• Branding Workwear since 1984

  • FREE UK Delivery on orders over £50

  • Free Embroidery on selected products

  • Quick & Easy online ordering

Terminology & Standards Guide

Footwear Terminology Guide

Protection SB SBP S1 S1P S2 S3
Safety Cap
Safety Midsole
Antistatic
Fuel & Oil Rssitant
Energy Absorbption
Water Resistant
Type Key
Waterproof (breathable membrane) WRU
Composite Cap CCAP
Composite Midsole CMID
Metal Free or Non Metallic MFREE
ESD (electro static dissipative) ESD
Metatarsal Protection M
Heat Resistant Outsole HRO
Resistant SRA/B/C
Cold Insulation CI

Protective gloves against mechanical risks

EN388:2003

EN388: 2003

Unlimited Cut cycles

Cut test time x3

EN388:2016

EN388: 2016

Max 60 cut cycles

Cut test time x5

  • Requirements

    Performance level P (2016 ONLY)

    Impact resistance:

    Impacte resistance properties to 5J

  • Performance levels A-F (2016 ONLY)

    Straight blade cut resistance:

    (TDM cut test) Measures the average load to achieve the moment of cut-through

  • Performance levels 1-4

    d: Puncture resistance:

    Force required to pierce the sample with a standardised punch.

  • Performance levels 1-4

    c: Tear resistance:

    Maximum force required to tear the sample.

  • Performance levels 1-5

    b: Blade cut resistance: (Coup cut test):

    Number of cycles required to damage sample at constant speed.

  • Performance levels 1-4

    a: Abrasion resistance:

    Number of cycles required to damage sample at constant speed.

Test Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5
Abrasion resistance (number of cycles) 100 500 2,000 8,000 -
Blade cut resistance (index) Coup test method 1.2 2.5 5 10 20
Tear resistance (N) 10 25 50 75 -
Puncture resistance (N) 20 60 100 150 -
EN ISO 13997:1999 TDM Level A Level B Level C Level D Level E Level F
Cut resistant test levels (N) 2 5 10 15 22 30

That EN ISO 20471 has 3 Performance levels

ISO 20471 Level 3

Class 3: highest level

Highest level of protection - required for any persons working on or near motorways or dual-carriage ways or airports. Must incorporate a minimum of 0.80m2 of background material and 0.20m2 of retro-reflective materials. (4 metres of 5cm wide reflective tape).

ISO 20471 Level 2

Class 2: intermediate level

Required for any persons working on or near A and B class roads, also for delivery drivers. Must incorporate a minimum of 0.50m2 of background material and 0.13m2 of retro-reflective material. (2.60 metres of 5vm wide reflective tape)

ISO 20471 Level 1

Class 1: minimum level

Minimum level of protection required for any persons working on private road or near to be used in conjunction with a higher classed garment. Must incorporate a minimum of 0.12m2 of background material and 0.10m2 of retro-reflective material. (2 metres of 5cm wide reflective tape)