Safety Shoes: Safety Classes for the Logistics Sector

In the logistics sector, the choice of safety shoes is essential to ensure maximum protection and safety in the workplace. Work shoes are classified into different safety categories, each designed to meet specific professional needs, perfectly adapting to the various risks present in logistics.

Safety Classes of Safety Shoes

Each logistics sector presents different challenges and dangers, which is why safety shoes are distinguished into various safety classes, each tailored for a specific type of job:

• SB: Ideal for environments less exposed to high physical risks, such as laboratories, pharmaceutical, and food industries, where it is necessary to protect the feet from slips and minor impacts.
• S1: The perfect solution for carpenters, warehouse workers, mechanics, and electricians who operate in environments with moderate risks, such as bumps and crushes.
• S1P: The most common safety shoes in Italy, particularly suitable for mechanics, artisans, carpenters, and plumbers, thanks to their ability to combine comfort and protection against punctures.
• S2: Recommended for those working in the logistics sector and in environments with high humidity levels, providing protection from water.
• S3: Offer a high degree of protection against weather conditions, ideal for those operating outdoors in adverse environmental conditions.

Additional Features for Logistics Safety Shoes

In addition to the safety classes, safety shoes can be equipped with additional features that offer further levels of protection, particularly useful in complex and high-risk logistics contexts:

• A: Protection against the accumulation of electrostatic charges.
• C: Insulation from electric shocks, essential in logistics environments with electrical risks.
• E: Energy-absorbing sole in the heel area, to improve comfort during long working hours.
• M: Metatarsal protection, essential in environments where heavy objects frequently fall.
• P: Puncture-resistant sole, ideal for protecting feet in environments with sharp or cutting materials.
• CI: Cold insulation, perfect for those working in refrigerated environments or outdoors during winter.
• WR: Completely waterproof shoes, essential for those working in wet environments or in the rain.
• SRC: Maximum slip resistance, combining slip-resistant properties on ceramics, detergents, steel, and glycerin, particularly useful in sectors like chemical and mechanical.

CE Regulations for the Logistics Sector

All safety shoes for the logistics sector must be certified in accordance with European regulations to ensure compliance with safety requirements set by law. The main regulations include:

• EN ISO 20344: Defines the test methods and general requirements for verifying the protection of safety footwear.
• EN ISO 20345: Requires that the toe cap of the shoes withstand the drop of a weight of 20 kg from a height of 1 meter (equivalent to 200 Joules), ensuring protection from impacts and compression.
• EN ISO 20347: Concerns work footwear without a toe cap, commonly used in environments less exposed to serious risks.

Toe Cap in Safety Shoes

The toe cap is one of the key components in safety shoes for the logistics sector, as it provides essential protection against impacts and crushes. The materials used for the toe cap can vary, with different options to meet comfort and safety needs:

• Steel: A traditional material, extremely robust and heavy, primarily used in logistics environments with high crushing risks.
• Aluminum: Lighter than steel, it still offers excellent protection and is appreciated for its comfort and thermal insulation.
• Composite Materials: Offer equally effective protection but with reduced weight, making them ideal for those seeking lightweight and comfortable footwear without compromising safety.

In the logistics sector, choosing the right safety shoes can make the difference between working safely and risking serious injuries. It is essential to consider the safety class, additional features, and regulations to ensure that the shoes fully meet the needs of your work environment.