The new EN ISO 20345 standard: a major development for safety footwear

The EN ISO 20345 standard is an essential reference for manufacturers and users of safety footwear. The standard has recently evolved, with significant changes in the areas of slip resistance, puncture resistance, protection categories and additional requirements. In this article, we'll look at these developments in detail and understand their impact on industry professionals and the workers concerned.

Slip resistance: reinforced tests

Slip resistance is an essential criterion for guaranteeing the safety of workers in the workplace. In the new EN ISO 20345 standard, the tests have been adjusted to better meet the requirements of the professional world. The main new feature is the disappearance of the full slip resistance test. From now on, tests will evaluate not only the resistance to forward heel strike slippage the shoe industry, but also rearward sole resistance. This evolution provides more complete and reliable safety results.

Two tests are carried out to assess glide resistance: the first on a detergent-coated ceramic floor and the second on a glycerine-coated ceramic tile. The first test corresponds to the basic requirement of the standard, without any specific marking. The second test, on the other hand, corresponds to the "SR" marking, which is an additional requirement.

Perforation: more stringent requirements

Puncture protection is essential for workers exposed to the risk of injury from sharp objects. The new EN ISO 20345 standard introduces stricter requirements for puncture resistance. This includes the use of new materials and new manufacturing methods for safety shoe soles and reinforcements.

Manufacturers are now required to guarantee better puncture protection and meet more demanding criteria in terms of strength and durability. These improvements ensure optimum protection for workers, and limit the risk of puncture-related accidents.

New categories of protection: the right offer for every profession

The EN ISO 20345 standard now covers a wide range of new protection categories for safety footwear. These categories are defined according to the specific risks to which workers are exposed in their professional activity. They enable us to offer footwear adapted to the needs of each profession.

The new protection categories include footwear for wetlandsto environments at risk from falling heavy objects or to workers exposed to chemicals. Each shoe is designed to offer maximum protection in a particular professional context, guaranteeing optimum safety for workers.

Additional requirements: greater customization

The new EN ISO 20345 standard also provides for additional requirements for safety footwear. These requirements meet specific protection needs, depending on the risks to which workers are exposed. They concern, for example heat resistanceto the perforation or the slide.

These additional requirements mean that safety footwear can be further customized, enabling manufacturers to offer models adapted to each profession and working environment. They also contribute to enhancing workers' safety, by guaranteeing them ever more effective personal protective equipment (PPE) tailored to their needs.

A guarantee of quality and safety for workers

The new EN ISO 20345 standard represents a real evolution for safety footwear. The changes made to slip resistance, perforation, protection categories and additional requirements mean that workers can now choose personal protective equipment that is even more effective and tailored to their needs.

These developments testify to the importance attached to the safety and quality of safety footwear, but also the willingness of manufacturers and regulatory bodies to meet the expectations professionals and workers.

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