Safety Categories and definitions.

PB

• Toe protection tested to 100 Joules

SB

• Toe protection tested to 200 Joules impact and 15,000 Newtons compression

S1

• Toe protection tested to 200 Joules Impact and 15,000 Newtons compression
• Antistatic
• Energy absorbing heel

S2

• Toe protection tested to 200 Joules impact and 15,000 Newtons compression
• Antistatic and Energy absorbing heel
• Water resistant upper

S3

• Toe protection tested to 200 Joules impact and 15,000 Newtons compression
• Antistatic
• Energy absorbing heel
• Water resistant upper
• Penetration resistant sole

S4

• Toe protection tested to 200 Joules impact and 15,000 Newtons compression
• Antistatic and Energy absorbing heel
• Waterproof polymer upper

S5

• Toe protection tested to 200 Joules impact and 15,000 Newtons compression
• Antistatic
• Energy absorbing heel
• Waterproof polymer upper
• Penetration resistant sole

HRO

• Resistance to high heat 300ºc

P

• Penetration resistance 1100 Newtons

WR

• Water resistant

SRA

• Tested on ceramic wetted tile contamination with a diluted soap solution.

SRB

• Tested on smooth steel contamination with glycerol.

SRC

• Passes SRA & SRB tests

Sole Materials

PU       Polyurethane, is a synthetic material:
Flexible and lightweight
Resistant to 130°C heat, oil and low concentration acids/alkalis and solvents

N         Nitrile rubber, is a synthetic rubber copolymer of acrylonitrile and butadiene:
More resistant than natural rubber to oils and acids, not as strong or flexibility
Better puncture-resistance than natural rubber

R          Rubber, (vulcanised caoutchouc) produced from the latex sap:
Resistant to 200°C (300 if HRO) heat, oil, low concentration acids/alkalis and solvents

VR        Vulcanised Rubber, Vulcanization chemically combines the rubber and sulfur.

PVC     PVC , is a water resistant polymer:

             Resistant to minerals, oil and fats. Resistant to 90°C heat, oil and low concentrations acids/alkalis and solvents.

PVN     PVC/Nitrile, PVC combined with Nitrile to produce a harder wearing sole:

             Resistant to 100°C heat, oil and low concentration acids/alkalis and solvents

PH       Phylon, compressed ethylene vinyl acetate, expanded using heat and cooled in a mould.

            Light and flexible with good cushioning.

RPH     Rubber/Phylon combined, usually with rubber in the midsole for flexible and resilient cushioning.

Uppers

Leather:

A processed natural product. Has durability, elasticity and ability to keep its shape. Holds heat and resists moisture.

Nubuck

(not to be confused with suede) Nubuck is a top-grain rawhide leather with good strength, thickness and resistance to wear. Nubuck is fine leather that has been sanded on the grain side. Fine calfskin and cowhides are normally used in the manufacture Nubuck remains water-resistant for a long time, is extremely supportive.