The current standard for safety shoes, EN ISO 20345:2012, will be updated and replaced by the EN ISO 20345:2022 standard. In this article, we will explore the key innovations and what will change in the certification of safety shoes.

Innovations in the EN ISO 20345:2022 Standard

Let's review the most important changes, point by point:

1) SLIP RESISTANCE REQUIREMENTS

The labels SRA, SRB, and SRC will be eliminated. Slip tests similar to SRA will be integrated into the basic certification requirement, without specific marking. Additionally, another slip test can be performed, which is then marked with SR (Slip Resistance).

For shoes with studs, for example, which are difficult or impossible to test according to the standard, the symbol Ø can be added.

The testing methods have been slightly adapted to better reflect reality: all slip tests are now performed on tiles.

2) SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

The additional requirements have increased from 12 to 18. Some have been removed and integrated into the basic certification, while others have been added. Here is the new list of the 18 possible additional requirements:

• PL - Puncture resistance (non-metallic insert)
• PS - Puncture resistance (non-metallic insert)
• C - Partially conductive footwear
• A - Antistatic footwear
• HI - Sole complex heat insulation
• CI - Sole complex cold insulation
• E - Energy absorption in the heel region
• WR - Water resistance
• M - Metatarsal protection
• AN - Ankle protection
• CR - Cut resistance
• SE - Scuff cap abrasion
• SR - Slip resistance (on ceramic tile floor with glycerol)
• WPA - Water penetration and absorption
• HRO - Heat contact resistance
• FO - Resistance to fuel oil
• LG - Ladder grip