Overview
EN ISO 17249:2013 - also published as ISO 17249:2013 - specifies requirements and test methods for safety footwear with resistance to chain saw cutting. Prepared by ISO/TC 94 in collaboration with CEN/TC 161, this international / European standard defines classification, performance criteria and information/marking requirements for footwear intended to reduce injury from hand‑held chain saw contact.
Key topics and technical requirements
The standard addresses practical and testable elements of protective footwear, including:
- Classification: Three performance levels of chain saw cutting resistance are specified (see Clause 6.1), selected according to different chain‑saw speeds.
- Sampling & conditioning: Test pieces follow ISO 20344 sampling rules and are conditioned at (23 ± 2) °C and (50 ± 5) % RH for at least 48 hours before testing.
- Design and construction: Requirements for upper height, seat region, stitching and overall construction to ensure consistent protection (Clauses 5.2, 6.2, 6.3).
- Mechanical performance: Whole sole performance, outsole/upper bond strength, toe‑cap impact and compression resistance, and behaviour of toecaps (see Tables 1–4).
- Chain saw cutting resistance: Specific test methods and pass criteria for resistance to chain saw cutting (Clause 6.2.3 and 6.4).
- Slip and penetration resistance: Slip ratings SRA / SRB / SRC and optional penetration resistance tests.
- Electrical and thermal properties: Provisions for antistatic or electrically insulating footwear and heat insulation of the sole complex where claimed.
- Marking and user information: Mandatory marking and information to be supplied with the footwear (Clauses 7 and 8), including instructions on protection level and limitations.
Applications and users
EN ISO 17249:2013 is intended for anyone specifying, designing, testing, procuring or using protective footwear against chain saw hazards:
- Footwear manufacturers and designers developing chain‑saw resistant boots and soles.
- Testing laboratories and certification bodies conducting conformity assessment to ISO 17249.
- Purchasing/specification teams and safety managers in forestry, arboriculture, utility and landscaping sectors who require PPE meeting defined cutting‑resistance levels.
- Regulatory and compliance personnel referencing harmonized standards for PPE conformity in the EU (see Annex ZA relating to Directive 89/686/EEC in the standard).
Related standards
Key normative references that accompany EN ISO 17249:2013:
- ISO 20344:2011 - Test methods for footwear (sampling, conditioning, general tests)
- ISO 20345:2011 - Safety footwear requirements
- EN 381‑3 - Test methods for footwear for chain saw users
- EN 50321 - Electrically insulating footwear for low voltage work
EN ISO 17249:2013 provides a practical framework for certifying and communicating the chain‑saw cutting resistance of protective footwear, helping manufacturers and buyers choose appropriate PPE for hazards involving hand‑held chain saws.