WHAT ARE EN STANDARDS? WHICH SAFETY STANDARDS SHOULD EVERY EMPLOYER KNOW?
Workplace safety is ensured not only by following safety procedures but also by selecting properly certified Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The European EN standards define the requirements that workwear and protective equipment must meet to provide reliable protection.
In this article, we explain the most important EN standards and what they mean.
EN ISO 20345 – Safety Footwear
EN ISO 20345 is the primary European standard for protective safety footwear. Footwear certified under this standard is equipped with a protective toe cap capable of withstanding an impact of at least 200 Joules.
The standard includes several safety categories:
S1 – Designed for dry working environments. Features antistatic properties and energy absorption in the heel.
S1P – Includes all S1 features plus a puncture-resistant midsole.
S2 – Includes S1 features and a water-resistant upper.
S3 – The most commonly used safety class. Features a water-resistant upper, puncture-resistant midsole, and slip-resistant outsole.
S5 – Typically used for rubber or PVC safety boots designed for heavy industrial environments.
This standard is widely used in construction, manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, and the oil & gas industry.
EN ISO 20471 – High Visibility Clothing
EN ISO 20471 specifies the requirements for high-visibility protective clothing.
Its purpose is to ensure that workers remain highly visible to others and to vehicle operators during both daylight and low-light conditions.
The standard is divided into three visibility classes:
Class 1 – Minimum visibility.
Class 2 – Intermediate visibility.
Class 3 – Highest level of visibility and maximum protection.
These garments are commonly used in:
- Road construction
- Airports
- Ports
- Logistics
- Railways
- Municipal services
EN 388 – Protective Gloves Against Mechanical Risks
EN 388 specifies the protection levels of gloves against mechanical hazards.
The gloves are tested for:
- Abrasion resistance
- Cut resistance
- Tear resistance
- Puncture resistance
- ISO 13997 cut resistance
- Impact protection (where applicable)
The numbers and letters printed on the glove indicate the results of these tests.
This standard is particularly important for workers in metalworking, construction, automotive manufacturing, assembly operations, and industrial production.
EN 397 – Industrial Safety Helmets
EN 397 is the primary European standard for industrial safety helmets.
Helmets certified under this standard are tested for:
- Shock absorption
- Penetration resistance
- Chin strap performance
- Reliability under specified temperature conditions
This standard is essential for workers in construction, manufacturing, mining, and heavy industry.
EN 166 – Eye Protection
EN 166 is the fundamental European standard for safety eyewear and face shields.
It evaluates protection against:
- Flying particles
- Mechanical impacts
- Liquid splashes
- Dust
- Optical quality
This standard is widely used in manufacturing, laboratories, metalworking, woodworking, and construction.
EN 352 – Hearing Protection
EN 352 applies to hearing protection devices such as earmuffs and earplugs.
The standard specifies the product's:
- Noise reduction performance
- Comfort
- Safety requirements
Selecting appropriate hearing protection helps prevent occupational hearing loss in noisy workplaces.
EN ISO 13688 – General Requirements for Protective Clothing
EN ISO 13688 establishes the general requirements for protective clothing.
It covers:
- Ergonomics
- Sizing
- Comfort
- Material safety
- Marking
- User information and instructions
This standard is typically used together with other specific EN standards and confirms the overall quality of protective clothing.
Conclusion
When choosing workwear and personal protective equipment, it is important to consider not only the appearance or price of a product but also the EN standards it complies with.
Products that meet the appropriate standards improve worker safety, reduce workplace risks, and help employers comply with legal and occupational safety requirements.
At Safe Line, the workwear, safety footwear, and personal protective equipment we supply are carefully selected in accordance with international EN standards to meet the needs of various industries.
If you need assistance selecting the right products for your business, our team will be pleased to help you find the most suitable solution.