What is EN ISO 20345:2011-Safety Footwear Standard?
EN ISO 20345:2011 is an European standard for safety footwear that sets the minimum requirements for occupational protective footwear. The standard specifies the basic and additional requirements for safety shoes. To ensure they provide effective protection against various workplace hazards. Such as impact and compression, puncture, electrical hazards, and slipping.
The requirements are:
Basic requirements: such as the use of a toe cap to protect the toes from falling objects, a closed heel area, and resistance to water absorption.
Additional requirements: which include resistance to penetration by sharp objects and to electrical hazards.
Optional requirements: such as antistatic properties, resistance to fuel oil, and the ability to dissipate static electricity.
The standard also provides guidelines for the labelling and marking of safety footwear. To ensure users can easily identify the level of protection provided.
In addition, The EN ISO 20345 standard is widely recognized and adopted by many industries in Europe and around the world as a benchmark for safety footwear quality and effectiveness.
Requirements of EN ISO 20345:2011-Safety Footwear
The EN ISO 20345:2011 standard specifies a number of requirements for safety footwear. To ensure that it provides effective protection against various hazards that can be encountered in the workplace. Some of the key requirements include:
Basic Requirements:
Protective toe cap: The footwear should have a toe cap that can withstand an impact of at least 200 Joules and a compression of at least 15 kN.
Closed heel area: The footwear should have a closed heel area to provide support and protection to the heel.
Anti-static properties: The footwear should have antistatic properties to prevent the buildup of static electricity. Also, reduce the risk of electric shocks.
Energy absorption: The footwear should have the ability to absorb energy in the heel area to reduce the risk of injury to the foot.
Additional Requirements:
Resistance to water penetration and absorption: The footwear should be able to resist water penetration and absorption to keep the feet dry and prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Resistance to penetration and perforation: The footwear should be able to resist penetration by sharp objects and puncture by nails and other sharp objects.
Electrical insulation: The footwear should provide electrical insulation to protect the wearer against electric shocks and electrostatic discharges.
Slip resistance: The footwear should have slip-resistant properties to prevent slips and falls on slippery surfaces.
Optional Requirements:
Resistance to fuel oil: The footwear should have resistance to fuel oil to protect against the risk of chemical hazards.
Resistance to heat: The footwear should be able to withstand high temperatures to protect the feet from heat-related injuries.
Also, Resistance to cold: The footwear should be able to provide insulation against cold temperatures to protect the feet from cold-related injuries.
EN ISO 20345 standard also provides guidelines for the testing and certification of safety footwear. To ensure that it meets the required standards for protection and performance.
Testing procedure of EN ISO 20345:2011-Safety Footwear Standard
The EN ISO 20345:2011 standard for safety footwear specifies a number of testing procedures. To ensure that the footwear meets the required standards for protection and performance. These testing procedures include:
Impact resistance test: A steel striker weighing 20 kg is dropped from a height of 200 mm onto the toe cap of the footwear. The footwear must be able to withstand an impact energy of at least 200 Joules without the toe cap deforming or breaking.
Compression resistance test: A load of 15 kN is applies to the toe cap of the footwear. The footwear must be able to withstand the compression load without the toe cap deforming or breaking.
Puncture resistance test: A puncture-resistant plate is inserted into the sole of the footwear. A pointed object is then pressed onto the plate with a force of 1.1 kN. The footwear must be able to resist the penetration of the pointed object.
Electrical resistance test: The electrical resistance of the footwear is measured to ensure that it provides effective protection against electrical hazards.
Water resistance test: The footwear is exposed to water for a certain period of time, and the amount of water that penetrates the footwear is measured. So, The footwear must be able to resist the penetration of water up to a certain level.
At last, Slip resistance test: The slip resistance of the footwear is tested on a range of surfaces. Including wet and oily surfaces, to ensure that it provides effective traction and slip resistance.
Benefits of EN ISO 20345:2011-Safety Footwear Standard
The EN ISO 20345:2011 standard for safety footwear provides a number of benefits to workers, employers, and the general public. Some of the key benefits of the standard include:
Improved safety in the workplace: Safety footwear that meets the requirements of the EN ISO 20345:2011 standard provides effective protection against various workplace hazards. Such as impact and compression, puncture, electrical hazards, and slipping. This can significantly reduce the risk of workplace injuries and accidents.
Enhanced comfort and support: Safety footwear that meets the requirements of the standard is designed to provide optimal comfort and support for the feet. Reducing the risk of foot fatigue and other foot-related injuries.
Regulatory compliance: The EN ISO 20345:2011 standard is widely recognized and adopted by many industries in Europe and around the world. As a benchmark for safety footwear quality and effectiveness. So, Compliance with the standard can help businesses demonstrate their commitment to employee safety and regulatory compliance.
Increased productivity: By providing effective protection against workplace hazards and improving comfort and support, safety footwear that meets the standard can help workers feel more comfortable and confident. Which can lead to increased productivity and efficiency.
Cost savings: Investing in safety footwear that meets the requirements of the EN ISO 20345:2011 standard can help businesses save money in the long run. By reducing the risk of workplace injuries and accidents. Which can result in lost productivity, medical expenses, and legal costs.
EN ISO 20345 standard for safety footwear provides a number of important benefits that can help improve workplace safety, and productivity. Also, regulatory compliance while reducing the risk of injuries and accidents.
Who needs EN ISO 20345:2011-Safety Footwear Standard?
The EN ISO 20345:2011 applies to all industries and workplaces where there is a risk of foot injury. This includes industries such as construction, manufacturing, engineering, logistics, and healthcare, among others.
The standard is particularly relevant for workers who work closely to hazards. Such as falling objects, sharp materials, electrical hazards, and slippery surfaces. This includes workers such as construction workers, electricians, factory workers, warehouse operatives, and healthcare professionals.
Employers have a duty of care to ensure the safety and well-being of their employees. And providing safety footwear that meets the requirements of the EN ISO 20345:2011 standard is an important part of this responsibility. So, Compliance with the standard can help businesses demonstrate their commitment to employee safety and regulatory compliance.
In addition to employees, the standard also benefits the general public by reducing the risk of workplace accidents and injuries that could potentially affect members of the public.
Pacific Certifications is accredited by ABIS, if you are looking for more support with EN ISO 20345:2011, please contact us at +91-8595603096 or support@pacificcert.com
Read About: EN 71-1, 2, 3 Toys Safety Directive 2009/48/EC
