Overview
EN ISO 20349-2:2017/A1:2020 is an important amendment to the international standard for personal protective equipment (PPE), specifically focusing on footwear designed to protect against risks in foundries, welding, and allied processes. This standard, developed by ISO in cooperation with the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), specifies requirements and test methods for footwear used in welding environments. The Amendment 1 introduces modifications to annex ZA and adds a new informative annex providing critical information on heat protection.
This standard ensures that protective footwear meets essential safety and ergonomics criteria, supporting compliance with EU Regulation 2016/425 on PPE. It is widely adopted across European countries and is recognized for maintaining worker safety from welding-related hazards such as molten metal splashes, heat exposure, and mechanical risks.
Key Topics
- Protection requirements for footwear in welding and allied processes, including resistance to molten metal splashes and high temperatures.
- Test methods that evaluate heat resistance, flame resistance, mechanical strength, and other safety features of footwear.
- Thermal resistance specifications ensuring footwear can withstand conditions encountered in welding operations without compromising the wearer's safety.
- Additional protection features addressed in the amendment include:
- Perforation resistance
- Energy absorption in the seat region
- Metatarsal protection
- Cut resistance
- The inclusion of a new Annex A on Heat Protection, detailing:
- Thermal resistance and mechanical strength requirements for footwear exposed to heat and flame.
- Conditions under which footwear should provide protection against molten metal splashes and hot environments.
- Optional durability properties such as heat insulation and heat resistant outsole capabilities.
Applications
The amended standard EN ISO 20349-2:2017/A1:2020 applies to PPE footwear used in:
- Welding workshops and foundries where workers face hazards from hot metal splashes, radiant heat, and flame.
- Allied welding processes such as cutting, brazing, and soldering, which pose thermal and mechanical risks.
- Work environments requiring enhanced safety footwear designed to reduce burn injuries and protect against mechanical injuries.
- Industries needing compliance with European PPE regulations to ensure worker safety and legal conformity.
- Selection and procurement of safety footwear by safety managers and occupational health professionals focused on mitigating welding-related risks.
Related Standards
- EN ISO 20345:2011 - General safety footwear requirements, referenced extensively for ergonomics, innocuousness, and other foundational safety criteria.
- EN 50321 - Footwear for electrical protection, referenced when protection against defective or highly hazardous equipment is necessary.
- Other parts of the ISO 20349 series, which comprehensively address footwear protection in foundries and welding operations.
- EU Regulation (EU) 2016/425 - This standard supports conformity with essential health and safety requirements under this regulation.
EN ISO 20349-2:2017/A1:2020 thus provides updated, critical guidance for manufacturers, employers, and safety professionals to ensure welding and foundry workers are adequately protected against thermal and mechanical hazards. Its adoption guarantees compliance with international safety regulations and supports the development of high-quality, heat-resistant, and mechanically robust PPE footwear.
