Standard S1: safety shoes
Class S1 is one of the many security classes found in the EN ISO 20345 standard. It should be noted that the latter includes the basic protections required. In other words, all safety shoes must be manufactured, tested and certified under this standard. Classified in the SB (Safety Base) category, work shoes with the S1 standard are therefore those that meet the basic requirements in terms of safety. What are these requirements?
Minimum requirements for class S1
The S1 safety shoes must first be able to protect you from the risks of crushing of the foot. They have a protective tip or shell that can withstand a 200 joule drop. This corresponds to a 20 kg object falling from a height of one meter.
An S1-classified work shoe must also have an energy-absorbing heel. This reduces the risk of heel injury and ankle fracture by absorbing shocks during a fall or jump. The presence of this type of heel on a work shoes is indicated by the letter E placed next to the name of the category. Be aware that the standards in force require a minimum absorption force of 20 joules.
The presence of an anti-static and non-slip sole will allow your work shoes to be resistant to hydrocarbons and other mineral oils. This significantly reduces the risk of slipping in the workplace. And finally, be aware that safety shoes or safety trainers of class S1 must be closed at the back.
Who are S1 safety shoes for?
Basically concerning safety shoes for everyday use, class S1 models are more used for indoor work. They are generally worn by professionals working in a dry environment and in contact with hydrocarbons and mineral oils. Designed to preferably work on flat floors, these S1 standard work shoes are therefore ideal for craftsmen working inside, electricians, painters , industries or even mechanics.
It should be noted that S1 safety shoes do not have an anti-perforation soleunlike S1P shoes which also have all the properties of the S1 variant.
What are the standards for safety shoes? ISO 20345
A safety shoe follows the characteristics of the ISO 20345 standard, a shoe with the ISO 20347 standard is a work shoe and not a safety shoe, so the protection is not the same.
To ensure optimal foot protection, this equipment must comply with the EN ISO 20345 standard and meet the basic SB (Safety Base) requirements. To do this, they must have:
- A toe capcapable of withstanding an energy of 200 joules and a crushing force of 15 kN
- Anon-slip sole
The EN 20345 safety standard is divided into four main categories, each with its own specificities:S1, S1P,S2and S3. Additionally, there are safety shoes for women and men.