Safety footwear regulations

Understanding what the various classifications and markings mean is essential to ensuring workers’ safety and complying with the safety requirements for each role.

Choosing suitable safety footwear should not depend solely on comfort or design.

However, terms such as S1P, S1PS, S3, S3S, SR, ESD and HRO continue to raise numerous questions amongst end-users, health and safety officers, procurement managers and distributors.

Furthermore, the entry into force of UNE-EN ISO 20345:2022, subsequently updated by A1:2024, has introduced significant changes compared with previous versions of the standard.

In this guide, we review what each classification means and how to correctly interpret the information provided in the technical data sheets for safety footwear.

Why is it important to understand the regulations governing safety footwear?

Wearing footwear that is not suited to the actual risks of the working environment can compromise the wearer’s safety and reduce the effectiveness of the preventive measures put in place by the company.

Understanding the regulations enables you to select the appropriate level of protection for each activity and gain a better understanding of the characteristics of each model. It also helps you to interpret technical data sheets correctly, avoid mistakes during the purchasing process and make the work of health and safety officers and procurement managers easier.

Furthermore, a correct interpretation of the regulations helps to ensure compliance with the requirements set by each company for its workers.

Differences between EN ISO 20345, EN ISO 20346 and EN ISO 20347

One of the most common misconceptions is to think that all standards refer to the same type of footwear. However, each one addresses different requirements.

EN ISO 20345: SAFETY FOOTWEAR

This is the best-known and most widely used standard.

Footwear certified to this standard features a safety toe cap capable of withstanding impacts of 200 joules and is designed for environments where there is a significant risk of falling objects or crushing.

It is the standard of reference in sectors such as:

Industry.
Construction.
Logistics.
Food industry.
Emergency services.

EN ISO 20346: PROTECTIVE FOOTWEAR

This standard covers footwear with a toe cap resistant to impacts of 100 joules.

It is used in activities involving medium-level risks where maximum impact protection is not required.

EN ISO 20347: OCCUPATIONAL FOOTWEAR

Occupational footwear does not incorporate a safety toe cap.

It is intended for activities where comfort and certain specific features are a priority and there is no risk of falling objects.

WHAT CHANGES WITH UNE-EN ISO 20345:2022 + A1:2024?

The update to the standard incorporates several important changes that it is worth being aware of in order to interpret current certifications correctly.

SRA, SRB AND SRC ARE BEING PHASED OUT

In previous versions, the SRA, SRB and SRC classifications were used to indicate slip resistance.

Under the new standard, these classifications are being phased out and replaced by a single marking:

SR

This marking indicates that the footwear has passed the established slip resistance tests in accordance with the new standard.

NEW CATEGORIES INTRODUCED: S1PS AND S3S

The update also incorporates new classifications relating to puncture resistance.

These new categories allow for a clearer distinction between the available solutions depending on the type of protection required.

FO IS NO LONGER MANDATORY

THE SOLE’S RESISTANCE TO HYDROCARBONS IS NOW CONSIDERED AN OPTIONAL ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT. WHAT DO S1P, S1PS, S3 AND S3S MEAN?

These are some of the classifications that generate the most queries amongst users.

S1P

This classification includes:

Impact-resistant toe cap rated at 200 J.
Energy-absorbing heel.
Antistatic properties.
Hydrocarbon resistance of the sole (if marked FO).
Puncture resistance via a protective insole in accordance with the applicable standard.

It is commonly used in indoor and dry environments.

S1PS

It includes all the features of S1 and adds puncture protection through more rigorous testing methods associated with current technologies.

It is particularly suited to sectors where lightweight and flexible solutions with advanced protection are used.

S3

It includes all the features of S2 and adds:

Puncture protection.
A sole with raised sections or a specific tread pattern to improve grip.

It has traditionally been one of the most widely used classifications in construction and industry.

S3S

It retains the performance characteristics of the S3 and incorporates the new criteria established by the updated regulations regarding puncture protection.

This classification is becoming increasingly common in new-generation products.

It is therefore advisable to check specifically whether the FO marking appears on the product’s technical data sheet.

NEW ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

The standard introduces new supplementary markings that provide more precise information on certain features of footwear.

OTHER IMPORTANT MARKINGS YOU SHOULD BE AWARE OF

In addition to the main classification, there are other markings that provide very useful information about the performance of footwear.

SR: SLIP RESISTANCE

This marking indicates that the footwear has passed the tests established to assess its performance against the risk of slipping.

It is particularly important in sectors such as:

The food industry.
The hospitality sector.
Healthcare.
Services.

ESD: CONTROLLED ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE

The ESD (Electro Static Discharge) marking identifies footwear designed to dissipate electrostatic charges in a controlled manner.

It is particularly important in sectors such as:

Electronics.
Automotive.
Technology industry.
Environments sensitive to electrostatic discharge.

FO: RESISTANCE TO HYDROCARBONS

This marking indicates that the sole is resistant to contact with hydrocarbons.

It can be particularly useful in:

Workshops.
Mechanical engineering.
Industrial maintenance.

HRO: RESISTANCE TO CONTACT HEAT

This certifies that the sole withstands high contact temperatures for a specified period in accordance with the standard.

It is commonly found in:

Foundries.
Asphalt-related work.
Certain industrial processes.

WR: COMPREHENSIVE WATER RESISTANCE

This marking indicates that the entire footwear assembly is resistant to water penetration.

It is particularly useful for outdoor work.

LG: AGARRE EN ESCALERAS

Es un marcado adicional destinado a mejorar la seguridad en trabajos donde el uso frecuente de escaleras forma parte de la actividad diaria.

HOW TO CORRECTLY INTERPRET A TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

Before selecting a model, it is advisable to carefully review the information provided by the manufacturer.

The most important aspects are:

CERTIFICATION STANDARD

The applicable standard must be clearly stated.

MAIN CLASSIFICATION

For example, S1PS or S3S.

This classification determines the general level of protection.

ADDITIONAL MARKINGS

Markings such as ESD, SR, FO, HRO or WR provide additional information that may be crucial in assessing whether the footwear is suitable for a particular working environment.

RECOMMENDED WORKING ENVIRONMENT

It is also important to check that the footwear has been specifically designed for the actual working conditions in which it will be used.

COMMON MISTAKES WHEN CHOOSING SAFETY FOOTWEAR

One of the most common mistakes is choosing footwear solely on the basis of comfort.

Although this is an important consideration, it should never take precedence over a workplace risk assessment.

It is also common to assume that S3 and S3S are exactly the same, when in fact the new classifications incorporate updated criteria that should be reviewed.

Another mistake is to assume that all models are ESD-rated or that they all offer resistance to hydrocarbons. In both cases, it is essential to check that these markings are explicitly certified.

Finally, additional markings should not be overlooked, as features such as SR or HRO can be decisive depending on the activity being carried out.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SAFETY FOOTWEAR REGULATIONS
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN S3 AND S3S?

S3S incorporates the requirements set out in the updated version of the standard regarding protection against punctures and other specific technical criteria.

ARE ALL SAFETY SHOES NON-SLIP?

Not necessarily. It is important to check that they bear the SR marking.

WHAT DOES ESD MEAN?

It indicates that the footwear is designed to dissipate electrostatic charges in a controlled manner.

DO I NEED HRO IN ANY INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENT?

No. This marking is only necessary where there is exposure to high temperatures through contact.

WHICH CLASSIFICATION SHOULD I CHOOSE?

The choice should always be based on a risk assessment of the workplace and on advice from specialist professionals.

THE IMPORTANCE OF CHOOSING THE RIGHT FOOTWEAR

Understanding the UNE-EN ISO 20345:2022 + A1:2024 standard enables you to make more informed decisions and select the appropriate level of protection for each work environment.

Correctly interpreting the classifications and the various markings not only helps to improve worker safety, but also facilitates compliance with the health and safety requirements and regulations applicable to each organisation.

If in any doubt, you should always consult the manufacturer’s technical documentation and ensure that the footwear chosen meets the actual needs of the workplace.

VISUAL SUMMARY OF THE REGULATIONS

To make it easier to consult the different levels of protection and markings, below you will find summary tables showing the main classifications and requirements set out in the regulations.