Everything To Know About Safety Footwear Standards In The UK

Before going to work on a construction site or a farm, it is essential you get the right equipment for the job. This includes appropriate clothing to keep you safe while operating dangerous machinery. 

When it comes to safety boots, what are the footwear standards in the UK?

Safety footwear standards

Last year, the safety footwear standards were updated, so workers need to make sure they are familiar with the new rules. 

The EN ISO 20345 makes stipulations about the height of the upper; heel area on the boots; minimum length, pressure and bump impact resistance of the toe cap; water vapour permeability and water vapour number of the upper; and outsole thickness and abrasion resistance of the outsole.

Footwear that fulfils the basic rules of EN ISO 23045 fall into the SB category, while those with additional requirements will vary between S1 and S5.

S1, for instance, requires footwear to be antistatic and have energy absorption around the heel, as well as being resistant to oil and petrol. 

S2 also requires the upper to be water resistant, while S3 needs to be resistant to penetration as well. 

S5, on the other hand, needs penetration, oil and petrol resistance, has to be antistatic, and has energy absorption around the hell, but does not need to be water resistant. 

The standards should be clearly displayed on the footwear’s label so buyers know what they are getting and what the shoes are capable of withstanding. 

Why did the standards change?

The footwear safety standards were updated to reflect modern day conditions and materials, with the previous update being as long ago as 2011. 

In addition to the requirement changes, the test methods have also been altered, so it is important to be on top of the most recent standards.

For instance, the scuff abrasion resistance and ladder grip tests have been added to ascertain whether the scuff cup is durable and the footwear is safe to use on ladder rungs. 

What’s more, the puncture resistance test has been changed. There are also different symbols to show whether the footwear was tested with a nail 4.5mm in diameter (PL) or 3mm in diameter (PS). 

What footwear should you wear for your job?

When choosing the right safety footwear for your industry, it is essential you consider what jobs you regularly undertake. 

As the Health and Safety Executive says: “Footwear selection has to take account of a number of factors in addition to slip resistance, such as comfort, durability and other safety features required, such as toe protection.”

Think about what surfaces and contaminants do you usually work with? Are you more likely to encounter wet or rainy conditions or oily surfaces, as the right footwear for one may not be for the other? 

Look at the tread patterns too to check whether they are likely to become clogged up with debris on the floor, if you frequently encounter waste on the ground.