QUALITY CLASSES OF WORK FOOTWEAR
Proper protectiveness is the most important but no only aspect when it comes to protective work footwear. Let us not forget that as opposed to other protective gears, protective footwear is actively worn throughout the day, and this makes comfort another important aspect.
Quality classification of protective footwear
In my previous post I wrote about the difference in protective work shoes between the composite and the steel toecap. Nevertheless, for protective footwear not only the type and quality of the toecap are the determining aspects, there are countless other criteria… The labels and marking can be very confusing, which can prove to be a big problem in case one is about to buy a shoe and has to be able to determine which would fit their needs best. There are great differences between a shoe suited for a cold store, for a car mechanic’s shop where even the ceiling is greasy, or for a factory canteen where the ground is almost continuously wet.
How to choose the proper shoes?
If by degree of protectiveness a shoe is already chosen, then come those criterion which are specification not laid down in the standards, but are necessary for the comfortable and effective work. Such as superabsorbent inner lining, removable (and washable) insoles, or energy absorbent heels. This latter lessens the strain on the spine, which can help prevent back pain and can slow down fatigue.
There can be falling items at any workplace, so according to the standards shoes with toe caps are advised. If there is danger of objects sticking in the soles of the shoes there is a need for shoes with anti-penetration midsoles. This midsole can be steel or Kevlar. This is a special polymer, and what is special about Kevlar fibers is that they are five times as strong as steel fibers, they can be torn only by a huge force. Kevlar does not corrode, light, acid-, heat-, and lye-resistant. It is the material of the modern bulletproof vests, and Batman’s armor is also made of Kevlar. It was invented by Stephanie Kwolek, an American chemist.
But to return back to midsoles, naturally we need to fulfill the requirements of the standards here too.
Some examples for what work type which protective shoes are recommended:
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Properties of the shoe
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Most prominent area of use
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An example form our offer of TOP protective shoes
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Shoes with top-caps
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dairy industry, agriculture, meat industry, food industry, pharmaceutical production, logistics, machine manufacturing
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TOP HARDY mid/low S3 SRC (composite toe-cap, Kevlar midsoles)
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Anti-penetration midsoles
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chemical industry, oil industry, mining, construction, metallic mass-produced parts , forestry
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TOP BROOKLYN mid/low S3 SRC (composite toe-cap, Kevlar midsoles)
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Protective work shoes for dangerous materials
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pharmaceutical production, oil industry, chemical industry
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TOP WORK S3 SRA (steel midsoles, steel toe-caps)
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Antistatic shoes
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Transportation of dangerous materials, oil industry, chemical industry
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TOP VARDE / VIBORG S1P SRC (100% metal-free, Kevlar midsoles, composite toe-caps, oil-resistant)
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Proper protectiveness is the most important but no only aspect when it comes to protective work footwear. Let us not forget that as opposed to other protective gears, protective footwear is actively worn throughout the day, and this makes comfort another important aspect. A shoe without proper ventilation, with is uncomfortably hard soles can be dangerous for the worker’s health in the long-run. Our TOP SPARTA S3 SRC, or TOP LEON S3 SRC shoes have a memory foam sole, to prevent health issues and promote comfort.
The EN ISO 20345:2011 international standard
This stands is set to categorize general purpose protective footwear by their protection degree, using the following codes:
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Category/Code
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Details
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SB
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With toe-cap, which protects from 200-joules impact and protects from 15 KN pressure.
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SBP
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SB standard and Penetration resistant midsole
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S1
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SB standard, Closed seat region (fully enclosed heel), Energy absorption at seat area, Antistatic properties, Oil resistant soles
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S1P
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S1 standard and Penetration resistant midsole
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S2
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S1 standard and Water penetration & absorption resistance
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S3
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S2 standard and Penetration resistant midsole
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S4
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Injection-molded or vulcanized shoes, 200 J toe-caps, Antistatic properties, Oil resistant soles, Energy absorption at seat area
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S5
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S4 standard and Penetration resistant midsole
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Other symbols for specialized areas:
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Symbol
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Requirement
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Description
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P
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Entire shoe
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Penetration resistance
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A
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Electrical Properties: Antistatic shoes
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CI
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Resistance to environmental impacts: the sole is insulated against the cold
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E
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Energy absorption at seat area
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WR
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Waterproofness
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M
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Foot protection
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WRU
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Upper
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Water penetration & absorption resistance
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HRO
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Sole
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Contact heat resistance
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FO
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Gas oil-resistance
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EN ISO 20347:2012 International standard
This international standard is set for those protective footwear, which are not exposed to any mechanical risks.
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Category
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Requirement
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OB
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Meets the requirements of EN ISO 20347: 2012
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O1
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Closed base, antistatic properties, heel energy absorption, oil-resistant soles
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O2
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O1 + Water penetration & absorption resistance
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O3
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O2 + Penetration resistant midsole, patterned walking surface of the soles
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O4
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Closed base, antistatic properties
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O5
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O4 + Penetration resistant midsole, patterned walking surface of the soles
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EN ISO 13287:2012 International Standard
This international standard specifies a methods and requirements of the test for the slip resistance of protective footwear.
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Symbol
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Test surface
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SRA
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Ceramic plate SLS (water with 5% sodium lauril sulphate)
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SRB
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Steel flooring with glycerol
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SRC
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Ceramic plate SLS and Steel flooring wizh glycerol
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