Understanding Safety Footwear Standards: CE EN ISO 20345 and SANS 20345

Safety footwear standards ensure that protective shoes meet strict requirements to safeguard workers in hazardous environments. The EN ISO 20345 and SANS 20345 standards define these specifications across a range of criteria, including slip resistance, toe protection, anti-penetration, and more. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key safety features and their corresponding codes.

Slip Resistance (SRC, SRA, SRB)

Slip resistance is a critical aspect of safety footwear, ensuring stability and reducing the risk of slips and falls on different surfaces. The EN ISO 20345 standard rates slip resistance as follows:

• SRA: Tested on ceramic tiles coated with a diluted soap solution. Ideal for environments prone to liquid spills, like kitchens or healthcare.
• SRB: Tested on steel floors coated with glycerol. Designed for workplaces where oils or lubricants are present, such as automotive or mining.
• SRC: Combines SRA and SRB testing for maximum slip resistance. Suitable for industries with diverse and unpredictable floor hazards, such as construction or warehousing.

 

Upper Protection Ratings

The upper material of safety footwear is evaluated for durability, breathability, and protection against external elements.

• SB (Safety Basic): Basic protection with a hard toe cap. Often lacks additional features but meets minimum standards.
• S1: Includes SB features, plus closed heel, antistatic properties, and energy absorption in the heel. Suitable for environments requiring basic safety and comfort.
• S2: Adds water-resistant uppers to the features of S1. Ideal for industries like food processing or agriculture.
• S3: Combines S2 with a penetration-resistant midsole and cleated outsole for extra protection. Commonly used in construction and mining.

 

Anti-Penetration Protection (P)

Footwear with anti-penetration properties is equipped with midsoles designed to prevent sharp objects, like nails or glass, from piercing the sole.

• P: Standard anti-penetration midsole. Provides protection in environments with potential puncture hazards, such as construction and steel industries.
• S1P: Adds anti-penetration midsoles to S1 features, offering a balance between comfort and safety for dry environments.
• S3: Incorporates anti-penetration midsoles into water-resistant and cleated outsole designs, offering comprehensive protection.

 

Toe Cap Protection (SB, S1, S2, S3)

Protective toe caps shield against impact and compression injuries.

• Steel Toe Caps: Provide robust protection against heavy impacts and compression. Commonly used in mining, construction, and fabrication.
• Composite Toe Caps: Made from materials like fiberglass or carbon fiber, offering similar impact resistance but lighter weight and non-metallic properties. Ideal for electrical environments or airport security.

 

Heat Resistance 

Safety footwear designed for heat-intensive environments is tested and rated for resistance to high temperatures under EN ISO 20345 and SANS 20345 standards. This ensures that footwear can withstand exposure to extreme heat without compromising safety or performance.

Heat Resistance Ratings

HRO (Heat Resistant Outsole):

• Footwear with the HRO designation must pass testing to withstand contact with surfaces heated to 300°C for 60 seconds without cracking or damage.
• Commonly used in industries such as foundry work, welding, and fabrication where hot surfaces are prevalent.

Sole Materials for Heat Resistance:

• Rubber: High-performance rubber compounds are often used for outsoles, offering excellent resistance to extreme temperatures.
• PU/Rubber Blends: Polyurethane (PU) combined with rubber enhances durability while maintaining flexibility and heat resistance.
• Nitrile Rubber: Specifically designed to resist heat, nitrile outsoles are commonly found in heat-resistant safety footwear.

Applications

Heat-resistant footwear is essential for industries like fabrication, welding, steel and foundry work, and oil and gas, where workers are exposed to extreme temperatures.

By choosing safety footwear rated with HRO compliance, workers can confidently face heat-intensive environments while staying protected from hazards.

 

Electrostatic Properties

Safety footwear can protect against electrical hazards through antistatic or non-conductive properties.

• Antistatic Footwear (A): Reduces the build-up of static electricity while still allowing a small degree of conductivity. Essential for industries handling flammable materials or sensitive electronic equipment.
• Non-Conductive Footwear (EH - Electrical Hazard): Completely insulates the wearer from electrical shocks. Vital for electrical workers or environments with high-voltage risks.

 

Metatarsal Protection (M)

Metatarsal protection guards the top of the foot against impacts, protecting delicate bones from falling objects or compression injuries.

• Internal Metatarsal Guards: Embedded inside the footwear for a sleek design while maintaining protection.
• External Metatarsal Guards: Provide additional protection and durability, often used in mining or heavy industrial sectors.

 

Featured Safety Footwear Brands

At Procon, we proudly offer safety footwear from industry-leading brands, each delivering specialized solutions for diverse workplace demands. Here’s an overview of the trusted brands we feature:

• BATA INDUSTRIALS: Known for durable, high-performance gumboots designed for environments requiring waterproof and chemical-resistant footwear, such as agriculture, food processing, and chemical industries.
• BOVA: Offers versatile safety footwear combining advanced protection and comfort for heavy-duty industries.
• DOT: Specializes in slip-resistant footwear tailored to withstand the toughest work conditions.
• ella: Provides lightweight, stylish, and safety-compliant footwear specifically designed for women in various industries.
• FRAMS: A reliable choice for affordable, hard-wearing safety footwear in industrial applications.
• JCB: Built for rugged environments, JCB safety boots are inspired by construction and engineered for durability and performance.
• LEMAITRE: A premium brand blending European craftsmanship with advanced safety features for demanding workplaces.
• PATRIOT: South African-made security boots designed for strength and reliability in tactical conditions.
• PRO-FIT: Focuses on ergonomic designs to ensure comfort and safety in physically challenging jobs.
• REBEL: Renowned for stylish, robust safety boots that exceed safety standards, ideal for heavy industrial use.
• SiSi: Safety footwear for women, combining style and protection for industries like healthcare, food processing, and manufacturing.
• WAYNE: Experts in waterproof gumboots, offering unparalleled protection against liquids, chemicals, and hazardous materials.

Whether you need steel-toe protection, slip resistance, or specialized gumboots, our selection of trusted brands ensures you have the right safety footwear for any industry or application. Our range of safety footwear is designed to meet the demanding needs of South Africa’s key industries, including mining, construction, fabrication and welding, manufacturing, foundry, oil and gas, and agriculture.

 

Safety footwear is a cornerstone of workplace PPE, tailored to meet the specific demands of various industries. By understanding EN ISO 20345 and SANS 20345 standards, you can select the right footwear to ensure maximum safety and compliance. Whether you need anti-slip soles, puncture-resistant midsoles, or advanced toe protection, there is a solution for every requirement. At Grange, we offer a comprehensive range of safety footwear that meets and exceeds these standards, ensuring protection for every step of your workday.