1. Executive Summary: The Evolution of EN ISO 20345
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) footwear exported to the European Union and global markets must now align with the updated EN ISO 20345:2022 standard, which supersedes the 2011 edition. At GUANGHE SAFETY, our Gaomi physical testing laboratory and automated injection lines have been fully recalibrated to meet and exceed these stringent new safety benchmarks.
The 2022 revision introduces critical changes in slip resistance categorization, sub-classifies penetration-resistant midsoles based on nail diameter and material composition, and introduces new marking symbols for scuff cap durability, ladder grip, and seam waterproofing.
2. Penetration Resistance: Type P, Type PL, and Type PS
Under the 2011 standard, all penetration-resistant shoes carried the generic 'P' symbol. The 2022 standard introduces three distinct classifications based on nail diameter and plate construction:
| Symbol | Insert Material | Test Pin Diameter | Penetration Threshold | Application Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type P | Metallic (Stainless Steel) | 4.5 mm conical tip | β₯ 1,100 N (Zero penetration) | Heavy construction & scrap metal demolition |
| Type PL | Non-Metallic (Kevlar Aramid) | 4.5 mm conical tip | β₯ 1,100 N (Zero penetration) | General building, warehousing, manufacturing |
| Type PS | Non-Metallic (High-Density Textile) | 3.0 mm precision needle | Average β₯ 1,100 N (Min β₯ 950 N) | Drywalling, carpentry, fine nail hazards |
Consequently, existing S1P and S3 ratings are now updated to S1P, S1PL, S1PS and S3, S3L, S3S to provide total transparency to workplace safety officers.
3. Slip Resistance Redefined: Elimination of SRA/SRB/SRC in Favor of SR
Under EN ISO 20345:2022, basic slip resistance on ceramic tile with Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (formerly SRA) is now mandatory for ALL certified safety footwear (integrated into the baseline SB rating). The 'SR' marking is now an optional, rigorous supplementary test evaluating slip resistance on ceramic tile lubricated with Glycerine.
GUANGHE SAFETY's dual-density PU/Rubber outsoles are engineered with multi-directional siping channels, achieving an SR coefficient of friction (CoF) exceeding 0.38 on forward heel slip, far exceeding the EN requirement of 0.19.
4. New Supplementary Protection Codes (SC, LG, WPA)
- SC (Scuff Cap Abrasion): Evaluates external toe bumpers under 8,000 Martindale abrasion cycles to guarantee the internal protective cap is not exposed during kneeling.
- LG (Ladder Grip): Evaluates outsole waist clearance and 90Β° heel breast angle (minimum 10mm height) to prevent lateral slipping on rung ladders.
- WPA (Water Penetration & Absorption): Replaces WRU, testing upper leather water permeability and absorption over a 60-minute duration.
