Safety Footwear is now governed by international safety standards which in some countries even forms part of legislation. It is therefore imperative that safety footwear is purchased from a reputable source and carries the appropriate safety standard mark applicable to your country.
All Safety footwear that has the EN345 (Europe) marks are tested in accordance with the standards set and has the following safety features.
A safety toecap providing protection to 200 joules impact. In addition it has also passed a compression test, the upper material is of a certain quality and thickness which provides a level of abrasion resistance. The sole compound is also tested for heat resistance, abrasion, shock absorption, and its resistance to both oil and certain chemicals. It should be noted that the concentration and type of chemicals should be identified.
Within EN345-1 covering safety footwear for professional use, there are other features added to the safety footwear which are needed depending on the environment for which they are to be used. Adding numbers or letters after the EN345 mark denotes these additional features.
An example follows:-
EN345-1 : 1992
Footwear incorporating protective features to protect the wearer from injuries which could arise through accidents in the working sectors for which the footwear is designed, fitted with toecaps designed to give protection against impact when tested at an energy level of 200 Joules.
Categories of Leather Safety Footwear
SB: Safety Basic has all the features needed to pass the standard but no additional features.
S1 : As above with closed seat region, antistatic properties, and an energy absorption of seat region.
S1P: As above with the addition of a steel mid-sole for protection from underfoot hazards e.g. Nails or Glass.
S2 : As S1 plus with a water penetration and water absorption.
S3 : As S2 with the addition of a steel mid-sole for penetration resistance and cleated outsole.
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