The evolution of safety footwear standards
Iain Hoey
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Burlington Uniforms‘ General Manager, Tristan Weedon, discusses the evolution of safety footwear standards and their impact on workplace safety and worker wellbeing
One crucial piece of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is often underestimated: safety footwear.
Safety footwear acts as a shield against hazards, including impact, punctures, slips and falls, electrical hazards, chemical spills and extreme temperatures.
Steel toes or composite caps absorb the brunt of falling objects, preventing crushed or broken toes.
Thick, puncture-resistant soles protect feet from sharp objects like nails, screws, or metal shards, minimising the risk of painful puncture wounds and potential infections.
Slippery surfaces are a major cause of workplace accidents.
Safety footwear incorporates slip-resistant treads that provide superior traction, reducing the likelihood of a fall and associated injuries.
In environments with exposed electrical wiring or potential for static discharge, specialist non-conductive footwear can safeguard against electrical shocks.
Specific safety boots offer protection from chemical splashes or spills, preventing burns and skin irritation.
Meanwhile extreme temperatures can be hazardous for feet.
Insulated boots can regulate temperature, keeping feet comfortable and preventing burns or frostbite.
Selecting safety footwear – the basics
Procurement teams musts consider several key factors when buying safety footwear – the work environment, tasks performed and comfort.
Safety footwear shouldn’t come at the cost of comfort regardless of the occupation or setting.
Ill-fitting or uncomfortable footwear can lead to fatigue, decreased productivity and even an increased risk of accidents.
In its Health & Safety at Work guidance – Working feet and footwear document, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) state: ‘Wherever special footwear is provided the employer must make sure that it fits properly and should allow the toes wiggle room (around 1cm gap between the longest toe and the end of the shoe)…’
Critical provision
Of course, there are certain professions, such as firefighting, where safety footwear is critical. For UK firefighters, every second counts.
Whether they’re responding to a late-night blaze or undergoing rigorous training exercises, comfort and safety are paramount.
There are varying degrees of fire safety footwear, from general station wear to specialist firefighting footwear, each must comply with the associated standards.
Station wear
Station boots are the workhorses of a firefighter’s station wear, providing vital support and protection throughout the day. Durability is key.
They need to withstand the rigours of daily use, from navigating uneven surfaces in the station yard to tackling demanding training drills.
But durability doesn’t come at the expense of comfort.
Firefighters often spend long hours on their feet, so station boots are designed to be comfortable for extended wear, preventing fatigue and ensuring readiness for an emergency call-out.
Historically, brigades have opted for EN ISO 20347 compliant occupational footwear, ensuring long-term wearability and support.
However, more recently and as risk assessments identify new hazards, buyers are switching over to EN ISO 20345.
Navigating EN ISO 20345:2011 to EN ISO 20345:2022
The standard is currently in transition from EN ISO 20345:2011 to EN ISO 20345:2022.
For manufacturers, the ability to continue production under valid EN ISO 20345:2011 certificates until 11th November 2024.
After this date, all existing certificates will expire at their designated date, at which time, safety footwear must be re-tested and certified against the updated requirements of EN ISO 20345:2022.
Notable changes
Most of the basic requirements remain the same for EN ISO 20345:2011 and EN ISO 20345:2022.
However, EN ISO 20345:2022 does includes some key changes, most notably – slip resistance.
The slip resistance testing procedure has been improved.
Previously, slip resistance could be checked against any part of the sole, now it must be tested specifically on the heel (heel strike area) and at the toes (push-off point), the two critical points where there is minimal contact with the ground.
All tests (SRA, SRB and SRC) and their associated markings are no longer used.
Instead, all appropriate safety shoes must demonstrate basic slip resistance.
Additional requirements
There are now also 18 potential additional requirements for occupational footwear, including six new ones – PL and PS under Perforation resistance; a new standalone additional test for Ladder Grip (LG); a new standard for Fuel oil resistance which now includes resistance to hydrocarbons (FO); a new SC marking for Scuff cap; and the old WRA marking for Water resistance has been replaced by WPA and a more stringent WR (water resistant) mark.
Protection levels
Under the 2011 standard, the protection levels were divided into six class: SB, S1, S2, S3, S4 and S5.
Under the new standard, there are now eight main protection classes with the addition of S6 and S7.
These replace S2 with Water Resistant Upper, now S6 and S3 with Water Resistant Upper, now S7 and are used to indicate those with higher water resistance properties in line with the new WR certification.
The class codes may also be followed by P, L (or PL) and S (or PS) to indicate additional perforation resistance in line with the P, PL and PS certifications.
Firefighters – Structural
UK firefighters need boots that can withstand intense heat, treacherous terrain and exposure to water, while still providing the flexibility and support for long hours on their feet.
Firefighter Structural boots prioritise heat and flame resistance through EN 15090.
EN 15090:2012 specifies the minimum requirements and test methods for the performance of three types of footwear used by firefighters for fire suppression, general-purpose rescue, fire rescue and emergencies involving hazardous materials.
These are classified as Class 1: footwear made from leather and other materials, excluding all-rubber or all-polymeric footwear and Class 2: all rubber (i.e., entirely vulcanised), all polymeric (manufactured in one piece) and hybrid footwear (polymeric) footwear with another material that extends the upper.
Ultimate protection
There are certain conditions which demand specialist kit, such as a High Volume Pump (HPV) shout and a Technical Rescue.
Both combine the safety features of EN ISO 20345 and EN 15090 to create a high performance boot.
In fact, there are an increasing number of boots tested to EN ISO 20345:2022 along with EN 15090.
This covers much more stringent safety checks on slip resistance, waterproofing, puncture protection etc.
Specialist Technical Rescue boots also often use additional safety features for protection against electrocution during live work or in proximity of live parts of plants up to 36000 V AC or 25000 V DC (EN 50321) and Chainsaw cut resistance (EN 17249).
Essential element
Safety footwear plays a vital role in UK firefighting, ensuring comfort, durability and protection throughout long shifts and in demanding conditions.
It’s an essential element of a healthy, productive and ultimately, successful work environment.
By prioritising appropriate footwear, employers can safeguard their workers physical wellbeing, reduce mental stress, create a culture of safety and peace of mind and help minimise the risk of accidents and the financial burden associated with workplace injury.
About Burlington Uniforms
Burlington Uniforms has a reputation as one of the UK’s leading uniform providers.
We focus on delivering innovation and excellence in line with our values, supplying exceptional uniforms, workwear and personal protective equipment (PPE) to a diverse clientele.
Established in 1974 as a Savile Row tailor by Anthony Hewitt, we are proud of our family roots, which provide the foundation for the friendly and attentive approach which runs throughout the business.
We provide an outstanding customer experience through unparalleled customer care and our hassle-free uniform supply service – offering sizing, customisation, branding and stock holding.
This is complemented by our innovative Wardrobe Management System which empowers clients to address their staff uniform requirements remotely and with ease.
A trusted and dedicated specialist supplier, we support some of the UK’s most prestigious brands, businesses and service providers, in both the public and private sector, offering a unique blend of personalised service and cutting-edge products.
You can reach us at 0208 443 6920, via email at [email protected], or visit our website at www.burlington-uniforms.co.uk.
