An impartial and factual guide to how Safety Footwear is classified in Europe.
Any product that is classified as SB only has a protective toecap.
S1P styles should only be specified for indoor environments where they will not be exposed to rainwater or outdoor elements.
Any product that is anti-static, made with a protective toecap and midsole and includes a water repellent upper.
S3 styles are the most commonly specified standard for industry. They usually have additional features that are classified separately.
Any product that is a polymer or rubber moulded construction making them water and leak proof. i.e. Wellingtons. Includes protective toe cap.
S4 styles are used in areas where there is a constant presence of water or liquids, where toe protection is required.
Any product that is a polymer or rubber moulded construction making them water and leak proof. i.e. Wellingtons. Includes protective toe cap and midsole protection.
S5 styles are used in areas where there is a constant presence of water or liquids, where toe and penetration protection is required.
A product which has been tested on a flat smooth ceramic tile wetted with dilute soap solution.
Footwear that has passed SRA is generally suitable for in indoor environments. The test on a wet slippery smooth surface somewhat replicates a warehouse environment.
Any product that has been tested on a rough steel decking plate wetted with a glycerine (90% solution).
Footwear that has passed SRB shows that the composition of the sole and design of the tread pattern is such that it would limit slip on uneven surfaces that are wet or contaminated.
Any product that has been tested under both the above conditions.
SRC rated footwear has passed both the smooth ceramic tile and rough steel decking plate test (SRA and SRB). Most safety footwear is tested to SRC.
A boot classified at WR is fully waterproof and normally includes a breathable waterproof membrane, and can be worn in extreme wet weather conditions and not leak through.
Footwear that have been tested and passed the CI standard offer enhanced protection in extreme, cold environments.
The cut resistant standard which measures resistance to lacerations from sharp objects.
Footwear suitable for high risk occupations such as fire and rescue and glass processing.
Footwear that have been tested and passed the HI standard can be used when heat insulation is required to help keep the user cool, and is not recommended for very hot surfaces where HRO is more appropriate.
Styles that have been tested and passed the HRO standard can be used in close proximity to hot surfaces such as freshly laid road surfaces.
Any product that offers additional metatarsal protection that surpasses the specified blunt trauma test for the M standard, which includes the bar impactor and wedge impactor test.
Commonly found in police public order, heavy industrial workplaces, or logistics where heavy objects are hand carried and there is a risk of injury to the metatarsal area of the foot, such as moving heavy gas and chemical bottles.
Any product that has passed the appropriate test using molten metal splashes is certified with the Wg/Fe/Ai standard.
Wg = Small Molten Metal Splashes i.e. welding sparks (Welding Boots)
Ai = Aluminium Splash (Foundry boots) up to 780°(+/-50°)
Fe = Iron Splash (Foundry boots) up to 1400° (+/-50°)
Boots specified Wg can be used in the welding and fabricating industries, Foundry boots with Ai and Fe certification can be used in hot metal foundry environments.
Goliath Footwear produces Type 2 Boots for Firefighters. These has been tested to EN 20345 plus additional tests for insulation against heat, flame resistance (leather upper AND outsole), penetration resistance, resistance to fuel oil, contact heat resistance and tested for it’s antistatic properties.
Type 2 Suitable for fire rescue, fire suppression, and property conservation in buildings,enclosed structures, vehicles, vessels, or like properties that are involved in a fire or emergency situation.