Safety Boot Ratings Explained
Posted by Katy | Toolstop on 29th Jul 2024
Confused by safety boot ratings? Our guide breaks down S1, S2, S3, and more, explaining what they mean and which boots are best for your job. Find the perfect safety boots for your industry and stay safe on the job.
Choosing the right pair of safety boots can be overwhelming with all the different ratings and standards. At Toolstop, we understand the importance of safety and want to help you make an informed decision. In this blog post, we'll break down the common safety boot ratings and explain what they mean, so you can find the perfect pair for your needs.
Safety boot ratings are determined by the European standard EN ISO 20345:2011. This standard outlines the basic and additional safety requirements for footwear. Let's break down the most common ratings:
SB (Safety Basic): This is the foundation for all safety footwear. It indicates basic toe protection that can withstand a 200 Joule impact
SBP: Similar to SB but with added midsole protection against penetration
Stepping it Up
S1: Offers anti-static properties, oil resistance, and energy absorption in the heel, in addition to basic toe protection
S1P: Combines the features of S1 with midsole penetration resistance
S2: Builds on S1 by adding water resistance to the upper part of the boot
S3: Includes all the features of S2 plus midsole penetration resistance
S4: Offers the same protection as S1 but with a waterproof, leak-proof upper (often seen in safety wellies)
S5: Combines the waterproofness of S4 with midsole penetration resistance
Understanding the Codes
Safety boots often have additional codes to indicate specific features:
A: Anti-static
AN: Ankle protection
C: Conductive
CI: Cold insulation
CR: Cut resistant upper
E: Energy absorption
FO: Fuel/oil resistant outsole
HI: Heat insulation
HRO: Outsole resistant to hot contact
I: Electricity insulated
M: Metatarsal protection
P: Penetration resistance
WR: Water resistance
WRU: Water penetration and water absorption resistant upper
ESD: Electro-static discharge resistant
Choosing the Right Safety Boots
The best safety boot for you depends on your specific work environment. Consider the following factors:
- Toe protection: Essential for most jobs
- Midsole protection: Important for environments with potential nail or sharp object hazards
- Water resistance: Necessary if you work in wet conditions
- Slip resistance: Crucial for slippery surfaces
- Comfort: A good fit is essential for long-term wear
Toolstop Recommends
- Stanley FatMax Bergen Safety Boots: Offering S1P protection, steel toe and midsole, and excellent slip resistance, these boots are ideal for construction, factory work, and more - Shop now
- Stanley FatMax Wellbank Waterproof Safety Boots: With S3 protection and a waterproof upper, these boots are perfect for wet working conditions - Shop now
For a more in-depth look at the Stanley FatMax safety boots and other top-rated options, check out our comprehensive guide: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Safety Boots in the UK.