Which safety shoe standards should you choose: S1, S1P, S2, S3?

Choosing the right safety footwear standard is not just a matter of compliance, but an absolute necessity to ensure your safety in your workplace. Through this article, we will share our expertise to help you make an informed choice.

Safety footwear standards

Choosing a pair of safety shoes suited to your needs may seem complex due to of the variety of standards available. However, understanding these standards will allow you to select the most appropriate type of footwear to ensure optimal safety in your work environment. The EN ISO 20345 standard is particularly essential in this context, because it serves as a reference to guarantee that shoes meet strict safety criteria.

The EN ISO 20345 standard is a European regulation that defines the basic requirements for footwear security. It specifies manufacturing standards, including materials used and testing methods. The aim is to ensure that footwear can effectively protect against a range of industrial hazards, such as heavy impacts, punctures, electrical hazards, and chemical burns. Every pair of shoes under this standard is equipped with a protective toe cap, capable of withstanding significant force, and other features, such as heat-resistant soles and anti-static properties. This standard ensures that, regardless of the industrial sector, employees will benefit from adequate protection against accidents.

Safety footwear classifications, such as S1, S1P, S2, and S3, detail the different levels of protection offered, each targeting specific hazards present in various work environments. The S1 classification, for example, is ideal for indoor working conditions where the risks of compression and electric shock are predominant. The S1P shoes offer the same protection as the S1, with the addition of a puncture-resistant sole for environments where the risk of puncture is high. The S2 are suitable for wet conditions as they include waterproof protection, while the S3 are the most comprehensive, suitable for environments where the risk of puncture, wetting and other hazards are omnipresent. Understanding these specifications will help you choose the shoe that not only protects effectively but is also tailored to the specific challenges of your workplace.

S1 standard

S1 standard safety shoes are designed to meet basic protection needs in predominantly dry environments. They are regularly chosen for sectors such as administration, certain types of manufacturers or any environment where the main risks do not include humidity or high risks of perforation. Understanding the specific features and contexts of use of the S1 standard can help determine whether they are appropriate for your needs.

The S1 safety shoes offer several essential protections. They are equipped with protective toe caps, capable of withstanding impacts of up to 200 joules. This feature is necessary to protect the feet from falling objects. Additionally, they incorporate anti-static properties that help dissipate built-up electrical charges, reducing the risk of electrostatic discharge, which is particularly important in industries where sensitive electronic equipment is handled. In addition, they also feature hydrocarbon-resistant soles, making them ideal for working in environments where substances like oil and gasoline are present, but without water accumulation.

The advantages of S1 shoes include their lightness and flexibility, making them particularly comfortable for indoor use and for jobs that do not require waterproof protection. They are therefore perfectly suited for office workers who sometimes find themselves in workshops or light production areas, providing adequate safety without the weight or stiffness of shoes designed for more extreme conditions. However, their limitations must be taken into account; they are not designed for wet or muddy environments and do not have anti-perforation soles. This means that in sectors such as construction or for outdoor work in the presence of water or risk of perforation by sharp objects, the S1 will not provide sufficient protection. This could expose users to unnecessary and potentially dangerous risks.

S1P standard

The S1P standard represents an evolution of the S1 standard, incorporating additional features to increase safety in environments where risks are not limited to shocks or compressions. These shoes are particularly suitable for environments where the risk of trampling on sharp objects is high. Their detailed understanding is essential for those working in sectors such as light construction, logistics, or maintenance where these risks are common.

S1P shoes retain all the basic protections of the S1 standard, such as the protective toe cap and anti-static properties, while adding a puncture-resistant midsole. The latter is an important layer which protects the feet against punctures due to sharp objects such as nails and screws, frequently encountered on construction sites or in work areas where debris is often present on the ground. The midsole is usually made from composite materials or a steel plate, which prevents sharp objects from penetrating the shoe, providing increased safety for the sole of the foot.

One of the main advantages of S1P shoes is their ability to offer balanced protection without sacrificing comfort. They remain light and flexible, allowing comfortable use even over long periods. This feature makes them ideal for workers who must move frequently or stand for most of their workday. However, despite these advantages, S1P shoes have some limitations, including their unsuitability in wet environments. They are not designed to provide water resistance, which can be a major drawback in outdoor working conditions or in environments where exposure to water is common. Users working in such conditions should consider options such as S2 or S3, which offer protection suitable for wet environments.

S2 standard

S2 standard safety shoes are a natural evolution of S1 shoes, adding features specifically designed to improve protection in humid environments. These shoes are essential for those who work outdoors or in conditions where exposure to humidity is frequent, but not excessive. Understanding the features and uses of this standard in detail can help determine whether they are suitable for your business environment.

In addition to all the protections offered by the S1 standard, such as anti-static protection and hydrocarbon resistance, S2 shoes include significant water resistance. This feature is achieved through the use of waterproof materials and specific construction techniques that prevent water from penetrating the inside of the shoe, while still allowing some breathability. This makes them particularly suitable for outdoor work, such as in gardening, farming, construction and other outdoor activities where feet may be exposed to dew, light rain or splashing water. water. Their design aims to keep feet dry without sacrificing comfort or safety.

The advantages of S2 shoes include their versatility, as they offer good protection in a variety of environments, while ensuring comfort. Their specific construction makes them suitable for light humidity conditions while providing all the basic protections necessary in a workplace. However, despite their effectiveness in wet conditions, S2 shoes are not designed for prolonged immersion in water or very muddy environments. In such situations, S3 shoes or other standards designed for more extreme environments would be more appropriate. S2s may not provide adequate protection in conditions of intense immersion or mud, which could lead to discomfort or health risks to the feet.

S3 standard

The S3 standard safety shoes represent the highest level of protection in the S standard series, combining the characteristics of S1 and S2 standards while adding additional elements for even more demanding conditions. These shoes are designed to provide maximum safety in a wide variety of environments, including those with high puncture risks and requiring excellent grip. Understanding the specifics of S3 shoes is important for professionals working in extreme conditions.

S3 shoes include all the properties of S2 shoes, such as impact resistance, anti-static protection, and water resistance. In addition to these features, the S3 is equipped with a puncture-resistant sole, often made of composite materials or steel, which protects the feet against sharp objects like nails and screws. Another important feature of the S3 is its high-grip sole, designed to provide superior stability on slippery or unstable surfaces. This combination of features makes S3 shoes ideal for work in construction, agriculture, engineering, and other sectors where working conditions are particularly difficult and varied.

One of the main advantages of S3 shoes is their ability to provide complete protection in almost any situation, making them the preferred option for extreme environments. They are particularly suitable for those who work on uneven terrain or in conditions where the risk of foot injuries is high. However, it is important to note that these advantages come with certain disadvantages. S3 shoes, due to their multiple layers of protection, can be more expensive than other types of safety shoes. In addition, the presence of these numerous protections can reduce the breathability of the shoes, which can be uncomfortable in hot environments or during prolonged use.

Choice of the appropriate standard according to the sector of activity

Selecting the correct standard of safety footwear is necessary and should be tailored to the specific industry in which you work. Each industry presents unique challenges and risks that require tailored types of protection. Here's how to choose the appropriate standard based on three different industry sectors, namely construction, chemical and pharmaceutical industries, and food and healthcare sectors.

In the construction and BTP (Building and Public Works) sector, the variety and intensity of risks are particularly high. Workers are often exposed to the risk of falling objects, puncture by sharp materials, and humid environments. For these reasons, S3 shoes are generally recommended. These shoes offer complete protection with puncture-resistant soles and waterproof materials, while providing good traction for the unstable surfaces often encountered on construction sites.

In the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, risks include not only perforations but also exposure to potentially harmful substances. S1P shoes are often used when there is a risk of perforation without a high presence of liquids. However, if workers are likely to be exposed to chemical splashes or frequently humid environments, S3 footwear, which provides additional protection against water ingress and chemicals, is more appropriate. These shoes provide increased safety in environments where cleanliness and safety standards are extremely strict.

In the food and healthcare industries, the main concern is often water resistance to avoid contamination and enable easy cleaning. S2 shoes are recommended in these environments because they provide adequate protection against moisture while being easy to clean and disinfect. This type of shoe is ideal for working in kitchens, hospitals or other environments where hygiene is a priority and floors may often be wet but without the risk of punctures or exposure to hazardous substances.

Factors to consider when choosing the right standard

Choosing the right standard of safety footwear is about more than compliance with regulatory requirements or personal preference. Several factors must be considered to ensure that shoes not only provide the necessary protection, but are also suitable for the work environment and individual needs. Here we will discuss two fundamental aspects: the analysis of specific employment risks and the balance between comfort and durability of shoes.

Assessing the specific risks of your work environment is the first necessary step in selecting the appropriate safety footwear standard. This analysis must take into account all the potential dangers to which the feet may be exposed, such as mechanical, chemical, electrical, and thermal risks. For example, workers on construction sites often need to wear puncture- and water-resistant shoes to protect against nails, sharp debris, and wet conditions. On the other hand, in a laboratory or high-tech environment, antistatic shoes might be a priority to prevent electrostatic discharge that could damage sensitive equipment. This analysis should be carried out in collaboration with workplace safety specialists to ensure that all risks are correctly identified and addressed.

The comfort and durability of safety shoes are also essential. It is important that shoes are comfortable to wear for long periods of time, as unsuitable shoes can cause fatigue and foot pain, decreasing concentration and increasing the risk of accidents. Additionally, shoes must be durable to withstand harsh conditions without requiring frequent replacement, which represents a significant cost savings. The materials used and the design of the shoe should be chosen according to the working environment. For example, in wet and muddy environments, waterproof materials and sturdy soles are preferable to increase the lifespan of the shoe while ensuring the safety and comfort of the user.

To obtain practical advice on choosing safety shoes adapted to your profession and your working conditions, consult this detailed article: Which safety shoes to choose?.

Optimize safety with the right choice of shoes

In summary, the choice of safety shoes should not be taken lightly. Understanding the specific standards, from S1 to S3, is essential to guarantee protection adapted to different environments and professional risks. Each standard has been designed to meet specific needs, offering levels of protection from basic impact and static resistance to comprehensive protection against punctures and wet conditions. Selecting the appropriate standard based on the industry and workplace requirements is crucial to ensuring safety while maintaining a level of comfort that allows you to work efficiently throughout the day.

It is imperative to carry out a careful analysis of the risks associated with each work environment to choose footwear that not only complies with regulations, but also improves the well-being of workers. By integrating safety, comfort, and durability, businesses can better protect their employees and optimize productivity. Remember that workplace safety starts with the right foundations, and choosing the right safety footwear is a decisive step towards a safer and more efficient working environment.