Safety Footwear Symbols Explained & Demystified

When buying safety boots, it’s not just about the looks. While appearance is important, and we want to feel good in what we wear, it’s crucial to consider the level of safety provided by the boots, as indicated by codes and abbreviations. The issue is that these can be confusing. This guide will decode these codes and provide a straightforward explanation to simplify things.

The article explores different safety footwear symbols, codes, and their explanation.

EN ISO 20345:2011

Understanding what EN ISO 20345:2011 means is essential before we discuss the safety footwear symbols. This is a standard for safety footwear that outlines mandatory and optional requirements. All safety boots must adhere to this standard and carry certification.

If you come across this in a product description, the safety boots in question meet the basic requirements.

Safety Boots Ratings

Safety boots ratings are denoted on footwear by a two-letter abbreviation. Let’s explore different safety boot ratings. 

Footwear Safety Ratings & Their Meanings

SB (Safety Basic)

This is the minimum basic requirement for safety footwear, which must protect against a 200-joule impact on the toes.

S1

In addition to toe protection, the S1 standard also requires antistatic protection, fuel oil resistance, and energy absorption in the heel.

S2

This rating provides the same protection level as S1 and protection against water penetration and absorption.

S3

It has the same protection as S2 with penetration resistance for the midsole.

S4

It provides the same level of protection as S1 but with a waterproof upper made of molded polymer or rubber, such as Wellington boots.

S5

It has the same features as S4 safety footwear with resistance for midsole penetration.

Safety Footwear Symbols and Codes

In addition to the standard toe protection, various types of protective footwear are available, including antistatic, ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) resistant, metatarsal protection, soles with steel plates to prevent penetration, and even chainsaw-proof boots. The options provide a wide range of protection for different needs and industries.

Here is a list of safety footwear symbols and codes you need to understand.

CSA white rectangle

The CSA symbol with an orange Greek letter omega dictates electric shock resistance in the sole. Footwear with this certification must have a sole and heel assembly that can resist electrical insulation properties of up to 18,000 volts and a leakage current of no more than 1 mA for 60 seconds at the manufacturing time.

CSA yellow rectangle

The CSA symbol with a green SD code in a yellow rectangle indicates static-dissipative soles. The outer soles are made from an antistatic compound that can dissipate electrostatic charge.

CSA green triangle

This indicates protection against sole puncture using Grade 1 Protective toe to handle up to 125 joules of impact. The protection is formulated to handle a force of not less than 270 pounds (1200 Newtons).

CSA blue rectangle

This symbol indicates a Grade 1 protective toe without sole puncture protection. It can handle forces up to 125 joules.

Chainsaw protection

This symbol is used for safety footwear that protects your feet when working with cutting equipment, such as chainsaws, etc.

Static dissipative footwear

This symbol indicates the footwear can resist static charge.

Metatarsal protection

The symbol indicates that the footwear protects the metatarsal (any of the bones of the foot) when you work with heavy objects. Therefore, toe protection is needed for all metatarsal safety footwear.

Super static dissipative

This yellow triangle having CSA with a green SD+ indicates static dissipative footwear soles.

Composite toe protection

Composite toe means the safety footwear is lighter in weight and metal-free. However, they will protect a steel toe.

Composite plat protection

Footwear is lightweight and provides metal-free puncture resistance.

Metal or steel toe protection

This footwear protects against force and compression.

Steel plate protection 

This footwear enables resistance against puncture in the sole.

Now let’s explore some more safety footwear symbols you may need to understand.

CE Mark: Indicates that the product meets European health, safety, and environmental protection standards.

ASTM International: American Society for Testing and Materials, which sets standards for various materials and products, including protective footwear.

The green triangle symbol signifies a Class 1 safety toe cap and footwear with puncture-resistant soles, able to resist up to 125J of impact. These shoes are ideal for construction industries, other heavy industries, and professions having a risk of falling objects or sharp materials.

A yellow triangle represents a Class 2 toe cap safety handling up to 90J of force, along with a sole that is puncture resistant and suitable for lighter professions and industries.

The white square with an orange omega symbol defines soles with electrical hazard-rated, making these shoes appropriate for professions having a risk of live electrical current.

The yellow square with “SD” inside represents that the footwear is approved antistatic, with soles able to dissipate the electrostatic charge, protecting against static electricity.

The red square with a “C” and grounding symbol shows the shoes have electro-conductive soles, suitable for professions and industries with low electrical hazards.

A white square with a green fir tree means the boots protect chainsaws, which is ideal for those working with tools like chainsaws, etc.

A white “R” in a blue square signifies Class 1 toe protection ( up to 125J), but no puncture-resistant soles.

The gray square with a black “R” symbolizes Class 2 (up to 90J) toe protection but also indicates non-resistant puncture soles.

Slip Resistance Symbols

Since many workplace accidents are due to slips, it is critical to ensure safety standards rating the safety footwear slip resistance.

Here we will present the standards used for slip-resistant footwear.

SRA

Slip resistance for this standard is tested on a ceramic tile that has been wetter with a dilute soapy solution.

SRB

Slip resistance for this standard is tested on a smooth steel plate saturated with Glycerol.

SRC

The SRC standard slip resistance is tested and approved against the same conditions as SRB and SRA.

The following table consists of some symbols and their abbreviations.

P 

Penetration resistance

A

Prevents static electricity buildup

C

Conductive

I

Electricity insulating footwear

WR

Water resistance

WRU

Water penetration and water absorption upper

AN

Protection for ankle

HRO

Outsole resistance to hot contact

CI

Insulation for cold

M

Metatarsal Protection

E

Absorbs energy

FO

Oil/fuel resistant outsole

HI

Insulation for heat

CR

Cut resistant upper

ESD

Resistant to electrostatic discharge

Tips When Buying Safety Footwear

This section will discuss our top tips for buying safety footwear. Keep them in mind to ensure you buy the right footwear.

Assess Your Working Area

First things first, ensure assessing your workplace and what kinds of hazards you may face at work. For instance, you won’t buy S5 standard waterproof footwear if the most time of your day is spent sitting in front of a desk and doesn’t involve any task in an environment that liquids may impact. Take time to identify the safety hazards at your workplace and choose according to your specific situation.

Ensure Buying Comfortable and Fit Footwear

The next thing you must remember is to buy footwear that is fit and comfortable. There is no need to buy eight-size footwear when you have narrow feet, and seven fit perfectly. Footwear that needs to be appropriately fitted can lead to slips, trips, and falls. If buying online, ensure the supplier has a return policy so that if you get the wrong size, you can ask for an exchange immediately.

Never Buy Second-Hand Safety Footwear

There will be some people considering second-hand safety footwear. Never do this to yourself. I repeat. NEVER. Used footwear can lead you to potential safety hazards, as you need to learn how old the boots may be and how they have been used. If your boots have become worn, you should replace them right away.

Ensure Aftercare

Aftercare is essential for all your PPE. Ensure protecting it so that it can protect you. If cared for properly, they will go a long way, saving you much money in the longer run. Some necessary precautions include cleaning muddy footwear, drying wet footwear naturally, and storing them in a safe place.

Takeaway

So this was all from our side. We presented the essential safety footwear symbols in this article to help you better understand the symbols and what they mean. Also, remember the tips we’ve shared so next time you buy safety footwear, you know how to choose the right one well suited to your working conditions.