EN ISO 20349-1:2017/A1:2020 PDF

Overview

EN ISO 20349-1:2017/A1:2020 (CEN adoption of ISO 20349-1:2017 Amendment 1:2020) is a PPE standard for foundry footwear. It specifies requirements and test methods for footwear protecting against risks in foundries (Part 1) and, through Amendment A1, adds informative guidance on heat and flame protection (new Annex B). The European foreword and Annex ZA indicate the standard supports conformity with Regulation (EU) 2016/425 when cited in the Official Journal.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope: Requirements and test methods specifically aimed at protection against foundry hazards including contact with hot surfaces and molten metal.
• Amendment highlights:
  • Addition of Annex B (informative) explaining heat and flame resistance properties and practical considerations for foundry footwear.
  • Note added after Figure 2 directing readers to Annex B for heat/flame protection.
• Heat & flame performance details (from Annex B):
  • Footwear shall be flame resistant (not burning/glowing for more than 2 s after 10 s contact with a specified test flame).
  • Thermal criteria include the wearer being able to stand at 250 °C for at least 10 minutes before skin reaches pain threshold (~42 °C).
  • Outsole resistance: able to resist damage for 40 minutes on a 250 °C floor; does not collapse after 1 minute at 300 °C.
  • Upper stability: dimensionally stable for 5 minutes at 180 °C and heat resistant for short-term exposure (at least 6 s at 500 °C).
  • Molten metal resistance is identified by symbols: Fe (iron) and Al (aluminium).
  • Maximum removal time after molten metal splash: 5 seconds per shoe.
• Additional protections: Annex B acknowledges the need for other resistances (perforation P, energy absorption E, metatarsal M, cut resistance CR) depending on combined hazards.
• Cross-references: Several clauses reference EN ISO 20345:2011 for ergonomics, innocuousness, slip resistance and mechanical protection; Annex ZA maps clauses to Regulation (EU) 2016/425.

Practical applications

• Used to specify, design, test and certify safety footwear for foundry environments where molten metal, high radiant heat and flame are hazards.
• Guides procurement teams, safety managers and PPE specifiers when selecting appropriate foundry boots and complementary PPE (aprons, gaiters, gloves, hoods).
• Provides test laboratories and conformity assessment bodies with normative context and performance criteria for labeling and marking.

Who should use this standard

• PPE manufacturers and product developers
• Occupational safety professionals and EHS managers in foundries and metallurgical plants
• Test laboratories and notified bodies performing conformity assessment
• Procurement specialists specifying protective footwear for high-temperature processes

Related standards

• EN ISO 20345:2011 (general safety footwear requirements referenced)
• EN 50321 (live working - footwear for electrical protection) referenced in Annex B bibliography

Keywords: EN ISO 20349-1:2017/A1:2020, foundry footwear, PPE, heat and flame resistance, molten metal protection, safety footwear, test methods.