EN ISO 20345 Explained โ What UAE Workers & Employers Need to Know
If you've ever bought safety shoes in the UAE, you've seen "EN ISO 20345" on the label. But what does it actually mean? What protection does it guarantee? And how do you verify a shoe is genuinely certified versus just claiming to be? This guide explains the standard completely โ in plain language โ for UAE workers and employers.
What Is EN ISO 20345?
EN ISO 20345 is the international standard for safety footwear. The 2011 edition of ISO 20345 has been withdrawn and replaced by ISO 20345:2021, and EN ISO 20345:2022 is the European adoption of ISO 20345:2021 and supersedes EN ISO 20345:2011. The standard specifies basic and additional (optional) requirements for safety footwear used for general purpose.
The standard covers:
- Toe cap impact resistance โ minimum 200 joules
- Toe cap compression resistance โ minimum 15 kilonewtons
- Outsole slip resistance on defined surfaces
- Upper materials and construction requirements
- Additional optional properties (anti-static, puncture resistance, water resistance, etc.)
The S1/S2/S3 Categories Explained
Within EN ISO 20345, shoes are categorised by the additional protective properties they include beyond the basic standard (SB โ Safety Basic):
| Category | Properties Included | Typical UAE Use |
|---|---|---|
| SB | 200J toe cap + 15kN compression only | Light industrial, hospitality, retail |
| S1 | SB + closed heel + anti-static + energy absorption at heel | Warehousing, light manufacturing, logistics |
| S1P | S1 + puncture-resistant midsole (Kevlar or steel) | Construction, civil works, general industrial |
| S2 | S1 + water-penetration and absorption resistance | Outdoor work, wet surface environments |
| S3 | S2 + puncture resistance + cleated outsole | Heavy construction, outdoor industrial, civil engineering |
| S4 | All-rubber or polymer boot, water-resistant, anti-static | Chemical handling, extreme wet environments |
| S5 | S4 + puncture resistance + cleated outsole | Heavy chemical environments |
How to Read Certification Markings on a Shoe
A genuinely certified safety shoe will have specific markings stamped or printed on the inner lining or outsole โ not just on the packaging:
- CE marking โ required for European market certification
- EN ISO 20345:2011 โ the specific standard version
- S1P / S2 / S3 โ the protection category
- Size marking โ EU size stamped on the inner lining
How to Spot Fake or Non-Certified Safety Shoes in UAE
Some shoes marketed as "safety shoes" may not be certified. Here's how to identify them:
- No certification marking on the shoe itself โ only on the box or marketing material
- Vague certification claims โ "meets safety standards" or "safety tested" without specifying EN ISO 20345 is meaningless
- No official brand documentation โ legitimate brands can provide test certificates on request
Employer Obligations Under UAE Law
Under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 (the UAE Labour Law), employers must provide a safe and appropriate work environment, including appropriate safety gear to protect workers from injuries and occupational hazards. Which footwear a site requires depends on the employer's risk assessment and the site's rules.
In Abu Dhabi, the ADOSH-SF Code of Practice on personal protective equipment applies to all employers in the emirate. It requires PPE to be provided to exposed employees at no cost to them (with limited exceptions), kept in good repair and replaced, and it requires worker training and records of training and PPE issued.
SLIMTA's Certification
Every SLIMTA safety shoe is independently tested and certified to EN ISO 20345:2011 by an accredited European notified body. Certification documentation is available on request for all models. The certification marking appears on the inner lining of every shoe.
Genuinely Certified Safety Shoes โ UAE Stock
EN ISO 20345:2011 independently certified ยท All models ยท From AED 119
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