Overview
ISO 20347:2021/Amd 1:2024 is the latest amendment to the international standard covering personal protective equipment for occupational footwear. This amendment updates requirements and testing methods to enhance safety, comfort, and performance of work shoes designed for various industrial and commercial environments. Developed by ISO Technical Committee ISO/TC 94 and European Committee for Standardization CEN/TC 161 under the Vienna Agreement, this document ensures harmonized global standards for occupational footwear compliance.
Key updates improve material specifications, water vapor permeability, tear resistance, and electrical properties, ensuring occupational footwear meets modern workplace safety demands. This amendment supports manufacturers, safety professionals, and users focusing on footwear that protects while promoting wearer comfort.
Key Topics
-
Normative References Update
Incorporates the latest ISO 20344:2021+Amd.1:2024 testing standard, reflecting new testing protocols for occupational footwear.
-
Material Performance Enhancements
Increased requirements for tear strength and water vapor permeability in footwear uppers improve durability and breathability, essential for prolonged workplace wear.
-
Water Vapor Permeability & Coefficient
Footwear must comply with specific permeability levels depending on the proportion of non-permeable material, optimizing foot comfort by reducing moisture build-up.
-
Chromium VI Content Limits
Leather components are required to have chromium VI contents below 3.0 mg/kg, ensuring compliance with health and environmental safety regulations.
-
Design and Construction Specifications
Defines classification and height requirements for hybrid footwear materials, clarifying performance expectations between different material zones.
-
Electrical and Antistatic Properties
Details guidance on antistatic footwear usage to minimize electrostatic build-up, emphasizing the need for regular performance testing and environmental compatibility. Specifies that the standard does not cover electrically insulating footwear, which falls under EN 50321-1:2018.
-
Mechanical Resistance and Durability Tests
Updates to cutting, flexing, and bonding resistance tests for outsoles and multi-layer constructions ensure occupational footwear maintains integrity under demanding conditions.
-
Scuff Cap Requirements
New ergonomic testing mandates scuff caps effectively prevent upper-ground contact during kneeling, enhancing protection and durability.
Applications
ISO 20347:2021/Amd 1:2024 is essential for manufacturers designing and producing occupational footwear that conforms to stringent international safety criteria. Key application areas include:
-
Industrial Workforces
Footwear for manufacturing, construction, logistics, and warehousing that demands protection from mechanical hazards and chemical exposure.
-
Healthcare and Laboratory Settings
Ensures footwear provides chemical resistance and is free from harmful chromium VI contamination, protecting health professionals.
-
Electronics and Flammable Environments
Antistatic footwear adapted for environments where electrostatic discharge could pose explosion or equipment damage risks.
-
Ergonomic Use Cases
Innovations such as scuff caps enhance protection for workers frequently kneeling or performing repetitive movements, reducing injury risk.
Safety officers and compliance managers rely on this amendment to align workplace footwear protocols with international standards, promoting workforce safety and operational efficiency. Manufacturers benefit from clear guidelines on material and design requirements, facilitating global market access.
Related Standards
-
ISO 20344:2021+Amd.1:2024 - Specifies test methods for protective footwear, referenced throughout the amendment for performance validation.
-
EN 13832-3:2018 - Footwear protecting against chemicals, specifically requirements for prolonged chemical contact.
-
EN 50321-1:2018 - Covers electrically insulating footwear, complementing the scope of ISO 20347 by extending protection to live working environments.
-
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 & 2 - Guidelines for development, approval, and editorial rules for ISO standards.
Summary
ISO 20347:2021/Amd 1:2024 brings critical clarifications and enhancements to occupational footwear standards, focusing on improved protection, comfort, and compliance with chemical and electrical safety. By following these updated requirements, manufacturers and users can ensure high-quality personal protective equipment that meets contemporary workplace challenges. For detailed testing methods and further technical guidance, refer to the linked normative references and related standards. This amendment represents a significant step forward in occupational foot protection worldwide.