational safety. This will help you make an informed decision about choosing the right footwear.
If you are still unsure, we are here to help. Our experts can provide personalized advice to help you find the right product for your needs. For a personalized consultation, simply contact us using our contact form, call us, or visit one of our shops.