Overview
EN ISO 20347:2022/A1:2024 is Amendment 1 to the European adoption of ISO 20347 (Occupational footwear). Published by CEN in 2024, this amendment updates test references, performance criteria and specific material requirements for non-safety occupational footwear used as personal protective equipment (PPE). It aligns EN ISO 20347 with related changes in ISO 20344:2021+Amd.1:2024 and clarifies performance, test and marking requirements relevant to EU PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Normative references: Updates ISO 20344 references to include Amendment 1 (ISO 20344:2021+Amd.1:2024) throughout the text.
- Materials & chemical limits: Chromium VI content in each leather part is limited to < 3.0 mg/kg when tested per ISO 20344.
- Water vapour performance (WVP/WVC):
- New two-tier compliance options depending on the proportion of non-permeable upper material (max 10% or 50%):
- If ≤10% non-permeable: remaining materials WVP ≥ 0.8 mg/(cm²·h) and WVC ≥ 15 mg/cm².
- If ≤50% non-permeable: remaining materials WVP ≥ 2.0 mg/(cm²·h).
- Specific exceptions and measurement rules for hybrid footwear and localized lining are defined.
- Upper and tear strength: Table updates add tear strength and WVP/WVC requirements to specific material classes.
- Footwear construction & hybrid designs: Defines Area A (foot section) and Area B (extended section) with minimum heights and class-dependent requirements.
- Outsole & flexing durability:
- Cut growth limit ≤ 4 mm after 30,000 flex cycles; defined thresholds for acceptable crack depth/length/number.
- Bond strength for multi-layer outsoles ≥ 4.0 N/mm (≥ 3.0 N/mm if tearing of material occurs).
- Perforation-resistant inserts:
- Non-metallic inserts: no perforation at any measured point and no layer separation (tent effect) during tests.
- Inserts used as insoles have specific allowances; no holes allowed other than stitching.
- Ankle protection: Outer ankle protection average force ≤ 10 kN and no single value > 15 kN; inner protection must meet same limits.
- Scuff cap (renamed): New ergonomic requirement-during kneeling, scuff cap must prevent contact between upper and flat ground.
Applications and users
- Who uses it: PPE manufacturers, product designers, test laboratories, conformity assessors, procurement officers and safety managers specifying occupational footwear for workplace compliance.
- Practical value:
- Ensures product compliance with EU PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425 when cited in the OJ.
- Provides updated test criteria for durability, comfort (breathability), chemical safety and mechanical protection.
- Helps manufacturers design and verify occupational footwear (non-safety footwear classes) for regulated markets across CEN member states.
Related standards
- ISO 20344:2021 + Amd.1:2024 (test methods) - updated normative reference.
- EN 13832-3:2018 (Footwear protecting against chemicals - Part 3) - title clarified in the amendment.
- ISO 20347:2021 (base standard) - this document is an amendment to that edition.
Keywords: EN ISO 20347:2022/A1:2024, occupational footwear standard, PPE footwear, water vapour permeability, chromium VI limit, ISO 20344, scuff cap, ankle protection, perforation-resistant inserts.