Overview
EN ISO 20344:2021/A1:2024 is Amendment 1 to the European adoption of ISO 20344:2021 - the international test methods for personal protective footwear. Published by CEN/ISO in 2024, this amendment updates specific test procedures, sampling and reporting rules used to verify the performance of PPE footwear (toecaps, ankle protection, uppers, soles, membranes and other components).
Key topics and technical changes
This amendment clarifies and revises a number of test-method details (selected highlights from the official text):
- Conditioning and timing - defined conditioning conditions (23 ± 2 °C and/or 50 ± 5 % RH) and a maximum of 10 minutes between removal from conditioning and test start unless otherwise stated.
- Sampling and test pieces - updates to Table 1 specifying sample quantities and sizes (e.g., sampling across small–medium–large sizes, distinct requirements for toecaps, ankle protectors and membrane areas).
- Reporting requirements - standardized reporting statements for many test clauses (e.g., scuff cap, air leakage, water penetration, flexing, abrasion), and explicit notes where measurement uncertainty is not applicable.
- Specific test method revisions - amendments include procedural details for kneel/crouch tests (new figure/positions), water penetration (trough filling depths, paces), flexing resistance (cam speed: 370 ± 30 flexes/min), abrasion and lining membrane failure, non‑metallic perforation‑resistant inserts, and ankle impact testing (strike point location and fixation).
- Sampling for ankle protection - requirements to take samples from small/medium/large footwear for outer and inner protectors where claimed.
Practical applications and users
This amendment is essential for organizations that design, manufacture, test or procure protective footwear:
- Footwear manufacturers and R&D teams - to align product test procedures with the latest European/ISO test methods.
- Independent testing laboratories - to implement the updated sampling, conditioning and reporting rules for conformance testing.
- Conformity assessors and notified bodies - to verify compliance with PPE footwear requirements.
- Procurement specialists and safety officers - to specify validated test results when selecting PPE footwear for workplaces.
- Standards and regulatory professionals - to maintain up-to-date national adoption and withdrawal timelines (implementation by July 2024 noted in the amendment).
Related standards
- ISO 20345 (safety footwear classifications) - referenced for geometric definitions (H) and hybrid footwear details.
- ISO 14268 - referenced for specific test sequencing (pre‑test and testing times).
- ISO 20349-2 - example of related requirements for damage assessment in footwear standards.
Keywords: EN ISO 20344, ISO 20344:2021/Amd 1:2024, test methods for footwear, PPE footwear testing, foot protection standards, CEN amendment.
