Overview
ISO 20349-2:2017/Amd 1:2020 is an essential international standard governing personal protective footwear designed specifically for protection against risks encountered in welding and allied processes. This amendment updates Part 2 of the ISO 20349 series, focusing on the requirements and test methods for footwear that protects workers from hazards such as heat, molten metal splashes, and flame in foundries and welding environments.
Developed by ISO Technical Committee ISO/TC 94 and Subcommittee SC 3 in collaboration with the European Committee for Standardization (CEN/TC 161), this document targets manufacturers, safety professionals, and users to enhance workplace safety through standardized, high-performance protective footwear.
Key Topics
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Heat and Flame Resistance
Footwear must possess thermal resistance and mechanical strength suitable for the extreme conditions of welding and allied processes. The amended clause emphasizes resistance to spontaneous ignition, heat flux, and molten metal splashes.
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Molten Metal Splash Protection (WG symbol)
The footwear upper must withstand at least 25 small molten metal splashes without the internal temperature rising by more than 40 °C, ensuring protection from burns during welding tasks.
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Flame Resistance
The upper material of the footwear is tested to not burn or glow for more than 2 seconds after 10 seconds of exposure to a specified test flame, safeguarding against fire hazards.
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Optional Heat Resistant Properties
Additional protective features can include:
- Heat Insulation (HI): Footwear prevents significant internal temperature increase when standing on floors heated to 150 °C for 30 minutes.
- Heat Resistant Outsole (HRO): Outsole sustains no damage after one minute of contact at 300 °C.
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Mechanical Hazard Protection
Welding environments may present risks beyond heat, requiring footwear with:
- Perforation resistance (P)
- Energy absorption in the seat region (E)
- Metatarsal protection (M)
- Cut resistance (CR)
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Integration with Other PPE
Footwear should be used alongside complementary personal protective equipment such as flame-resistant clothing, gloves, aprons, hoods, and gaiters, based on comprehensive workplace risk assessments.
Applications
This ISO amendment is highly relevant for industries and workplaces where welding and related processes are routinely conducted, including:
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Foundries and Metal Fabrication Plants
Ensuring workers’ feet are protected from intense heat, sparks, and molten metal splashes that are common during casting, welding, and cutting operations.
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Maintenance and Repair in Heavy Industry
Workers involved in welding repairs or allied tasks can rely on this standardized footwear to reduce injury risks.
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Occupational Safety Programs
Safety managers and procurement specialists use this standard to specify compliant footwear, thus ensuring regulatory compliance and minimizing workplace accidents.
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Footwear Manufacturers and Designers
Detailed test methods and performance criteria aid manufacturers in developing and certifying footwear that meets global safety expectations for welding hazards.
Related Standards
- ISO 20349 Series - Encompasses all parts related to footwear protecting against risks in foundries and welding.
- EN 50321 - Specifies footwear for electrical protection when working live; mentioned as a related standard when electrical hazards co-exist with welding risks.
- Other ISO/TC 94 Standards - Cover various personal protective equipment for enhanced safety assurance in industrial settings.
Conclusion
ISO 20349-2:2017/Amd 1:2020 amendment strengthens the standardization of protective footwear tailored for welding and allied processes by clarifying key protection criteria against heat, flame, and molten metal splashes. Adherence to this updated standard ensures that professionals working in hazardous thermal environments receive effective foot protection to reduce injury risks and enhance occupational health and safety compliance. For organizations aiming to safeguard welding personnel and improve PPE effectiveness, this standard is a critical benchmark.