EN ISO 20349 Standard – Protection for Welding and Foundry Work in Safety Footwear

EN ISO 20349:2017+A1:2020 defines enhanced safety requirements for footwear used in high-temperature environments such as welding operations and metal foundries.

What is EN ISO 20349

EN ISO 20349 is part of the EN ISO 2034x family of standards for protective footwear. It applies specifically to boots and shoes worn in environments with thermal hazards, including molten iron, aluminum, and welding sparks.

The standard is split into two parts:

  • Part 1 (20349-1): Footwear for foundries
  • Part 2 (20349-2): Footwear for welding

Both parts of EN ISO 20349 expand on the foundational requirements of EN ISO 20345 by introducing specialized protection for high-heat environments. They add certified resistance to molten metal splashes, flame exposure, and contact heat, along with stricter design constraints and enhanced material durability to withstand extreme thermal conditions.

Key Requirements of EN ISO 20349

Footwear certified to EN ISO 20349 must meet all mandatory EN ISO 20345 criteria plus additional thermal protection features:

  • Protective toecaps (200 J impact resistance)
  • Resistance to molten metal splashes (Fe or Al marking)
  • Flame-resistant upper materials
  • Heat-resistant soles (HRO)
  • Design B or higher (low-cut shoes not permitted)
  • No exposed seams or fastenings that trap molten metal

Thermal Resistance Markings

Symbol Description
Fe Protection against molten iron (approx. 1400°C / 2552°F)
Al Protection against molten aluminum (approx. 700°C / 1292°F)
WG Welding protection (flame, sparks, contact heat)

Who needs EN ISO 20349 Footwear

Jalas Certified Safety Footwear for Welding and Foundries

0 of 0 products

Get More Knowledge

Explore All JALAS® Safety Standards

JALAS® Safety Footwear is built to meet a wide range of certified standards from impact and slip resistance to nail penetration protection and ESD. Learn how each standard keeps you safe.