The world of safety footwear never stands still. With the introduction of the EN ISO 20345:2022 +A1:2024 standard, there have been significant changes that have a direct impact on the testing and certification of safety boots. We have had our boots recertified to the new standard EN ISO 20345:2022 +A1:2024, in order to continue to ensure the highest safety standards. What are the key updates to this new standard? What do these changes mean for employers, purchasers and wearers of safety boots? And how will you recognise a boot that really meets the latest requirements in terms of protection, durability and comfort?
In this article, we give a clear overview of the most important changes.
Every 10 years, the safety standard is revised to improve workplace safety, respond to new hazards and technologies and fill the need for a modernised standard and harmonisation with global markets for consistency and compliance.
ISO 20345:2011: Basic safety requirements, with limited adaptation to new hazards and materials.
ISO 20345:2021 draft: Introduction of fundamental updates, including better alignment with European standards and user feedback.
EN ISO 20345:2022: Fully harmonised with European standards, focusing on risk-based assessments and improved material additions.
EN ISO 20345:2022 +A1:2024: Changes added for greater clarity and precision, with new test methods and requirements for new workplace needs.
We use this latest, most recent standard for all our safety boots. For this, we cooperate with PFI (Prüf- und Forschungsinstitut) as an independent testing and certification institute.
The new standard brings several changes, the main focus being on:
We explain the 5 most important changes.
1) Slip resistance
New test method:
Old ratings (SRA, SRB, SRC) have been replaced by:
All our boots are SR-certified, except the Steplite EasyClean (ø).
Previously, no distinction was made between a metal or composite sole when testing the sole in terms of resistance to penetration. Now it is. As a result, the safety level S5 (with anti-perforation sole/AP) has been changed to:
All our boots will be S5 (metallic) and S5S (non-metallic). So we choose the most stringent test method. PS is a much more stringent test that evaluates both penetration resistance and homogeneity across the entire sole of the foot.
Antistatic requirements remain the same (100 kΩ - 1000MΩ). Antistatic means the ability to dissipate accumulated electrical charges to the ground. ESD requirements are not included in the new standard. The ESD symbol according to DIN EN 61340 identifies ESD products, but is not a requirement within the DIN EN ISO 20345 footwear standard. ESD shoes comply with DIN EN 61340-5-1 and guarantee a contact resistance of <100 MΩ, providing protection in production environments and hazardous areas.
The HI classification means that the footwear has been tested and provides adequate protection against heat, this when in contact with surfaces heated up to 150°C. This is especially important in environments where workers are exposed to hot surfaces or high-temperature conditions. All our boots offer this protection.
Ladder grip now requires meeting new design requirements for extra grip when working on ladders. All our boots meet these requirements.
Overview of new codes
We produce and label everything under the new standard (EN ISO 20345:2022 +A1:2024) but our safety boots that were still produced under the old standard (ISO 20345:2011) still conform to the safety standards in force at the time and may still be sold. The new standard is an improvement, not a direct replacement.
You can find the certification on:
By certifying our boots to this new standard, we can continue to guarantee the highest safety standards. Any questions? Feel free to contact us at info@bekina-boots.com.