ISO 22568-3:2019

Overview

ISO 22568-3:2019 specifies requirements and test methods for metallic perforation resistant inserts used as components in PPE footwear (e.g., safety, protective and occupational footwear covered by ISO 20345, ISO 20346 and ISO 20347). The standard enables manufacturers, test laboratories and procurement teams to demonstrate and verify the mechanical perforation resistance, flexing durability and corrosion performance of metallic inserts before they are incorporated into footwear.

Key Topics and Requirements

• Perforation resistance (nail test)

  • Inserts must withstand a minimum perforation force of 1 100 N when tested per the method in Clause 5.1.
  • Test uses a dedicated apparatus: compression/force machine (≥ 2 000 N capacity), clamping plates with a 25 ± 0.2 mm opening and a standardized test nail (conical, 30 ± 2° angle; diameter 4.50 ± 0.05 mm; truncated tip 1 ± 0.02 mm; hardness HRC ≥ 60).
  • Test speed: 10 ± 3 mm/min; measurements at three points (≥ 30 mm apart), report the minimum value.

• Flexing resistance

  • Inserts must show no visible cracking, disintegration or delamination after 1 × 10^6 (one million) flexion cycles (Clause 4.3 / 5.2).
  • Flexing apparatus: guided flex line, clamping with elastic interlayers, test frequency 16 ± 1 Hz, zero position distance 70 ± 1 mm. Two sizes of ready-shaped inserts are tested.

• Corrosion resistance

  • After salt/fog exposure (Clause 5.3), inserts shall show no more than three corrosion areas, each no larger than 2 mm in any direction.

• Sampling & reporting

  • Unshaped metallic plates: minimum size > 40 mm × 40 mm.
  • Documentation must reference ISO 22568-3:2019 and include full sample descriptions and any deviations from the test methods.

Applications and Who Uses This Standard

• Footwear component manufacturers - to design and validate metallic perforation resistant inserts for safety shoes and boots.
• Safety footwear manufacturers - to select compliant inserts that meet PPE footwear performance requirements.
• Testing and certification laboratories - to carry out standardized perforation, flexing and corrosion tests and produce conformity reports.
• Procurement and safety managers - to specify performance-based acceptance criteria for PPE footwear and components.
• Regulatory and compliance professionals - to align product documentation with international test methods.

Keywords: ISO 22568-3:2019, metallic perforation resistant inserts, perforation resistance, flexing resistance, corrosion resistance, PPE footwear, test methods, safety footwear.

Related Standards

• ISO 20345 - Safety footwear
• ISO 20346 - Protective footwear
• ISO 20347 - Occupational footwear

For implementation, users should follow the test procedures and reporting requirements in ISO 22568-3:2019 and consult national testing bodies or accredited labs for formal conformity assessment.