Wondering about safety footwear ratings and what they mean? Safety footwear ratings help employers and employees to identify the right boots for specific hazards. This blog delves into the various safety footwear ratings in the UK and Ireland, with a focus on S3 safety boots and lightweight safety boots. We will explore what the different S ratings mean, how to determine which S rating you need, and provide insights into choosing the best safety footwear for your workplace.
What are the different S ratings in safety footwear?
Safety footwear is classified according to the European standard EN ISO 20345, which specifies the basic and additional (optional) requirements for safety shoes. The “S” in the ratings stands for “Safety,” and the numbers following it indicate the level and type of protection the footwear offers. Here are the main S ratings:
- SB (Safety Basic): The basic level of protection, including a steel or composite toe cap that resists impacts of up to 200 joules and compression loads up to 15 kN.
- S1: Includes all the features of SB plus antistatic properties, energy absorption in the heel region, and closed seat region (fully enclosed heel).
- S2: Includes all the features of S1 plus water resistance and absorption.
- S3: Includes all the features of S2 plus penetration resistance (usually with a midsole plate) and cleated outsole for better grip.
- S4: All the features of S1 but in an entirely polymer/rubber construction, making the boots waterproof.
- S5: Includes all the features of S4 plus penetration resistance and cleated outsole.
What do the S ratings mean?
Understanding what each S rating means can help in selecting the appropriate footwear for specific workplace conditions. Here’s a little more detail for each one:
SB (Safety Basic) footwear
- Toe protection: A reinforced toe cap (steel or composite) that withstands impacts up to 200 joules.
- Basic protection: Minimum requirements for safety in non-hazardous environments.
S1 footwear
- Antistatic properties: Prevents the build-up of static electricity.
- Energy absorption: Cushioning in the heel to reduce foot fatigue and improve comfort.
- Closed seat region: Ensures the heel is fully enclosed for better foot support.
S2 footwear
- Water resistance: Protection against water penetration for up to 60 minutes.
- Increased comfort: Ideal for wet environments where occasional exposure to water is expected.
S3 footwear
- Penetration resistance: A midsole that protects against sharp objects like nails and glass.
- Cleated outsole: Better grip and slip resistance, making them suitable for rough terrain.
- Water resistance: Same as S2, but with added features making them more robust for harsher conditions.
S4 footwear
- Polymer/rubber construction: Fully waterproof, ideal for environments with constant water exposure.
- Antistatic and heel energy absorption: Same as S1 but with waterproof materials.
S5 footwear
- Penetration resistance and cleated outsole: Similar to S3 but combined with the waterproof benefits of S4.
Specific features of S3 safety boots
S3 safety boots are among the most versatile and protective footwear available. They combine multiple protective features, making them suitable for a wide range of environments:
- Penetration-resistant midsole: Protects against sharp objects, making them ideal for construction and industrial settings.
- Water resistance: Keeps feet dry in wet conditions.
- Cleated outsole: Provides excellent grip on uneven and slippery surfaces.
- Antistatic properties and energy absorption: Ensures comfort and reduces static build-up.
How do you know which S rating you need?
It’s crucial that you provide the right kind of safety shoes for your employees, which will be determined by their roles and duties. Below is the process your business should follow when choosing safety footwear for different working environments.
Conduct a risk assessment
The first step in determining the appropriate S rating for safety footwear is conducting a thorough risk assessment of the workplace. Identify the specific hazards present in the environment and the types of risks employees face. This assessment should consider factors such as:
- Potential for falling objects: Requires toe protection.
- Presence of sharp objects: Necessitates penetration resistance.
- Wet or slippery surfaces: Needs water resistance and slip-resistant soles.
- Electrical hazards: Requires antistatic or electrically resistant properties.
Match footwear to workplace hazards
Once you have identified the hazards, match them to the corresponding S rating:
- SB: Suitable for environments with minimal hazards, such as offices or retail stores where basic toe protection is sufficient.
- S1: Ideal for environments with moderate risks, including warehouses and light manufacturing where antistatic properties and heel energy absorption are beneficial.
- S2: Suitable for environments where there is occasional exposure to water, such as food processing plants and cleaning services.
- S3: Perfect for high-risk environments like construction sites, heavy manufacturing, and outdoor work where multiple hazards are present, including penetration risks and water exposure.
- S4: Best for environments with constant water exposure, such as fishing, agriculture, and certain chemical industries.
- S5: Suitable for environments combining water exposure with high risk of sharp objects and rough terrains, similar to S3 but in fully waterproof conditions.
Consider comfort and fit
Whilst protection is paramount, comfort should not be overlooked. Lightweight safety boots are an excellent option for workers who need to wear safety footwear for long hours. Modern materials and designs ensure that lightweight safety boots can provide the necessary protection without causing discomfort or fatigue.
Consult with the experts
Whenever you need safety boots and other types of work shoes, make sure to consult with the safety specialists here at SafetyCare. We’ll provide expert recommendations based on the specific needs of your workplace, ensuring that your chosen safety footwear meets both safety standards and comfort requirements.
Order your safety shoes from SafetyCare
Whatever kind of protective footwear you need to keep your employees safe, comfortable and happy in their roles, SafetyCare can supply it. Get in touch with our team of safety experts today at sales@safetycare.ie or give us a call on 01 8499 100.
