A Guide To Safety Ratings In Work Footwear

When it comes to buying a new pair of boots, either for work or for leisure, it is important to understand what safety benefits you will gain from them.

It can be a little confusing to look at the description of a great pair of boots and see nothing but letters and numbers, not knowing the significance of what they mean. We have put together a quick guide to these codes, so that you can quickly find out what safety features each pair of boots has and decide which is best for you.

Safety Key

• SB - Safety Basic - This is the basic toe protection level, meaning they should have a 200 joule impact protection
• SRA - Slip resistant - Tested on ceramic tile that has been dampened with dilute soap solution
• SRB - Slip resistant - Tested on smooth steel with glycerol lubricant
• SRC - Slip resistant - Tested under SRB and SRA conditions
• HRO - Heat resistant up to 300 degrees for up to 60 seconds
• WRU - Water resistant leather uppers
• A - Anti static electrical resistance on the sole of the boot
• P - Midsole penetration resistance outsole of 1100 newtons
• E - Heel energy absorption of 20 Joules to give extra comfort
• CI - Cold insulated upper certified to -17 ºC to keep your feet warm

Shortcodes for combinations:

Often boots are rated with the codes below, which describe a combination of the features in the list above.

• S1/S1P - This is a combination of SB, A and E, or SB, A, E and P
• SB-P - This is a combination of SB and P
• S2 - This is a combination of S1 and WRU
• S3 - This is a combination of S2 and P
• S4 - This is S1, with a moulded upper of rubber or polymer
• S5 - This is S3, with uppers are made from rubber or polymeric material

At Tanner Trading we have a huge range of work footwear including dealer boots, safety wellies, rigger boots and safety boots which meet the above safety certifications from top brands such as Buckler, Bekina, Dickies and more.

Sources

https://ppeworksolutions.co.uk/pages/safety-boots-codes-explained-guide

https://www.buckbootz.com/quick-links/technology

https://www.electricaltrademagazine.co.uk/feature/safety-boot-ratings