Imagine a huge warehouse, construction site or factory floor. Work is in full swing, machines are humming, and people walk confidently across the concrete floor, unfazed by oil or fallen tools. Why? It’s simple: they are wearing the right safety shoes that meet international safety standards.
But how do you choose such shoes? What do the mysterious EN ISO codes mean? What is the difference between S1 and S3 or SRC? If you think that work boots are just a sturdy sole and a reinforced toe, we can assure you that there is much more to it than that. And most importantly, not only comfort but also safety depends on the right choice.
Why EN ISO standards?
When it comes to work shoes in the UAE, it is important to understand that the EN ISO standard is a guarantee of quality and protection. All manufacturers struggle to obtain this certificate and then proudly display it on their packaging. It categorizes what loads the shoe can withstand, what materials are used and what additional functions it must perform.
These standards help the buyer:
- Choose footwear that meets industry-specific requirements. And be confident in their quality.
- To make sure that the leg protection complies with international standards. And in the event of hazardous situations, it will be guaranteed to protect against injury.
- Eliminate defective and substandard products that cannot cope with the aggressive conditions of daily use in the workplace.
EN ISO basic standards for safety footwear
EN ISO 20345 is the main standard to pay attention to. It regulates the requirements for shoes for work with mandatory protective underfoot, withstanding loads up to 200 Joules. In turn, it is subdivided into several categories:
- SB – basic level of protection (reinforced toe, but without additional properties).
- S1 – antistatic shoes with energy absorption in the heel.
- S1P – puncture protection is added.
- S2 – protection against moisture and penetration of liquids.
- S3 – combines all the previous characteristics, plus a reinforced sole with tread.
Additionally, shoes can be labeled with codes such as:
- SRC – anti-slip sole.
- HRO – high temperature resistance.
- WR – waterproof.
How to choose the right safety shoes?
The choice depends on the conditions in which it will be used. Specifically:
- The S1 or S1P models are suitable for warehouse work, providing impact and puncture protection. The puncture-resistant sole and Teflon insole reduce the risk of injury when stepping on a protruding nail by up to 85%.
- On construction sites where there is a high risk of contact with water, dirt, dust, spilled oil or paint, it is better to choose S3 or WR.
- For working with hot surfaces, the HRO marking is important. It will keep you safe from injury from contact with hot objects.
The Talan brand produces shoes that meet these standards, providing maximum protection and comfort in the workplace. For example, on the website talansafetyshoes.com you can find models suitable for different working conditions. A convenient menu with a classification of safety shoes will allow you to choose the best model for your case.
Additional safety standards
In addition to EN ISO 20345, there are other standards to consider. They guarantee lower strength and injury safety values, but they may be enough for you. Let’s take a closer look at them:
- EN ISO 20346 – footwear with a protective underfoot that can withstand up to 100 Joules (lower degree of protection).
- EN ISO 20347 – professional footwear without protective underfoot but with antistatic and anti-slip properties.
If you work in logistics, warehousing, medicine or catering, then EN ISO 20347 is the right shoe for you. And if the work is related to heavy industry – it is better to focus on EN ISO 20345.
Foot safety at work is the key to your success and comfort!
Choosing protective footwearis an investment in safety. Understanding EN ISO standards helps you make the right choice and select footwear that will protect you exactly where you need it.
