What are S3 safety work boots?
Know your limits to stay safe on site
We throw around the term “steel caps” fairly freely these days. In conversation, it refers to virtually all types of safety boots worn on job sites.
From chemical exposure to rough building sites , foundries to factories, dock work to digging a ditch, steel cap work boots are standard.
But there’s more to work boot safety standards than you might think.
Let’s dive into the international safety standards and what it means for your protection on the job.
The steel cap safety standards you need to know
For work boots to pass muster, they must meet strict standards.
What exactly those standards involve –the tests and trials that your boots need to endure – changes slightly depending on where you work.
To simplify things, Steel Blue steel cap work boots comply with major safety specifications worldwide. Whether you’re driving a forklift in Detroit or prospecting in the Pilbara, Steel Blue boots enable you to excel in all conditions.
You’ll want an S3 work boot on construction sites: Anti-static & fully enclosed energy absorbing heel area, completely water resistant with a puncture resistant sole. All Steel Blue boots meet S3 requirements. View Steel Blue S3 safety boots here.
What are S3 safety work boots?
Safety boots carry a simple two or three letter code; entry-level models are SB which indicates that they offer toe protection. Furthermore:
- S1 = SB + Anti-static & fully enclosed energy absorbing heel area
- S1P = S1 + Puncture resistant mid-sole
- S2 = S1 + Water resistance
- S3, the highest safety standard = S2 + Puncture resistant mid-sole & cleated outsole for slip resistance.
This coding covers work boots manufactured with a composite or steel toe cap. As well as impact and compression, other safety features can include:
- Conductive protection
- Electrical Hazard (EH) protection
- Metatarsal protection
- Electrical properties
- Puncture resistance
It’s important to look for a safety boot that is fit for purpose. In an electrical hazard environment boots need to meet EH standards, and Met-Guard boots are best when metatarsal protection is needed.
EN ISO 20345
European and international PPE safety standards were synchronised in the late ’80s. Today, most of the world’s safety boots are tested against EN ISO 20345. Specifically, the 2011 revision, which was updated to include updated text and adapted tests for today’s trades.
The EN ISO 20345 sets performance benchmarks for safety boots in a range of criteria, including:
- Drop force
- Slip resistance
- Ankle support
- Heat resistance
- Water resistance
- Insole abrasion resistance
Specialist footwear standards, like EN ISO 20349-1 foundry footwear and EN ISO 17249, forestry footwear, are based on 20345 with supplementary text based on specific risks.
How to choose safety boots that will support you every day
It’s not a stretch to say labels save lives when it comes to PPE.
Steel cap work boots are required to carry a label indicating which standards they comply with and which safety features are built in.
Check these labels carefully. Some manufacturers might make confusing claims, such as promoting their work boots as “non-slip” and “water repellent”.
Here are the common label marking you should look for:
Steel Blue safety boots are built to exceed safety standards
At the end of the day, you can’t afford to compromise on comfort or safety at work.
All Steel Blue composite and steel cap work boots are tested rigorously and regularly to ensure they continue to meet your expectations.
When it comes to work safety boots, we know the difference that great equipment makes. So to help you excel at your job and get home safe every day, we’ve raised our own standards.
For example, Steel Blue safety boots feature non-slip soles that exceed international standards. They are also anti-static, dissipating accumulated electricity to prevent shocks.
We also make specialist steel cap work boots for the most challenging conditions. Steel Blue water resistant work boots, EH electrician boots, chemical-resistant boots for the oil and gas industry, and metatarsal boots are all tailor-made for your work.
Make sure you’re outfitting yourself with the best equipment. Browse the full Steel Blue range or find a retailer near you.
