Overview
ISO 20349-2:2017 - Personal protective equipment - Footwear protecting against risks in foundries and welding - Part 2: Requirements and test methods for protection against risks in welding and allied processes - specifies performance requirements and test methods for welding footwear and allied protective footwear. Footwear that conforms to ISO 20349-2 also meets other safety footwear requirements in ISO 20345. The standard targets risks typical of welding and allied processes, including molten metal splashes, heat and flame exposure, and material innocuousness.
Key Topics and Requirements
- Classification: Two classes - Class I (leather or mixed materials) and Class II (all‑rubber or all‑polymeric moulded footwear).
- Design & height: Minimum upper height (Design B) and upper design rules to avoid features that trap molten metal on the front two‑thirds of the boot. The vamp must be a single piece; tongues must be covered.
- Molten metal splash test: Conducted per EN 348 on the whole upper assembly; at least 25 droplets are required to produce a 40 °C temperature rise.
- Burning behaviour: Compliance with EN 15090:2012 (clause 6.3.3) for burning behaviour (excluding outsole).
- Innocuousness: Materials must not release substances known to be toxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic, allergenic, or otherwise harmful in normal use; see ISO/TR 16178 for critical substances guidance.
- Performance matrix: Aligns with ISO 20345 requirements for toe protection, slip resistance (SRA/SRB/SRC options), sole performance, flexing, abrasion, hydrolysis, hot contact resistance (HRO), etc.
- Optional/claimed properties: Perforation resistance (P), antistatic (A), electrically insulating (EN 50321), cold insulation (CI), heat insulation (HI), metatarsal protection (M), ankle protection (AN), cut resistance (CR), water resistance (WR).
- Sampling & conditioning: Tests performed on smallest, one middle and largest sizes; material samples allowed if full pieces aren’t available.
- Marking & information: Mandatory markings include manufacturer name, unique product code, month/year of manufacture, size, ISO 20349-2:2017 reference, WG marking for welding protection, and pictograms (ISO 7000‑2417 heat/flame; ISO 7000‑1641 “see instructions”). Manufacturers must supply user instructions, compatibility guidance with trousers/gaiters, and inspection/damage criteria.
Applications and Users
Who uses ISO 20349-2:2017:
- PPE and safety footwear manufacturers and designers developing welding/foundry boots
- Testing laboratories and certification bodies performing compliance testing
- Occupational safety managers and procurement specialists specifying protective footwear for welding, fabrication, foundry, and allied industries
- Standards and compliance teams aligning products to ISO 20345 and sector regulations
Practical benefits:
- Clear test methods and acceptance criteria for molten metal and heat protection
- Guidance to minimize burn/entrapment hazards from footwear design
- Consistent marking and information for end‑user safety and procurement
Related Standards
- ISO 20345:2011 - Safety footwear (general requirements)
- ISO 20344:2011 - Test methods for footwear
- EN 348 - Small molten metal splash test
- EN 15090:2012 - Firefighter footwear burning behaviour
- EN 50321:1999 - Electrically insulating footwear
Keywords: ISO 20349-2:2017, welding footwear, protective footwear, molten metal splash test, safety footwear, PPE for welding, foundry footwear, test methods, marking, innocuousness.