What is EN 1460:2012?

EN 1460:2012 is a technical standard that specifies the requirements and test methods for safety footwear. It sets out the minimum performance levels that safety footwear should meet in order to provide protection to the wearer. This standard, developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), applies to all types of safety footwear including shoes, boots, and clogs.

The Purpose of EN 1460:2012

The purpose of EN 1460:2012 is to ensure that safety footwear provides adequate protection against various workplace hazards. It aims to prevent or reduce the risk of injuries caused by impact, compression, and penetration. The standard also addresses other factors such as slip resistance, water resistance, and ergonomic design to ensure the overall comfort and safety of the wearer.

Requirements of EN 1460:2012

EN 1460:2012 specifies various requirements that safety footwear must meet. These include:

Resistance to impact: Safety footwear should be tested to withstand a specified level of impact force without causing any damage to the wearer's toes.

Compression resistance: The footwear should have the ability to withstand a certain amount of pressure without collapsing or deforming, protecting the wearer from potential crushing injuries.

Penetration resistance: It should be able to resist penetration by sharp objects such as nails and metal fragments.

Slip resistance: Safety footwear should provide good traction on different surfaces to prevent slips and falls.

Water resistance: Depending on the intended use, safety footwear may need to provide some level of water resistance to protect the wearer's feet from moisture.

Ergonomic design: EN 1460:2012 also sets guidelines for the design and construction of safety footwear to ensure proper fit, comfort, and usability.

Conclusion

EN 1460:2012 is an important standard for safety footwear that helps protect workers from various hazards in the workplace. By setting minimum performance levels and test methods, it ensures that safety footwear provides adequate protection against impacts, compressions, penetrations and other workplace risks. Compliance with this standard not only enhances worker safety but also promotes a more productive and accident-free work environment.