A new standard has arrived, mainly to bring the test methods up to date and more aligned with modern materials and to remove ambiguity from current footwear labelling. Major changes from the 2011 version are:
Slip resistance markings:
The 2011 slip resistance markings of SRA, SRB and SRC no longer exist. It is now considered a mandatory part of safety footwear and will not carry a mark. There is an option for an additional slip test to be carried out, which will be marked with an SR symbol.
The slip resistance test has also changed – now on a ceramic tile surface not a steel plate and using different lubricants. With the heel and forepart of the boot being tested, not the flat.
Scuff cap abrasion resistance test added:
A new test for the durability of the scuff cap has been added, intended to establish its capabilities of protecting the toecap. This has a symbol of SC if it is passed (after 1,000 abrasion cycles).
Ladder grip test added:
A ladder grip test assesses the suitability of the footwear for use on ladder rungs and tests the area which rests on the rung (between the heel and forepart of the boot below the arch) to a fire-fighter standard. The symbol for passing this is LG.
Perforation resistance test changed:
The term ‘penetration resistance’ has changed to ‘perforation resistance’.
If the insert is a steel plate, the markings haven’t changed, it is still P.
There are two test methods for NMAPI inserts, which stand for non-metal anti-perforation inserts, more commonly known as a composite insert or insole. Of these two test methods, the difference is the diameter of the nail used for the test, to represent different environments.
PL means the footwear was tested for general risks with a nail 4.5mm in diameter.
PS means the footwear was tested with a nail 3mm in diameter.
Crucially, a boot, shoe or trainer cannot have more than one marking, it is either P, PL or PS.
The higher test to pass being the PS test as it is a finer gauge and will penetrate the footwear more easily.
Water resistant symbols changed:
Examples of new categories are:
- S7 (metal insert type P) the same level of protection as S3 but with the addition of WR to the whole of the footwear.
- S7L (non-metal insert type PL) the same level of protection as S3 but with the addition of WR to the whole of the footwear.
- S7S (non-metal insert type PS) the same level of protection as S3 but with the addition of WR to the whole of the footwear.
Markings & Classes:
