More about the new standard EN ISO 20345:2022 +A1:2024

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.

1. Why a new standard?
   
2. What are the standards?
3. The 5 most important changes to EN ISO 20345:2022 +A1:2024
4. Transition period
5. How to recognise the new EN ISO 20345:2022 +A1:2024 standard?

Why a new standard?

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. 

What are the (new) standards? 

• 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. 
 

5 Main changes of EN ISO 20345:2022 +A1:2024   

The new standard brings several changes, the main focus being on: 

• Risk-based approach: Focused on industry-specific hazards
• New classifications: Stricter slip resistance 
• Material advances: Addition of composites and lightweight materials 

We explain the 5 most important changes. 

1) Slip resistance

New test method:

• The steel plate as a substrate has been replaced by a ceramic plate for more consistent results.
• The test in flat position has been replaced by a forward heel movement and backward top movement to better simulate the step movement.  

Old ratings (SRA, SRB, SRC) have been replaced by: 

• No slip resistance = no certification 

• SR = slip resistant (the old SRB requirement becomes an additional requirement and is indicated by the marking symbol SR) 

• ø= not tested for slip resistance (the basic slip-resistance requirements do not apply to footwear designed for special purposes, equipped with spikes, metal studs or similar elements and intended for very specific workplaces such as soft floors with sand, mud, undergrowth, etc.)

All our boots are SR-certified, except the Steplite EasyClean (ø). 

2) Resistance to penetration 

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: 

• S5 = Metal AP sole (tested with 4.5 mm nail, 1100N) 

• S5L = Non-metallic AP sole according to PL test (tested with 4.5 mm nail, 1100N) 

• S5S = Non-metallic AP sole according to PS test (tested with 3 mm nail, must not < 1100N and not < 950N over 3 different indentations) 

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. 

3) Electrical properties 

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. 

4) Heat insulation (HI classification) 

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. 

5) Ladder grip (LG rating) 

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 

• A – Antistatic 

• SR – Slip resistant 

• CI – Cold insulation 

• CR – Cut resistant 

• HI – Heat insulation 

• E – Energy absorption 

• FO – Oil and fuel resistant 

• LG – Ladder grip 

• Ø – Slip resistance not tested 

• S4 – Impact protection 

• S5 – Impact and penetration resistance with metallic sole 

• S5L – Impact and penetration resistance with non-metallic sole (PL) 

• S5S – Impact and penetration resistance with non-metallic sole (PS) 

Transition period

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. 

How do you recognise EN ISO 20345:2022 +A1:2024?

You can find the certification on:

• Stickers on the box

• Labels

• Shaft and inside the box

• Clear coding by safety aspect

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.