SIST EN ISO 20349-2:2017 PDF

Overview

EN ISO 20349-2:2017 specifies requirements and test methods for footwear that protects users against risks encountered in welding and allied processes. This CEN/ISO standard (first published 2017) updates previous editions and aligns welding/foundry footwear with general safety footwear provisions in ISO 20345. Footwear certified to EN ISO 20349-2:2017 is intended to reduce hazards from molten metal splashes, burning and other welding-related risks while retaining other safety features defined for protective footwear.

Key Topics

• Scope & classification - Defines Class I and Class II footwear for welding/foundry applications.
• Sampling and conditioning - Requirements for test sample preparation and environmental conditioning.
• General requirements - Performance expectations that supplement ISO 20345 safety footwear criteria.
• Specific requirements
  • Height of upper and upper design to limit exposure to molten metal and sparks.
  • Small molten metal splash test (based on EN 348 reference) to assess resistance to molten metal droplets.
  • Burning behaviour to determine flammability under welding conditions.
  • Innocuousness - assessment of materials for health and safety.
• Electrical properties - Guidance for antistatic and electrically insulating footwear (see EN 50321 and ISO 20345 references).
• Marking and manufacturer information - Required labels and user information including performance and limitations.
• Test methods - References to ISO 20344 test methods for footwear.

Applications

EN ISO 20349-2:2017 is used by:

• PPE manufacturers designing welding and foundry footwear to meet accepted test methods and claim conformity.
• Safety managers and procurement teams specifying appropriate safety footwear for welders, metalworkers, and foundry personnel.
• Test laboratories and certification bodies conducting mandated performance tests and issuing conformity reports.
• Regulatory/compliance officers using the standard to demonstrate conformity with EU PPE directives (see Annex ZA referencing Directive 89/686/EEC).

Practical benefits include verified protection from molten metal splash, reduced burn and ignition risk, clear electrical safety classification (antistatic vs insulating), and standardized marking for purchaser confidence.

Related Standards

• ISO 20345:2011 - Safety footwear (general requirements)
• ISO 20344:2011 - Test methods for footwear
• EN 348 - Behaviour on impact of small molten metal splashes
• EN 50321 - Electrical insulating footwear for low voltage work
• EN 15090 - Firefighting footwear (related protective considerations)

EN ISO 20349-2:2017 is essential for organizations specifying welding footwear, foundry footwear, and other protective footwear where molten metal, sparks and burning behaviour are primary hazards.