How to Understand and Decode The Work Boot Safety Symbols and Ratings? – Explained!

You care about your feet and you are skeptical about your job design and workplace condition. Yeah mate, you should be! Because no one will be able to give you back what you had – if your legs are hurt. So you better continue being skeptical – coz awareness will give you the extra upper hand in ensuring your feet’ safety.

Part of this awareness includes understanding the work boot safety symbols and ratings marked on your safety work boots. I am sure many of you just wear those..without knowing what they are meant for.

like me at the beginning. if you’ve ever been frustrated trying to figure out what all these different logos, numbers, letters, and words printed on some of these work boots represent –I completely understand. I decided it was time someone made sense of all this terminology in an easy-to-understand way. That’s why I’m here; so you don’t have to feel like a fish outta water when making decisions about which protective Work boots are right for your job.

Let us ease your worries as we navigate through the US, Canadian, EU, Australian, and New Zealand’s symbols and regulations around Work boot safety together—the knowledge will help make sure you always have the best footwear protection possible!

Work Boot Safety Standards In Action – US, Canadian, and EU Work Boot Safety Standards

Work boots aren’t just about looking cool (although let’s be real, some of them are pretty darn stylish). They’re designed to keep us safe in hazardous work environments, and that’s why understanding the various safety symbols and ratings is crucial.

It’s easy to just glance at the label and assume it’s been thoroughly tested, but there’s actually a whole process behind it.

1. American (US) Safety Work Boot Standards

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) is the organization responsible for setting the standards for safety footwear in the US. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also has regulations that employers must follow to ensure their employees are wearing appropriate safety footwear.

ASTM

The ASTM has a variety of safety ratings that you’ll likely see on work boots. ASTM develops and maintains voluntary standards to help prevent workers’ injuries.

1. ASTM F2412-18 & F2412-18a: These standards set forth the requirements for foot protection testing. The testing is done to ensure that footwear provides a user with the minimum level of protection needed for the job. The test checks for the following:

• Impact Resistant Toe Caps: The shoes must withstand a certain level of force on the toe cap to protect the toes from falling objects.
• Compression Resistant: The shoes should retain a specific amount of safe space between the foot and toe cap. This keeps the toes from getting crushed or pinched in accidents like running over by vehicles or heavily moving objects.

2. ASTM F2413-18: This standard outlines mandatory test requirements for footwear that meet ASTM F2412-18 standards. Also, it provides guidelines for the following features of protective footwear:

• Impact Resistant: Shoes with this feature can withstand a certain level of force to protect the toes from falling objects.
• Compression Resistant: Shoes with this feature maintain safe spacing between the feet and toe cap.
• Metatarsal Protection: Shoes with this feature have specific guards to protect the top of the foot from damage.
• Electrical Hazard (EH) Protection: Electricians need shoes with specific insulation to protect them from electric shock.

3. ASTM F2413-11: This standard covers the minimum requirements for footwear designed to provide protection against electrical hazards.

OSHA

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a national agency of the United States Department of Labor. OSHA has established regulations for workplace environments, including mandatory standards for personal protective equipment (PPE).

• OSHA 1910.136 is the standard that specifies the requirements for protective footwear in the workplace. The standard requires that employers provide protective footwear to their employees when there is a danger of foot injuries from falling or rolling objects, or when there is a risk of electrical hazards.
• OSHA 1926.28 is the standard that specifies the requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE) in the construction industry. The standard requires that employers provide their employees with appropriate PPE, including work boots when working in hazardous environments.

It’s important to note that these standards are updated periodically, so you may see different versions referenced depending on when the boots were manufactured.

ANSI

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a private, non-profit organization that creates and publishes voluntary standards for products, services, processes, and systems. ANSI has established various standards for the proper construction and testing of protective footwear.

• ANSI Z41-1991: This standard focuses on prescribing general guidelines for designing, manufacturing, and testing protective footwear for workers.
• ANSI Z41-1999: This standard specifies the requirements, including minimum Phylon inserts, metatarsal protection, and electrical hazards for protective footwear.

2. Canadian Safety Work Boot Standards

Next up, let’s talk about Canada. In Canada, the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) is the organization responsible for setting the standards for safety footwear. The CSA has a variety of safety ratings that you’ll likely see on work boots, including:

• CSA Z195-14: This standard covers the requirements for protective footwear, including impact resistance, puncture resistance, and electrical shock resistance.
• CSA Z195-M92: This standard covers the testing and performance requirements for footwear designed to provide protection against a variety of workplace hazards.

3. EU Safety Work Boot Standards

Let’s talk about Europe. The European Union has its own set of standards, which are covered by the EN ISO (European Norm International Organization for Standardization). Some of the most common safety ratings you’ll see on work boots in Europe include:

• EN ISO 20345: This standard covers the minimum requirements for protective footwear, including impact resistance, compression resistance, and metatarsal protection.
• EN ISO 20346: This standard covers the testing and performance requirements for footwear designed to provide protection against a variety of workplace hazards.
• EN ISO 20347: This standard covers the minimum requirements for occupational footwear, including slip resistance and anti-static properties.

4. Australia and New Zealand Safety Work Boot Standards

In Australia and New Zealand, AS/NZS 2210 is the main standard for safety footwears. It incorporates the regulation for a toe cap that provides protection against an impact of 200 joules and a compression of 15 kilonewtons. This corresponds approximately to a weight of 20 kilograms falling from a height of 1 meter and a compression weight of 1.5 tonnes.

AS/NZS 2210 outlines the minimum requirements for safety footwear to provide protection to workers who are exposed to various hazards in their workplace. It covers the design and construction of safety footwear, testing procedures, labeling requirements, and the responsibilities of employers and workers.

It has 5 sub-categories with AS / NZS 2210.3 as our main point of interest:

1. AS / NZS 2210.1:2010 – Guide to selection care and use
2. AS / NZS 2210.2:2009 – Requirements and test methods
3. AS / NZS 2210.3:2009 – Specification for safety footwear
4. AS / NZS 2210.4:2009 – Specification for protective footwear
5. AS / NZS 2210.5:2009 – Specification for occupational footwear.

Decoding The Work Boot Safety Symbols

Work boot safety symbols are designed to help you identify the kind of protection each boot provides. Look for symbols, for example, that represent steel toe, insulation, puncture protection, slip resistance and more. It’s important to make sure you know what kind of safety protection is being offered in your work boots before making a purchase. Different types of work environments require different levels of safety protections so it’s important to make sure you are getting the right kind of boot for your job.

Work Boot Safety Symbols Used In America (US)

Work boots often have safety symbols on them that indicate their compliance with safety standards. Here is a table of some commonly used work boot safety symbols in the USA, their meanings/descriptions, and the professions/specialties that require them:

	Symbol & Protection	Recommended Professional
	Green Triangle with “R” in White Circle: Sole puncture-resistant	Construction, heavy machinery, and manufacturing workers
	Yellow Triangle with “R” in Black Circle: Sole electrical hazard protection	Electricians, engineers, and any worker handling live wires
	Orange Ohm Symbol in White Background: Sole electrical hazard protection	Electricians, engineers, and any worker handling live wires
	Yellow Square with “SD” and Grounding Symbol: Conductive static dissipative footwear	Workers in explosive or sensitive electronic environments
	Red Square with “C” and Grounding Symbol: Conductive electrical hazard protection	Workers in explosive or sensitive electronic environments
	White Square with Green Fig Tree: Protection against chainsaw cuts	Forestry workers, Carpenters
	Blue Square with “R”: Comfort and impact protection	Workers who stand for long periods, such as assembly line workers
	Grey Square with Black “R”: Slip-resistant sole	Restaurants, healthcare, and any profession that involves working on wet or slippery surfaces

It’s important to note that these symbols are not universal and may vary by manufacturer or industry. Therefore, workers should always consult the manufacturer’s guidelines and OSHA regulations to ensure that their boots meet the necessary safety standards for their profession.

Work Boot Safety Symbols Used in Canada

Here is a table that summarizes some of the commonly used CSA work boot safety symbols, their images or logos, their meanings or descriptions, and the professions or specialties that require them:

1. CSA Green triangle indicates sole puncture protection with a Grade 1 protective toe to withstand impacts up to 125 Joules. Comparable to a 22.7 kg (50 lb) weight dropped from 0.6 m. Sole puncture protection is designed to withstand a force of not less that 1200 Newtons (270 lbs) and resist cracking after being subjected to 1.5 million flexes.
2. CSA Yellow triangle indicates sole puncture protection with a Grade 2 protective toe to withstand impacts up to 90 Joules. Comparable to a 22.7 kg (50 lb) weight dropped from 0.4 m. Sole puncture protection is designed to withstand a force of not less that 1200 Newtons (270 lbs) and resist cracking after being subjected to 1.5 million flexes.
3. CSA Blue rectangle indicates Grade 1 protective toe without sole puncture protection. Grade 1 protective toe withstands impacts up to 125 Joules. Comparable to a 22.7 kg (50 lb) weight dropped from 0.6 m.
4. CSA Grey rectangle indicates Grade 2 protective toe without sole puncture protection. Grade 2 protective toe withstands impacts up to 90 Joules. Comparable to a 22.7 kg (50 lb) weight dropped from 0.4 m.
5. CSA White label with green fir tree symbol indicates chainsaw protective footwear. Protective features are designed into the boots to prevent a running chainsaw from cutting all the way through the boot uppers so as to protect the shins, ankles, feet and toes.
6. CSA White rectangle with orange Greek letter omega indicates soles that provide resistance to electric shock. Such certified footwear contains a sole and heel design assembly that, at the point of manufacturing, has electrical insulating properties intended to withstand 18 000 Volts and a leakage current not exceeding 1 mA.
7. CSA Yellow rectangle with green “SD” and grounding symbol indicates soles are static-dissipative. The outer soles are made from an antistatic compound, chemically bound into the bottom components, capable of dissipating an electrostatic charge in a controlled manner. The test criteria are 106 to 108 Ohms. Note that SD footwear without toe protection will not have sole protection certified by CSA.
8. CSA Red rectangle with black “C” and grounding symbol indicates soles are electrically conductive. The outer soles are made from a conductive compound that is permanently bound to the bottom components to provide electrical grounding of each foot. Test criteria are 0 to 500 000 Ohms.

	Symbol & Protection	Recommended Industry
	CSA Green triangle: Sole puncture protection with a Grade 1 protective toe	For any industry, especially construction and heavy work environments, where sharp objects, such as nails are present.
	CSA Yellow Triangle: Sole puncture protection with a Grade 2 protective toe	For light industrial work environments requiring puncture protection as well as toe protection
	CSA Blue Rectangle: Indicates Grade 1 protective toe without sole puncture protection	For industrial work environments not requiring puncture protection.
	CSA Grey Rectangle: Indicates Grade 2 protective toe without sole puncture protection	For institutional and non-industrial work environments not requiring puncture protection.
	CSA White label with green fir tree symbol: Indicates chainsaw protective footwear	For forestry workers and others exposed to hand-held chain saws or other cutting tools.
	CSA White rectangle with orange Greek letter omega: Indicates soles that provide esistance to electric shock	For any industry where accidental contact with live electrical conductors can occur. Warning: Electrical Shock Resistance deteriorates with wear and in wet environments.
	CSA Yellow rectangle with green “SD” and grounding symbol: Indicates soles are static-dissipative	For any industry where a static discharge can create a hazard for workers or equipment.
	CSA Red rectangle with black “C” and grounding symbol: Indicates soles are electrically conductive	For any industry where static discharge may create a hazard of explosion.
	CSA Yellow Rectangle with black “SD+”: Indicates static-dissipative with grade 2 protective toe. Offers static electricity protection between 106 ohms to 3.5 X 107 Ohms	For light industrial work environments requiring static discharge protection as well as toe protection

Some Other Work Boot Safety Symbols Used Worldwide

	Symbol & Protection	Recommended Industry
	Black rectangle with the letter “M”: Indicates metatarsal protection from injuries due to falling of heavy objects; This also requires toe protection at the same time	Welders, miners, and other professions where there is a risk of heavy object impact
	Metal or Steel Toe (MT) Protection	Construction, heavy machinery, and manufacturing workers
	Steel Plate (SP) Protection	Construction, heavy machinery, and manufacturing workers
	Composite Toe (CT) Protection	Construction, heavy machinery, and manufacturing workers
	Composite Plate (CP) Protection	Construction, heavy machinery, and manufacturing workers

It’s important to note that these CSA symbols are not universal and may vary by manufacturer or industry. Therefore, workers should always consult the CSA guidelines and regulations to ensure that their boots meet the necessary safety standards for their profession.

Decoding The Safety Work Boot Ratings

Ok folks..After knowing the work boot safety standards and safety symbols, it is a must for you to understand the safety work boot ratings used in USA, Canada, EU countries and Australia/New Zealand. This is of utmost importance to understand these ratings to ensure the safety and comfort of your feet while you are at work. Here is a brief overview of the key standards we have discussed so far:

• USA – ASTM F 2413-11/OSHA 1910.136/ANSI Z41 PT 99, C/75 Classification
• Canada – CAN/CSA Standard Z195-09, Grade 1 Classification
• EU Countries – EN ISO 20345:2011/A1:2013, SB-P SRA
• Australia/New Zealand – AS/NZS 2210.3:2009, Class 1 Classification

The safety ratings are derived based on the above standards. Safety ratings are also associated with understanding some safety abbreviations. Let us diga bit deeper.

Work Boot Safety Abbreviations

In different continents, different work boot safety abbreviations are used which are associated with respective work boot safety standards. A comparative table of these region-wise abbreviations is depicted below for your easy consumption:

Hazard	Risk Covered	EU, AU & NZ Abbreviation	US and CAN abbreviation
Sharp object underfoot	Penetration resistant midsole	P	PR
Dropped object – metatarsal area	Metatarsal guard	M	Mt
Dropped object – Toe area	Toe cap impact resistance	–	I 75
Crush injuries	Toe cao compression resistance	–	C 75
Side impact	Ankle guard	AN
Sharp object	Cut resistance (except chainsaw)	CR
Hot surface	Heat resistant sole	HRO
Hot environment	Heat insulation	HI
Cold environment	Cold insulation	CI
Wet environment	Water resistance	WR WRU
Welding Hazard	Protection for small splashes of molten metal for welding operations	WG
Electrical hazard	Electrical hazard resistance	–	EH
Static electricity – explosives, sensitive equipment, etc.	Anti-static footwear	A	SD
Explosives, volatile chemicals, static electricity	Conductive footwear	C	Cd
Fuel Oil	Fuel oil resistance	FO
Body loading	Heel energy absorption	E
Slip Resistance Type A	Slip resistance to soap (SRS) on ceramic tyles	SRA
Slip Resistance Type B	Slip resistance to fat (glycerol) on steel	SRB
Slip Resistance Type C	Conforms to both SRA & SRB	SRC

Work Boot Safety Categories

Based on the Safety standards and abbreviations, there are some safety categories used in EU work boots. They are:

Category	Requirements
SB	Basic requirements
S1/01	Basic requirements + followings: • Closed back • Antistatic • FO resistance to hydrocarbons • Heel energy absorption capacity
S2/02	S1 requirements + Dynamic impermeability of the upper use material
S3/03	S2 requirements + followings: • Anti-foil lamina • Sole with dowels
S4/04	Basic requirements + followings: • Antistatic • Heel area energy absorption • FO resistance to hydrocarbons
S5	S4 + followings: • Anti-foil lamina • Sole with dowels

How to Decode the Label of a Safety Work Boot?

Eh..that’s pretty easy mate..we’ve known enough from so far we’ve discussed – safety standards, symbols, abbreviations and categories. Safety labels on the tongue of a work boot is basically a summary of all these. Each line has it’s own meaning. Let’s see how easily we can decode that.

Decoding US/CAN Work Boot Safety Labels

The ASTM/OSHA label on the tongue of a safety work boot provides valuable information about the level of protection the footwear provides. It is essential to understand how to read the label line-by-line to ensure that you are choosing the right safety shoe for your working conditions.

ASTM safety info is generally enclosed in a black rectangle. Above and below, there may be other info related to brand and manufacturing details.

For your better understanding, ASTM specifically outlines regulations for 08 protective features:

• Impact protection
• Metatarsal protection
• Compression protection
• Electrical hazard protection
• Static dissipation
• Puncture resistance
• Dielectric insulation
• Chainsaws

Inside the ASTM black rectangle, the meaning of the lines are:

• Line 1: The boot meets the performance criteria specified in the specified standard, according to this line. ASTM F2413 is the standard in this instance.
• Line 2: The format of this line is: Gender(M or F) (SPACE OR BACKSLASH) Impact (I) and Compression (C) ratings (SPACE OR BACKSLASH) another safety category.
  For example: M I/75/C/75 Mt75 — Here, the boot is for a male, the Impact rating of the shoe – 50 of 75 pounds, and the Compression rating – 75 or 50 correlates to 2,500 pounds or 1750 pounds respectively. Also, Metatarsal protection rating (Mt) is provided.
• Line 3: This line indicates which standards the shoe may be in compliance with, depending on the manufacturer. Puncture Resistant (PR) and Static Dissipative (SD) are terms used to describe the shoe in this example.

Decoding EU, Australia & New Zealand’s Work Boot Safety Labels

Like the US/CAN safety work boot labels, EU/AU/NZ safety boots’ labels also have specific zones and meanings for each line.

The following table combines the safety categories, requirements and ratings for the EU/AU/NZ safety footwear:

Here is an informative video guide by Matt Hudson for easy understanding of the safety labelling:

So..How to Choose The Most Perfect Safety Work Boots That Match Your Profession & Workplace?

It’s time to step up your footwear game with some kick-butt safety work boots that match your profession and workplace. We’re not talking about those flimsy sneakers you wore in college, oh no. We’re talking about boots that will protect your feet from all sorts of dangers and make you look like a boss while doing it. So, strap on those hard hats and get ready to take notes, because we’ve got 15 top tips to help you select the perfect pair of work boots. Warning: may cause uncontrollable laughter and excessive boot-buying.

1. Know your environment: Did you know that nearly 25% of workplace accidents involve slips, trips, and falls? Make sure to choose boots with slip-resistant soles, especially if you work in wet or oily conditions.
2. Size matters: It’s not just about comfort, folks. A whopping 90% of foot injuries occur when workers wear shoes that are either too small or too large. Get fitted properly and make sure your boots fit like a glove (or, well, a boot).
3. Consider your profession: Are you a construction worker, electrician, or firefighter? Different professions have different safety requirements, so make sure your boots meet the specific needs of your job.
4. Think about the season: In cold weather, insulated boots are a must to keep your toes from turning into icicles. On the other hand, breathable boots are essential in hot weather to prevent sweaty, uncomfortable feet.
5. Don’t skimp on quality: It’s estimated that employers pay over $1 billion per week for direct workers’ compensation costs. Investing in a high-quality pair of boots can help prevent workplace injuries and save you and your employer money in the long run.
6. Look for ASTM certification: The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) sets safety standards for footwear. Make sure your boots meet ASTM requirements for your profession.
7. Consider the weight: If you’re on your feet all day, heavy boots can weigh you down and cause fatigue. Look for lightweight options that still provide adequate protection.
8. Think about the terrain: Do you work on uneven surfaces or rough terrain? Choose boots with sturdy, supportive soles to keep your feet stable and prevent ankle injuries.
9. Don’t forget about comfort: You’ll be wearing your work boots for hours on end, so make sure they’re comfortable. Look for features like cushioned insoles and breathable linings.
10. Consider electrical hazards: If you work around electricity, choose boots with non-conductive soles to prevent electrical shocks.
11. Think about slip-on vs. lace-up: Slip-on boots may be more convenient, but lace-up options provide a more customizable fit and better ankle support.
12. Consider the price: While high-quality boots are worth the investment, you don’t necessarily need to break the bank. Look for options that fit your budget while still providing adequate safety features.
13. Don’t forget about style: Yes, safety is the most important factor, but that doesn’t mean you can’t look good while you work. Choose boots that fit your personal style and make you feel confident on the job.
14. Think about durability: Work boots take a beating, so choose a pair that can withstand the wear and tear of your job.
15. Get recommendations: Don’t just rely on online reviews. Talk to your coworkers and other professionals in your industry to get recommendations for the best safety work boots for your specific job.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before The Farewell

At the end of the day, when it comes to choosing safety work boots you need something that fits your profession and job needs and is comfortable and safe. With so many options available on the market, finding a pair can seem daunting but don’t worry – if all else fails just remember: “If the shoe fits… wear it!” A wise person once said that. Okay, maybe not but hopefully these tips will help make sure you find a great-fitting boot for whatever job or activity you are doing.

No matter what type of work you do, it’s important to invest in a pair of quality safety boots that provide the protection and comfort needed for your job. Take some time to consider all the factors we discussed – from ASTM certification and electrical hazards to slip-on vs lace-up styles. Ultimately, if you take into account these tips when buying safety footwear, you can be sure that your feet will stay safe and comfortable on any job site.