Slip resistance indicates how much grip a shoe provides on different types of surfaces. The level of slip resistance required depends on the working environment and the conditions in which the work is carried out. In the current standards EN ISO 20345:2022+A1:2024 and EN ISO 20347:2022+A1:2024, slip resistance is indicated by the SR classification. This test assesses a shoe’s grip under specified conditions and helps in selecting a suitable shoe for the working environment.
When is slip resistance important?
Slip resistance is a factor in many working environments. Consider, for example, workplaces where:
- floors may become wet due to water or cleaning products
- there may be oil or grease on the floor
- there are slippery tiles or metal floors
- there is a lot of walking or turning whilst working
This is the case in sectors such as:
- logistics and transport
- the food industry and the hospitality sector
- healthcare
- facilities management
- industry and manufacturing
In these working environments, footwear with good slip resistance helps to reduce the risk of slipping and to maintain stability whilst moving.
Slip resistance in the latest standard (SR)
In the EN ISO 20345:2022 standard, slip resistance is an integral part of the test for safety footwear. This means that all safety footwear is tested for grip as standard. In addition, a shoe may be awarded the additional SR classification. This means that the shoe has undergone additional testing for grip on a ceramic tile floor treated with a glycerine solution.
This test simulates a slippery floor with oily or greasy liquids. The designations SRA, SRB and SRC originate from an earlier version of the standard and are still frequently used for existing models.
SRA
A safety shoe with an SRA classification has been tested on a ceramic tile floor with a soap and water solution. This test simulates situations where a floor may be wet and slippery. SRA is used in working environments such as:
- healthcare facilities
- kitchens and the hospitality sector
- food production
- facilities management
In these environments, grip on wet floors is important for moving around safely.
SRB
A safety shoe with SRB classification has been tested on a steel floor with glycerine. This test is intended for situations where oily or greasy liquids may be present on the floor. SRB is used in working environments such as:
- industry
- workshops
- maintenance environments
- technical installations
In these environments, the floor may become slippery due to oil, grease or other industrial liquids.
SRC
SRC is the most comprehensive classification within this range. An SRC-classified safety shoe has passed both the SRA and SRB tests. This means that the shoe provides grip on:
- wet floors with soapy water
- slippery surfaces with oily liquids
SRC is often chosen in working environments where conditions vary or where extra grip is required.
Slip resistance and safety standards
Slip resistance is a property covered by the safety standard, but is separate from the safety class of the shoe. A safety shoe with, for example, S1P, S2, S3, S3S or O2 may have passed various slip resistance tests, depending on the model and sole construction. That is why, when choosing safety footwear, it is important to consider not only the safety class, but also the slip resistance and the working environment.