Codes on safety footwear aren’t always the easiest things to understand, getting the right pair can be the difference between working happily on site and being kicked off by health and safety!
Here we have broken down all of the codes that you’re likely to get with safety boots, what they mean and what they give you. This guide covers all brands, though some supply more information than others, it should help you to get what you need.
Category
- SB – Toe protection tested to 200 joules impact.
- S1 – Toe protection, Leather Upper plus Antistatic and Energy Absorbing Heel.
- S2 – Toe protection, Leather Upper plus Antistatic and Energy Absorbing Heel plus Water Resistant Upper.
- S3 – Toe protection, Leather Upper plus Antistatic, Energy Absorbing Heel, Water Resistant Upper plus Penetration Resistant Sole to 1100 Newtons.
- S5 – Toe protection, Upper from all rubber or polymeric material plus P plus cleated sole.
Marking Code
- HRO – Resistance to High Heat 300°c.
- E – Heel Energy Absorption 20 joules.
- P – Penetration Resistance 1100 Newtons.
- CI – Insulation against cold.
- WRU – Water Penetration Resistant Uppers.
- W/P – Waterproof Uppers.
- A – Antistatic Range 100kO – 1000MO.
Slip Resistancy
- SRA – Measured test on a wet ceramic tile floor.
- SRC – Measured on a steel floor with glycerol solution and on a wet ceramic tile floor.
ESD (Electro Static Dissipative Footwear)
ESD Footwear is designed specifically for the electronic components manufacturing and assembly industries.
ESD conforms to BSEN 1000015/1 1992 to be superseded by IEC 61340-4-3.
Marking Code
- HRO – Resistance to High Heat 300°c.
- E – Heel Energy Absorption 20 joules.
- P – Penetration Resistance 1100 Newtons.
- CI – Insulation against cold.
- WRU – Water Penetration Resistant Uppers.
- W/P – Waterproof Uppers.
- A – Antistatic Range 100kO – 1000MO.
*All sole types are oil, solvent and acid/alkali (in low concentrations) resistant.
