ISO 17249:2013

Overview - ISO 17249:2013 (Safety footwear with resistance to chain saw cutting)

ISO 17249:2013 specifies requirements and test methods for safety footwear with resistance to chain saw cutting. It defines performance levels, construction and marking rules, sampling and conditioning procedures, and the mandatory chain‑saw cut test method (per EN 381-3). The standard is intended to ensure footwear protects wearers from chain‑saw blade contact in forestry, arboriculture and related work.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Performance levels: Three levels are defined by chain‑speed resistance - Level 1 (20 m/s), Level 2 (24 m/s) and Level 3 (28 m/s). Footwear must show no cut-through when tested at the appropriate speed using EN 381-3.
• Construction and protective area: A continuous protective zone (vamp, tongue and toe area) must cover the toe and forward foot. For Level 3 there shall be no gap between the protective area and the feather line. All chain‑saw protective material must be permanently attached and overlap or butt without surface gaps.
• Minimum protective height: The standard specifies minimum heights of the protective area by shoe size (examples): size ≤36 = 162 mm, sizes 39–40 = 172 mm, size ≥45 = 192 mm (see Table 3 for full breakdown).
• Sampling & conditioning: Test specimens follow ISO 20344 sampling; test pieces must be conditioned in a standard atmosphere of (23 ± 2) °C and (50 ± 5)% RH for at least 48 h, with testing begun within 10 minutes after removal.
• Additional requirements: Applies relevant ISO 20345 safety‑footwear requirements (toecaps, sole performance, slip resistance, etc.), insock/insole rules, and limits on material properties.
• Marking & information: Each item must be permanently marked with size, manufacturer ID, type designation, manufacture date (year and quarter), the ISO number ISO 17249:2013, and pictogram plus performance level.

Practical applications and users

• Who uses ISO 17249: PPE manufacturers, product designers, conformity assessment and test laboratories, procurement officers, safety managers, and regulatory bodies.
• Where it applies: Forestry, arboriculture, tree surgery, landscaping, utilities, and any industry where operators use hand‑held chain saws and require certified cut‑resistant footwear.
• Benefits: Ensures consistent protection levels, supports product certification and procurement specifications, and helps reduce chain‑saw injuries to feet.

Related standards

• ISO 20344:2011 - Test methods for footwear (sampling, conditioning, lab tests)
• ISO 20345:2011 - General safety footwear requirements and classification
• EN 381-3 - Test methods for chain‑saw protective footwear
• EN 50321 - Electrically insulating footwear (if applicable)

Keywords: ISO 17249, safety footwear, chain saw cutting resistance, chainsaw protective footwear, PPE standard, EN 381-3, ISO 20345.