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.
