Standards and directives for safety footwear

Under the 2011 standard, the protection levels were divided into six classes: SB, S1, S2, S3, S4 and S5. Under the new standard, there are now eight main protection classes: SB, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6 and S7.

The two new protection classes – S6 and S7 – are used to indicate those with higher water resistance properties in line with the new ‘WR’ certification (see above section on water resistance). In addition to the new classes, the class codes may also be followed by ‘P’, ‘L’ (or ‘PL’) and ‘S’ (or ‘PS’) to indicate additional perforation resistance in line with the ‘P’, ‘PL’ and ‘PS’ certifications.

Using the chart below, you can identify the protection level you require based on your specific workplace risk requirements.

Note: S1, S2, S3, S6 and S7 shoes are made from leather and other materials (class 1). S4 and S5 shoes are all-rubber or all-polymeric (class 2). SB shoes – which allow for an open heel – can be either class 1 or class 2.

uvex’s leading edge technology centre is located in Ceva, Italy and is committed to producing the highest quality and most technologically advanced safety footwear in Europe. The plant is able to manufacture all of uvex’s PUR and rubber sole technologies in one location, allowing for greater flexibility in the manufacturing process. All our plants are certified in accordance with the ISO 1900: 2008 quality management standard.

One of the three following requirements must be met and labelled in the shoe:

Warning – Please note that the penetration resistance of this footwear has been measured in the laboratory using a truncated nail of diameter 4.5 mm and a force of 1,100 N. Higher forces or nails of smaller diameter will increase the risk of penetration occurring. In such circumstances alternative preventative measures should be considered. Two generic types of penetration resistant insert are currently available in PPE footwear. These are metal types and those from non-metal materials. Both types meet the minimum requirements for penetration resistance of the standard marked on this footwear but each has different additional advantages or disadvantages including the following:

• Metal: Is less affected by the shape of the sharp object/hazard (i.e. diameter, geometry, sharpness) but due to shoemaking limitations does not cover the entire lower area of the shoe.
• Non-metal: May be lighter, more flexible and provide greater coverage area when compared with metal but the penetration resistance may vary more depending on the shape of the sharp object/hazard (i. e. diameter, geometry, sharpness). For more information about the type of penetration resistant insert provided in your footwear please contact the manufacturer or supplier detailed on these instructions.