What are S1,S2,S3,S4,S5 rubber boots?

Under EN 20345, rubber boots and other personal protective footwear (PPE) are classified as S1, S2, S3, S4 and S5 according to different safety performance requirements, each with its own specific functional requirements. Here are the main differences between each standard category. 

1. S1 standard rubber boots

Applicable environment: suitable for general working environment, to provide basic protection.

Main requirements:

• Impact resistance: The toe should provide at least 200 joules of impact protection (i.e. against objects weighing 20kg dropped from a height of 1 meter).
• Compression resistance: The toe should provide at least 1500 Newtons of compression protection (i.e. resistance to vertical pressure).
• Antistatic: It is necessary to prevent the accumulation of static electricity and protect the wearer from static electricity.
• Moisture absorption: Shoes should have sufficient moisture absorption to maintain comfort.

Features: Suitable for low-risk working environments with no additional water or puncture resistance requirements.

2. S2 standard rubber boots

 Applicable environment: Suitable for rainy or humid environment, provide basic waterproof protection.

 Main requirements:

• All S1 requirements: including impact resistance, pressure resistance, antistatic, hygroscopic, etc.
• Water resistance: The shoes should have a waterproof design, which can effectively prevent water infiltration into the shoes.
• Function: Waterproof properties make it suitable for wearing in humid environments, such as outdoor workplaces. 

3. S3 standard rubber booots

Applicable environment: Suitable for higher-risk working environments, such as construction sites, industrial sites, etc.

Main requirements:

• All S2 requirements: including impact resistance, pressure resistance, antistatic, hygroscopic, waterproof, etc.
• Puncture resistance: The sole should have a puncture-resistant design to prevent sharp objects (such as nails, glass fragments, etc.) from penetrating the sole and injuring the foot.
• Function: Suitable for work environments with higher risk, especially where there are sharp objects on the ground.

4. S4 standard rubber boots

Applicable environment: Suitable for high waterproof requirements of the working environment.

Main requirements:

• All S1 requirements: including impact resistance, pressure resistance, antistatic, hygroscopic, etc.
• Completely waterproof: Shoes must be completely waterproof and suitable for prolonged use in wet or damp environments.
• No puncture protection requirements: Unlike the S3, puncture resistance is required, but water resistance must be up to standard.
• Function: completely waterproof, suitable for work in a lot of water or high humidity environments. 

5. S5 standard rubber boots

Applicable environment: Applicable to the environment requiring comprehensive and high-security protection, especially the high-risk environment requiring comprehensive protection. 

Main requirements:

• Requirements for all S3: impact resistance, compression resistance, anti-static, waterproof, puncture resistance, etc.
• Waterproof: Shoes must be completely waterproof.
• Puncture resistant function: The sole shall have a puncture-resistant design.
• Function: Integrates all functions of S3 and S4 to provide comprehensive protection, suitable for high-hazard working environments, especially those requiring multiple protections such as puncture resistance and water resistance.

S1,S2,S3,S4,S5 standard difference table

The standards from S1 to S5 progressively increase the protection requirements for the working environment, especially in terms of water resistance, puncture resistance, and protection against high-risk environments.

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