ISO 22568-1:2019

Overview

ISO 22568-1:2019 specifies requirements and test methods for metallic toecaps, intended as components of PPE footwear (e.g., for use with ISO 20345 and ISO 20346). The standard defines performance, dimensional limits and laboratory test procedures so manufacturers, test laboratories and procurement teams can demonstrate the mechanical and corrosion resistance of metallic toecaps before assembly into safety or protective footwear.

Key topics and requirements

• Types: Two toecap constructions are defined - Type A and Type B - to cover different footwear designs.
• Dimensional requirements
  • Minimum internal toecap length (mm): ≤5 → 34; 6 → 36; 7 → 38; 8 → 39; 9 → 40; ≥10 → 42.
  • Width of flange (inside), e: not greater than 12 mm (if a flange is present).
• Mechanical performance
  • Impact resistance: tested at either (100 ± 2) J (protective footwear) or (200 ± 4) J (safety footwear). Minimum clearance under toecap after impact is size- and type-specific (examples below).
  • Compression resistance: tested at either (10 ± 0.1) kN or (15 ± 0.15) kN, with the same clearance requirements and acceptance criteria regarding cracks or sharp edges.
  • Minimum clearance under toecaps (example values, mm):
    • Size ≤5: Type A 19.5 | Type B 23.5
    • Size 6: Type A 20.0 | Type B 24.0
    • Size 7: Type A 20.5 | Type B 24.5
    • Size 8: Type A 21.0 | Type B 25.0
    • Size 9: Type A 21.5 | Type B 25.5
    • Size ≥10: Type A 22.0 | Type B 26.0
• Corrosion resistance: after testing, toecaps shall show no more than three areas of corrosion, none exceeding 2 mm in any direction.
• Finish and safety: toecaps must be free from surface marks, burrs and sharp edges.
• Sampling and test reports: typical sampling is one right and left per size for most tests; corrosion testing uses three samples of different sizes. The standard prescribes details to include in test reports.
• Measurement uncertainty: the standard recommends statistical or mathematical approaches (e.g., ISO 5725-2, ISO/IEC Guide 98 series, JCGM 100) for uncertainty estimation.

Applications and users

ISO 22568-1 is used by:

• Metallic toecap manufacturers to design and validate components.
• Safety and protective footwear manufacturers to select compliant components for ISO 20345 / ISO 20346 footwear.
• Testing laboratories and certification bodies performing impact, compression and corrosion testing.
• Procurement, compliance and PPE managers who require documented component performance for product specifications and supplier evaluation.

Keywords: ISO 22568-1, metallic toecaps, toecap test methods, PPE footwear, impact resistance, compression resistance, corrosion resistance, ISO 20345, safety footwear.

Related standards

• ISO 20345 / ISO 20346 / ISO 20347 (safety and protective footwear)
• ISO 5725-2; ISO/IEC Guide 98-3; ISO/IEC Guide 98-4; JCGM 100:2008 (measurement uncertainty guidance)