Overview
ISO 20346:2021/Amd 1:2024 is the latest amendment to the international standard governing personal protective equipment (PPE) in protective footwear. Developed by ISO Technical Committee ISO/TC 94 and Subcommittee SC 3 in collaboration with CEN/TC 161, this amendment updates key requirements for safety footwear to enhance user protection, durability, and comfort. It reflects current advances in materials, testing methods, and ergonomic considerations to ensure protective footwear meets stringent safety and performance criteria across various industries worldwide.
Key Topics
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Updated Normative References
This amendment updates references to ISO 20344:2021 with ISO 20344:2021+Amd.1:2024, aligning test methods and criteria across protective footwear standards.
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Material Performance Enhancements
- Expanded tear strength and water vapour permeability requirements for upper materials improve durability and wearer comfort.
- Stricter limits on chromium VI content in leather reduce health risks from toxic substances.
- Additional clarifications on hybrid footwear materials and water vapour permeability criteria ensure better breathability without compromising protection.
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Toecap and Insert Testing
- Non-metallic toecaps undergo more rigorous impact tests, including assessments for cracking and sharp edge formation, enhancing foot injury prevention.
- Perforation resistance for inserts and insoles includes tighter standards against holes and layer separations for improved puncture protection.
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Outsole Durability and Adhesion
- Flex resistance, abrasion, and bond strength requirements for outsoles and scuff caps are revised to ensure long-lasting footwear performance under demanding conditions.
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Antistatic Properties Guidance
- Detailed recommendations for antistatic footwear use, testing, and maintenance emphasize the importance of minimizing electrostatic charges in hazardous environments, with suggestions for in-house resistance testing.
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Exclusions and Clarifications
- This amendment explicitly excludes electrically insulating footwear covered by EN 50321-1:2018, aiding clearer product categorization.
Applications
ISO 20346:2021/Amd 1:2024 applies to manufacturers, safety officers, and procurement specialists involved with protective footwear used in industries such as:
- Construction and civil engineering
- Chemical and pharmaceutical sectors
- Manufacturing and assembly lines
- Electrical and electronics industries (non-live electrical protection)
- Mining and oil exploration
- Logistics and warehousing
The updated standard ensures protective footwear meets global safety performance benchmarks for toe impact and compression resistance, chemical protection, puncture resistance, slip resistance, and ergonomic comfort. Implementing footwear compliant with this amendment helps reduce workplace injuries, enhances employee safety compliance, and supports occupational health initiatives.
Related Standards
- ISO 20344:2021 + Amendment 1:2024 - Test methods for protective footwear
- EN 13832-3:2018 - Footwear protecting against chemicals (prolonged contact)
- ISO 22568-2:2019 - Test methods related to footwear safety components
- EN 50321-1:2018 - Electrically insulating footwear (excluded from this document)
This amendment harmonizes requirements with these standards, facilitating consistent quality and safety performance in PPE footwear worldwide.
Protective footwear compliance with ISO 20346:2021/Amd 1:2024 ensures products provide enhanced protection against workplace hazards while maintaining wearer comfort and durability. Organizations adopting this standard strengthen their commitment to occupational safety and regulatory adherence.