Safety Footwear Explained
-
Safety Classifications:
Please Note: Safety footwear comes in different standards, each with its own set of features and protections. After SB, the standards feature all the SB basics, but have extra protection or features.- SB - Safety Basics: This is the most basic level of safety footwear. It must have toe protection that can withstand a strong impact. You might see other symbols alongside SB, like SB-FO, which means it has the basic toe protection plus resistance to fuel and oil.
- SBP - Safety Basics with Protection: Just like SB, but it also has a plate in the sole (usually made of steel or composite material) to prevent things from piercing through the sole and hurting your foot.
- S1 - Safety Plus: S1 shoes are anti-static, resist fuel and oil, and have cushioning in the heel. You can add more codes, like S1-HI, which means it's insulated against heat.
- S1P - Safety Plus with Protection: This is like S1, but with that sole plate for extra protection.
- S2 - Safety Plus Water-Resistant: S2 footwear has all the safety features of S1 but is also designed to resist water soaking through the upper part of the shoe.
- S3 - Safety Plus with Even More Protection: S3 has the same safety features as S2, plus a sole that protects against piercing.
- S4 - Waterproof Safety: These boots offer protection similar to S1 but are made of waterproof materials. Think of them as safety rain boots.
- S5 - Ultimate Safety: S5 gives you everything from S4 plus the sole protection.
-
Safety Features:
A - Anti-static:Prevents the buildup of static electricity, reducing the risk of electrical sparks.
E - Energy Absorption: Absorbs and cushions energy, typically in the heel area, to reduce impact on your feet.
ESD - Electro-Static Discharge Resistance: Prevents the buildup and discharge of static electricity, reducing the risk of damage to sensitive electronic components and devices.
FO - Fuel/Oil Resistant Outsole: The outsole is resistant to fuel and oil, reducing slip hazards.
P - Penetration Resistance: The sole is designed to resist penetration by sharp objects.
SRA - (Slip Resistance on Ceramic Tile with Sodium Lauryl Sulfate):This test evaluates the shoe's slip resistance on a smooth, ceramic tile surface contaminated with a solution of sodium lauryl sulfate, which simulates a slippery condition similar to water or soap on a tiled floor.
SRB (Slip Resistance on Steel with Glycerol):This test assesses slip resistance on a steel surface covered with glycerol, which simulates oily or greasy conditions commonly found in industrial environments.
SRC - Slip Resistant:SRC-rated footwear is designed to provide a high level of slip resistance on both smooth, wet surfaces (like ceramic tiles with a soapy solution) and smooth, oily surfaces (like steel with glycerol).
WR - Water Resistance: Keeps your feet dry by repelling water.
WRU - Water Penetration and Water Absorption Resistant Upper: The upper part of the footwear resists both water penetration and water absorption.