EN ISO 20347:2022 PDF

Overview

EN ISO 20347:2022 is the European standard for occupational footwear as part of personal protective equipment (PPE). Developed by CEN, this standard specifies the basic and additional (optional) safety and performance requirements for occupational footwear used in a wide variety of workplaces. The footwear covered by this standard is designed to protect workers from general occupational risks, excluding specialized hazards that require dedicated standards (e.g., for firefighters or chemical protection).

This standard applies to footwear intended for general occupational use and also addresses requirements for customized insocks, customized occupational footwear, as well as individually manufactured customized occupational footwear. Importantly, EN ISO 20347:2022 does not cover high visibility properties due to practical limitations concerning workplace conditions and clothing interactions.

Key Topics

• Basic Safety Requirements: Occupational footwear must meet requirements related to mechanical risks, slip resistance, thermal risks, and ergonomic behavior to ensure user safety and comfort.
• Slip Resistance: Thorough testing for slip resistance is a core requirement, helping to reduce the risk of falls in various working environments.
• Thermal and Mechanical Protection: Footwear must provide adequate insulation from heat and cold, as well as protection from mechanical injuries.
• Ergonomics and Comfort: The standard addresses the design and fit, ensuring shoes support natural movement and minimize user fatigue.
• Material Requirements: Footwear materials are evaluated for durability, innocuousness (toxic-free), seam strength, resistance to water, and other relevant properties.
• Customization: The standard includes specifications for footwear adapted to individual needs, such as specialized insocks or custom manufacturing, ensuring inclusive protection.

Applications

Occupational footwear compliant with EN ISO 20347:2022 is essential across diverse sectors that require basic foot protection for workers without exposure to extreme or highly specialized hazards. Typical environments include:

• Healthcare: Nurses, doctors, and hospital staff who require slip-resistant and comfortable shoes for long shifts.
• Hospitality and Food Service: Chefs, kitchen staff, and cleaners benefit from enhanced slip resistance and durability.
• General Industry and Manufacturing: Workers in production, assembly, and packaging lines where basic toe protection and comfort are critical.
• Retail and Warehousing: Staff who spend long periods standing or walking need ergonomic designs and protection against common workplace hazards.
• Public Services: Cleaners, maintenance staff, and facility workers use occupational footwear that needs to be safe, supportive, and easy to maintain.
• Customized Solutions: Workers with specific medical needs or foot conditions can benefit from the inclusion of custom insocks or individually tailored designs as prescribed in the standard.

Note: Applications requiring protection against chemicals, extreme temperatures, electrical hazards, or specific dangerous machinery must refer to complementary standards for special risks.

Related Standards

EN ISO 20347:2022 is part of a family of international standards for leg and foot protection:

• EN ISO 20344: Test methods for footwear, referenced within ISO 20347 for conformity assessment.
• EN ISO 20345: Specifies requirements for safety footwear with protective toecaps for higher-risk workplaces.
• EN 13832-3: Footwear protecting against chemicals - for environments with aggressive chemical exposure.
• Complementary standards for special risks:
  • Firefighters (EN 15090)
  • Electrical insulating footwear (EN 50321)
  • Protection against chain-saw injuries (EN ISO 17249)
  • Molten metal splash and motorcycle rider protection

For full compliance, ensure EN ISO 20347:2022 is used in conjunction with the appropriate test and performance standards, as well as adhering to the EU PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425.

By following EN ISO 20347:2022, organizations ensure workers are equipped with occupational footwear that supports both safety and well-being, matching the rigors of the modern workplace.