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WorkMaster™ boots are meticulously designed to meet various European (EN) standards, ensuring optimal protection across diverse work environments. Each boot's upper displays specific markings that indicate its compliance with these standards, guiding users to select the appropriate footwear for their specific needs.
This article provides information into the significance of these markings, focusing on EN ISO 20345, EN 13832, EN 50321, and EN ISO 20347 standards.
EN ISO 20345 Standard - Safety Footwear
EN ISO 20345 specifies requirements for safety footwear equipped with protective toe caps, designed to withstand a 200-joule impact. This standard ensures that the footwear provides fundamental safety features suitable for various industrial applications. On WorkMaster™ boots, compliance with EN ISO 20345 is shown by the 'SB' marking, indicating adherence to the basic safety requirements. Additional symbols may be present to represent enhanced features like:
Key Markings for EN 20345 Boots:
S5 Category Safety Boot (S5) - Includes toe cap protection, anti-static properties, energy absorption at the heel, penetration resistance, fuel oil resistance, and a cleated outsole.
Hot Contact (HRO) - Heat-resistant outsole, protecting against contact with hot surfaces.
Slip Resistant (SRA / SRB / SRC/ SR)
EN ISO 20345:2011 Levels of slip resistance on different surfaces, such as ceramic tiles with detergent (SRA) or steel with glycerol (SRB). SRC combines both.
EN ISO 20345:2022+A1:2024 Slip resistance on a ceramic tile floor with sodium lauryl sulphate is mandatory an additional test is glycerol on a ceramic tile and is marked with SR.
Fuel and Oil Resistant (FO)- Resistance to fuel and oil of the outsole.
Antistatic (A) - Reduces electrostatic build-up and prevents sudden discharges.
Cold Insulation (CI) - Thermal insulation properties.
Cut Resistant (CR) - Resistance to repeated cutting strokes from a sharpened blade.
Ladder Grip (LG) - Special tread design for climbing ladders safety.
These markings provide a clear understanding of the boot's protective capabilities, enabling users to make informed choices based on their work environment's specific hazards. Example Marking:
EN 13832 – Chemical Resistant Footwear
For environments involving chemical exposure, EN 13832 outlines the requirements for chemical-resistant footwear. This standard has two performance categories:
Part 2: Requirements for limited contact with chemicals.
Part 3: Requirements for prolonged contact with chemicals.
WorkMaster™ boots are compliant with EN 13832 Part 3 and are tested for chemical degradation over 23 hours against at least three chemicals from a specified list. Post-exposure, the boots must pass mechanical tests and permeation assessments to ensure comprehensive chemical resistance. This rigorous testing guarantees that the footwear maintains integrity and protective performance in chemically hazardous environments.
Example boot marking:
EN13832-3:2018 A-K-O
Chemicals this label shows the boot has been tested against:
A- Methanol
K- 40% Sodium hydroxide
O- 25% Ammonium hydroxide
P- 30% Hydrogen peroxide
Q- Isopropanol
R- Sodium hypochlorite (13 ±1%)
T- 37% Formaldehyde
For a full list chemical permeation data, see our Hazmax sales sheet: https://www.respirex.com/download_file/force/2116/2313
EN 50321 – Electrically Insulating (Dielectric) Footwear
EN 50321 specifies requirements for electrically insulating footwear used in live working conditions. WorkMaster™ Dielectric boots compliant with this standard are designed to protect workers from electrical shocks.
Key Markings for EN 50321 Boots:
Class 0 / Class 1 / Class 2– Working voltage protection levels:
Class 0 - Up to 1kV AC (1,500V test voltage).
Class 1 - Up to 7.5kV AC (10kV test voltage).
Class 2 - Up to 17.5kV AC (20kV test voltage).
Slip Resistant (SR / SRC) – Essential for maintaining grip in electrical environments.
Ladder Grip (LG)– Special tread design for climbing safety.
High Voltage- Electrically insulated Dielectric footwear.
These boots are constructed using proprietary dielectric compounds, ensuring excellent electrical insulation properties, and feature slip-resistant soles for enhanced safety.
Example boot marking:
EN 50321-1:2018 CLASS 2 AC
EN ISO 20347 – Occupational Footwear
Unlike EN ISO 20345 safety boots, EN ISO 20347 covers occupational footwear without protective toe caps. WorkMaster™ over boots and food industry boots comply with this standard, providing essential non-safety features.
Key Markings for EN ISO 20347 Boots:
(04) - Occupational footwear with slip resistance, energy absorption, and fuel oil resistance outsole.
Antistatic (A) - Prevents static buildup.
Slip Resistant (SR New Standard / SRC Old Standard) - Reduces the risk of slips and falls.
Hot Contact (HRO) - Protects against heat exposure of the sole.
Ladder Grip (LG) – Special tread design for climbing ladders safety.
These boots are ideal for food processing, healthcare, and cleanroom environments, where comfort and hygiene are important.
The markings on WorkMaster™ boots serve as a comprehensive guide to the footwear's compliance with specific EN and ISO standards and their associated protective features. By familiarising yourself with these symbols, you can confidently choose boots that align with safety requirements, ensuring optimal protection in their respective work environments.
The EU Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Regulation (EU) 2016/425 (which replaced the older PPE Directive 89/686/EEC), establishes the requirements for safety footwear sold within the European Union. Safety footwear must have a CE mark, indicating compliance with the regulation. This mark signifies that the product has undergone testing and meets the required EN ISO 20345 (for safety footwear) or EN ISO 20347 (for occupational footwear) standards.