Safety Shoes: Safety Classes for Municipalities and Provinces

In municipalities and provinces, 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 and perfectly adapt to the various risks present in public service settings.

Safety Classes of Safety Shoes

Each municipality and province presents different challenges and hazards, which is why safety shoes are distinguished in various safety classes, each designed for a specific type of task:

• SB: Ideal for environments with lower exposure to high physical risks, such as public offices, schools, and libraries, where it is necessary to protect the feet from slips and minor impacts.
• S1: The perfect solution for municipal operators and support staff working in areas where moderate risks, such as bumps and crush injuries, are present.
• S1P: The most common safety shoes, particularly suitable for public sector workers, thanks to their ability to combine comfort and protection against punctures.
• S2: Recommended for those working in environments with high humidity levels, providing protection from water.
• S3: Offer a high degree of protection from weather conditions, ideal for those working outdoors in adverse environmental conditions.

Additional Features for Safety Shoes in Municipalities and Provinces

In addition to safety classes, safety shoes may be equipped with additional features that provide further levels of protection, particularly useful in complex and high-risk public contexts:

• A: Protection against the accumulation of electrostatic charges.
• C: Insulation against electric shocks, crucial in environments with electrical risks, such as maintenance work.
• E: Sole with energy absorption 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 pointed materials.
• CI: Cold insulation, perfect for those working in refrigerated environments or outdoors during winter.
• WR: Completely waterproof shoes, essential for those working in damp environments or during cleaning in the rain.
• SRC: Maximum slip resistance, combining slip-resistant properties on ceramics, detergents, steel, and glycerin, particularly useful in public service sectors.

CE Regulations for Municipalities and Provinces

All safety shoes for municipalities and provinces must be certified in accordance with European regulations to ensure compliance with the safety requirements established by law. The main regulations include:

• EN ISO 20344: Defines 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 compressions.
• EN ISO 20347: Concerns work footwear without toe caps, commonly used in environments with less exposure to serious risks.

Toe Cap in Safety Shoes

The toe cap is one of the key components in safety shoes for municipalities and provinces, as it provides essential protection against impacts and crush injuries. 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 environments with high crush risks.
• Aluminum: Lighter than steel, it still offers excellent protection and is valued for its comfort and thermal insulation.
• Composite materials: Provide equally effective protection but with reduced weight, making them ideal for those seeking lightweight and comfortable footwear without compromising safety.

In municipalities and provinces, 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.