ISO 20344:2021 - Personal protective equipment — Test methods for footwear

ISO 20344 specifies the test methods used to evaluate personal protective footwear. It ensures the footwear meets safety, comfort, and durability requirements by testing various performance factors like slip resistance, puncture resistance, and energy absorption.

Scope:

Testing Parameters:

• Mechanical Properties: Resistance to impact, compression, puncture, and abrasion.

• Thermal Properties: Heat and cold insulation, and resistance to molten metal.

• Chemical Resistance: Protection against oils, chemicals, and hydrocarbons.

• Slip Resistance: Performance on different surface types.

• Durability Tests: Flexing and water resistance.

Applicable Footwear:

• Protective footwear (safety shoes and boots) used in workplaces.

• Footwear designed for specific industries, including construction, manufacturing, and chemical handling.

Standard Conditions:

• Tests are conducted under controlled laboratory conditions to ensure repeatability and consistency.

Applications:

• Safety Assurance: Ensures personal protective footwear provides adequate protection in hazardous environments.

• Quality Control: Used by manufacturers to meet safety and performance standards.

• Product Certification: Serves as the foundation for certifying protective footwear to international standards.

• Research and Development: Helps in designing footwear with enhanced safety and comfort features.