Workplace safety is one of the most important aspects of industrial operations and constructions, and personal protective equipment (PPE) plays a main role in minimizing severity. Among PPE, safety footwear is very important for preventing injuries caused by falling objects, sharp materials, slips, electrical hazards, and other workplace risks. In India, safety footwear is regulated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) through IS 15298 (Part 2): 2011, which is harmonized with the international standard ISO 20345:2004.
This standard specifies the basic and additional requirements for safety footwear, ensuring they provide adequate protection to workers across industries such as construction, mining, manufacturing, and firefighting.
Contents
Scope of the Standard
The standard defines safety footwear as footwear equipped with protective toecaps, designed to withstand an impact energy of at least 200 Joules and a compression load of 15 kN. These protective features safeguard workers against common workplace accidents.
Classification of Safety Footwear
Footwear is classified into two categories:
- Class I – Made from leather and other materials (excluding all-rubber or polymeric footwear).
- Class II – All-rubber (vulcanized) or all-polymeric (moulded) footwear.
Designs vary from low shoes, ankle boots, half-knee boots, knee-height boots, to thigh boots, depending on the protection required.
Basic Requirements
The standard outlines a set of fundamental requirements applicable to all safety footwear:
- Toecap Protection: Must resist an impact of 200 J and compression of 15 kN.
- Bond Strength: The bond between the upper and outsole must withstand a force of at least 4.0 N/mm.
- Leakproofness: Footwear should not allow air or water leakage.
- Ergonomics: Must pass ergonomic assessments for wearer comfort and safety.
- Material Quality:
- Uppers must meet minimum thickness, tear strength, tensile strength, and hydrolysis resistance.
- Linings and insocks must meet tear strength, abrasion resistance, water vapour permeability, and pH value requirements.
- Outsoles must resist abrasion, flexing, fuel oil, and hydrolysis.
Additional Requirements
Depending on workplace risks, footwear may need to meet specialized requirements:
- Penetration Resistance (P) – Protection against sharp objects using a steel or non-metallic midsole.
- Electrical Properties:
- Conductive (C) footwear: Dissipates static electricity.
- Antistatic (A) footwear: Prevents ignition risks from electrostatic charges.
- Electrically insulating (I) footwear: Protects from electric shocks.
- Heat and Cold Insulation – Ensures protection in extreme temperatures.
- Energy Absorption (E) – Reduces impact at the heel.
- Water Resistance (WR/WRU) – Prevents water penetration.
- Metatarsal Protection (M) – Guards the upper foot against impacts.
- Cut Resistance (CR) – For professions such as forestry workers using chainsaws.
- Hot Contact Resistance (HRO) – Ensures outsole durability against high surface temperatures.
Marking of Safety Footwear
Every pair of certified safety footwear must be clearly and permanently marked with:
- Manufacturer’s identification.
- Footwear size and type.
- Standard reference (IS 15298 Part 2 / ISO 20345).
- Category (e.g., SB, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5) depending on protection features.
For example:
- SB: Basic protection.
- S1: SB + Antistatic + Energy absorption.
- S2: S1 + Water resistance.
- S3: S2 + Penetration resistance + Cleated outsole.
- S4: Antistatic, energy absorption (polymeric/rubber).
- S5: S4 + Penetration resistance + Cleated outsole.
Information to be Supplied
Manufacturers must provide users with instructions and safety guidelines, including:
- Proper fitting and usage.
- Limitations (e.g., temperature range, electrical risks).
- Maintenance and cleaning instructions.
- Obsolescence or replacement timelines.
- Specific precautions for conductive, antistatic, or insulating footwear.
Importance of IS 15298 (Part 2): 2011
This standard ensures that safety footwear:
- Protects workers from crushing, piercing, electrical, and thermal hazards.
- Aligns Indian industries with global safety practices.
- Provides a reliable basis for certification, procurement, and compliance with occupational safety laws.
IS 15298 (Part 2): 2011 serves as a comprehensive guideline for the design, manufacture, and certification of safety footwear in India. By adhering to this standard, organizations not only comply with legal requirements but also significantly enhance workplace safety.
In high-risk industries, safety footwear is not just protective equipment but a life-saving necessity. Employers must ensure that all workers are equipped with BIS-certified footwear suitable for their specific job environments.
