Safety Standards & Certifications For Work Boots in Australia

The best safety work boots are made in compliance with standards and certifications that are set in place to ensure both quality and safety. In Australia, the AS 2210.3:2019 standard is a specific part of the AS/NZS 2210 series that focuses on safety footwear with protective toe caps. AS 2210.3:2019 outlines standards for impact and compression resistance, requiring toe caps that can withstand impacts of up to 200 joules and compression loads up to 15 kN. It also provides guidance on conducting appropriate risk assessments for various work environments.

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In Australia, safety standards play a crucial role in ensuring that protective footwear meets stringent requirements for various workplace hazards. The AS/NZS 2210 Series is particularly essential for occupational safety as it specifies requirements and testing methods for protective footwear, ensuring it meets high standards for durability, impact protection, slip resistance, and other safety features.

The AS/NZS 2210 Series can be broken down into the following categories: 

AS/NZS 2210.1:2010 – General Requirements for Occupational Protective Footwear

AS/NZS 2210.1:2010 sets out the general requirements for occupational footwear used in a range of industries. It covers aspects like material durability, structural integrity, and ergonomic features, ensuring that footwear provides basic protective functions and comfort. Compliance with this part ensures that footwear is suitable for the overall needs of workers and can withstand daily wear.

AS/NZS 2210.2:2009 – Methods of Testing Protective Footwear

AS/NZS 2210.2:2009 outlines specific testing methods for evaluating the effectiveness of protective features in footwear, including resistance to impact, compression, and environmental factors like water and heat. It ensures that each pair of certified boots has been rigorously tested for the protection it claims to offer.

AS/NZS 2210.3:2019 – Specifications for Safety Footwear with Toe Caps

AS/NZS 2210.3:2019 is focused on footwear that includes protective toe caps, specifying requirements for impact resistance (up to 200 joules) and compression resistance (up to 15 kN). It is especially important for industries where workers face high risks of injury from falling or rolling objects, ensuring toe caps provide a critical level of protection.

AS/NZS 2210.4:2019 – Test Methods for Slip Resistance

AS/NZS 2210.4:2019 addresses slip resistance, specifying test methods for evaluating outsole materials and tread patterns. This standard is key for industries such as healthcare, food services, and construction, where slip risks are high. Compliance ensures that the footwear provides adequate grip to prevent workplace slips and falls.

AS/NZS 2210.5:2009 – Additional Requirements for Specialized Footwear

AS/NZS 2210.5:2009 covers additional, specialised requirements, such as footwear for use in electrical or chemical environments. It includes specifications for penetration resistance, electrical insulation, water resistance, and metatarsal protection, making it essential for high-risk environments requiring advanced protective features.

The AS/NZS 2210 Series ensures that all protective footwear in Australia is suitable for varied workplace conditions, helping to reduce injury risks. By meeting these standards, manufacturers demonstrate that their products provide dependable safety and align with occupational health and safety (OH&S) guidelines.

In addition to the Australian AS/NZS standards, many Australian workplaces recognize international safety standards like ASTM F2413-18 and ISO 20345:2011. These global standards help ensure that footwear meets comparable safety requirements worldwide.

ASTM F2413-18 (American Society for Testing and Materials)

ASTM F2413-18 is a prominent safety footwear standard in the United States. It specifies requirements for footwear to protect against various hazards, including impact, compression, puncture, and electrical risks. This standard is vital for manufacturers selling in North America, as it ensures that boots provide adequate protection against key workplace hazards. ASTM-compliant footwear often includes labels indicating the type and level of protection offered, allowing consumers to choose appropriate boots for specific risks.

ISO 20345:2011 (International Organization for Standardization)

ISO 20345:2011 is a European standard for safety footwear widely recognized internationally, covering similar aspects to ASTM and AS/NZS standards, including impact resistance (up to 200 joules), slip resistance, and sole puncture resistance. Footwear that meets this standard is suitable for a range of industrial environments and aligns with many international safety requirements. Compliance with ISO 20345 helps ensure that protective footwear provides reliable protection in line with global best practices.

Both ASTM F2413-18 and ISO 20345:2011 certifications serve as additional quality indicators, reassuring Australian workers and employers that footwear meets or exceeds recognized international safety criteria.

Buying footwear that complies with safety standards is always a smart investment. Maintaining compliance with industry safety standards can present you with a slew of benefits, including: 

• Increased Worker Safety: Arguably the most important advantage is the safety of your workers. Certified safety boots play a critical role in safeguarding workers from various hazards, significantly lowering the chances of workplace accidents and injuries.
• Legal Fortitude: Complying with relevant regulations ensures that employers meet legal obligations. Failing to provide suitable protective footwear can lead to fines, penalties, and legal repercussions.
• Improved Morale & Productivity: When workers perceive that their safety is prioritised, it can lead to higher job satisfaction and morale, which, in turn, enhances productivity and fosters a more positive workplace culture.
• Reduced Workers' Compensation Costs: Preventing injuries through proper footwear can result in substantial savings for employers by minimising the costs associated with workers' compensation claims.

When shopping around for your next pair of safety work boots, we suggest that you factor in the following considerations… 

• Access Workplace Hazards: Identifying the potential risks of your workplace - such as falling objects, sharp materials, electrical dangers, or slippery surfaces - can quickly and accurately help you determine the necessary protective features you need to look out for in your next pair of safety boots.
• Comfort & Fit: The importance of correct sizing can not be overstated: it is essential in maintaining both comfort and safety. Look for boots with ergonomic designs and breathable materials, especially for long shifts.
• Material Considerations: Look out for safety boots that feature toe caps protection, and decide whether you would prefer steel caps or composite toe caps. Steel caps tend to offer more protection, but may also be heavier and more conductive to electricity. Composite toe caps are typically lighter and non-conductive, making them suitable for environments with electrical risks.
• Compliance Verifications: Always ensure that all safety boots are clearly marked with the AS/NZS 2210 standard to confirm they meet the required safety criteria. This ensures the boots are reliable and safe to use.

In the interest of both safety and performance, always remember that the best safety work boots are manufactured in line with strict standards and certifications designed to guarantee both safety and quality. In Australia, the AS 2210.3:2019 standard outlines the requirements for impact and compression resistance, ensuring that work boots offer reliable protection. Compliance with such standards helps ensure that the footwear is suitable for various workplace hazards, safeguarding workers' well-being while meeting legal and safety expectations. You can browse WorkArmour’s selection of safety work boots here, or check out our many other products here. For all inquiries, don’t be afraid to hit us up directly here.