PPE and workwear glossary
What the codes on safety boots, hi-vis, gloves, masks and workwear labels mean, in plain English. 108 terms, with worked examples of real markings and links to the kit each one applies to.
Updated November 2026
Safety footwear
Most safety footwear on sale is certified to EN ISO 20345:2022. Boots made to the older 2011 edition are still sold, so you will see both sets of codes.
- EN ISO 20345
The standard for safety footwear. Every compliant shoe or boot has a toe cap tested against a 200-joule impact and 15 kN of compression, and carries a class code (SB, S1 to S7) showing what else it protects against.
Example: EN ISO 20345:2022 S3S SR — a 2022-standard S3 boot with a non-metallic midsole tested against a fine nail, and the extra slip test passed.
- EN ISO 20346
Protective footwear: a toe cap tested to 100 joules, half the safety-footwear level. Marked with PB rather than SB, and P1 to P7 rather than S1 to S7.
- EN ISO 20347
Occupational footwear with no toe cap, marked OB and O1 to O7. Suits work where the risk is slips or wet rather than falling or rolling objects.
- Toe cap
The protective cap over the toes. Steel and non-metallic (composite) caps both pass the same 200-joule test; composite is lighter, doesn’t conduct cold and won’t set off metal detectors.
- S1
SB plus a closed heel area, antistatic properties (A) and an energy-absorbing heel (E). For dry indoor work.
- S1P, S1PL and S1PS
S1 plus a midsole that resists nails and sharp objects underfoot. The letters after S1 say which kind of midsole and which nail it was tested with — see P, PL and PS.
- S2
S1 plus an upper that resists water penetration and absorption (WPA). No penetration-resistant midsole.
- S3, S3L and S3S
S2 plus a penetration-resistant midsole and a cleated (deep-tread) outsole. The traditional all-rounder for construction and outdoor sites; L and S give the midsole type, as for S1P.
- S4 and S5
The classes for all-rubber or all-polymer footwear such as safety wellingtons. S4 is the basic waterproof boot with antistatic and heel energy absorption; S5 adds a penetration-resistant midsole and cleated sole.
- S6 and S7
Added in the 2022 edition. S6 is S2 with the whole boot waterproof (WR); S7 is S3 with the whole boot waterproof. S7S — waterproof with a non-metallic midsole tested against the finer nail — is a common choice for wet UK sites.
- P, PL and PS (penetration resistance)
How the midsole stops nails. P is a metal (steel) midsole. PL and PS are non-metallic midsoles: PL is tested with a 4.5 mm nail, PS with a finer 3.0 mm nail, which is the harder test.
Example: S3S — an S3 boot with a non-metallic midsole that passed the 3.0 mm nail test.
- SR (slip resistance)
Under the 2022 edition every safety shoe must pass a basic slip test on tiles with detergent. SR means it also passed the harder test on tiles with glycerine, which is closer to an oily floor.
- SRA, SRB and SRC
Slip codes from the older 2011 edition: SRA tested on ceramic tile with detergent, SRB on steel with glycerine, SRC passed both. Still seen on boots made to the 2011 standard.
- WR (water resistance)
The whole boot, seams included, kept water out in a walking test. Stronger than WPA, which covers only the upper material.
- WPA (and the old WRU)
The upper resists water penetration and absorption. Part of S2 and S3. Called WRU in the 2011 edition.
- HRO (heat-resistant outsole)
The outsole withstands contact with a 300°C surface for a minute without melting or cracking. For hot surfaces such as asphalt work and foundries.
- CI and HI (cold and heat insulation)
CI: the sole unit is insulated against cold, tested at −17°C. HI: insulated against heat from below, tested on hot sand at 150°C.
- A, C and ESD (antistatic, conductive and ESD)
A (antistatic) lets static drain away slowly and is part of S1 and above. C (conductive) drains it very quickly, for explosives work. ESD footwear meets a tighter range for electronics work and sites with sensitive equipment.
- E (energy absorption)
The heel absorbs at least 20 joules of impact, cushioning the shock of walking and stepping down. Part of S1 and above.
- FO (fuel oil resistance)
The outsole resists swelling and softening in fuel oil. Part of S1 to S3 under the 2011 edition but optional, and marked separately, under the 2022 edition.
- LG and SC (ladder grip and scuff cap)
New optional codes in the 2022 edition. LG: the sole has a defined heel and tread pattern that grips ladder rungs. SC: the toe has a scuff cap that stands up to abrasion, for kneeling work.
- M, AN and CR
Optional extra protection: M is a metatarsal guard over the top of the foot, AN is ankle protection, and CR is a cut-resistant upper (for chainsaw work, use dedicated chainsaw boots).
Hi-vis and weather
- EN ISO 20471
The standard for high-visibility clothing for work. It sets the colour of the fluorescent fabric (yellow, orange or red), how much of it there must be, and how much retroreflective tape, giving Class 1, 2 or 3.
Example: EN ISO 20471 Class 2 with “25” beside the wash symbol — Class 2, still compliant after 25 washes.
- Hi-vis Class 1
The lowest class: at least 0.14 m² of fluorescent fabric and 0.10 m² of reflective tape. Usually trousers or shorts, worn with a hi-vis top to reach a higher class.
- Hi-vis Class 2
At least 0.50 m² of fluorescent fabric and 0.13 m² of tape. The usual minimum for general site and roadside work — a standard hi-vis vest is Class 2.
- Hi-vis Class 3
At least 0.80 m² of fluorescent fabric and 0.20 m² of tape — in practice a garment with sleeves, or a top and trousers worn together. Needed on motorways, high-speed roads and rail.
Example: A Class 2 jacket worn with Class 1 trousers can be certified as a Class 3 combination, as long as the two are certified together.
- Fluorescent background material
The bright yellow, orange or red fabric. It makes the wearer stand out in daylight and dusk, but does little in the dark — that is the tape’s job.
- Retroreflective tape
Tape that bounces light straight back towards its source, such as vehicle headlights, so the wearer shows up at night. It wears with washing, which is why hi-vis has a maximum wash count.
- Maximum wash count
The number printed beside the wash-tub symbol on hi-vis: the number of washes the garment was tested to and still met its class. If no number is shown, it was tested to 5 washes.
- RIS-3279-TOM
The GB railway standard for hi-vis. It requires orange hi-vis to EN ISO 20471 and sets minimum requirements for people on or near the line. Many rail clients add their own rules, so check the contract.
- EN 17353
Enhanced-visibility clothing for medium-risk situations outside the scope of work hi-vis — for example cyclists, walkers and some volunteers. Not a substitute for EN ISO 20471 at work.
- EN 343
The standard for rainwear. The label shows two numbers: water penetration resistance (class 1 to 4) and breathability (class 1 to 4). Higher is better on both.
Example: EN 343 4 4 — the top class for both waterproofing and breathability.
- Breathability (RET)
How well a fabric lets sweat vapour out. Measured as RET: the lower the number, the more breathable. Under EN 343 class 4 is the most breathable; class 1 garments carry a recommended maximum wearing time.
- EN 14058
Garments for cool environments, down to about −5°C — jackets, bodywarmers and thermal layers worn outdoors in a UK winter.
- EN 342
Clothing for protection against serious cold, below −5°C, such as cold stores and freezer work. The label gives the insulation value and air permeability.
- GORE-TEX®
A brand of waterproof, breathable membrane laminated into outerwear. GORE-TEX® workwear is tested as a finished garment, not just as fabric.
- Softshell
A stretchy, close-woven jacket fabric with a fleece-backed inside. Windproof and showerproof rather than fully waterproof — good for active work in dry or changeable weather.
Flame, arc and chemical protection
- EN ISO 11612
Clothing that protects against heat and flame. The label shows which hazards it was tested against, each as a letter with a number for the level reached — the higher the number, the more protection. A is limited flame spread (A1 and/or A2), B convective heat (1–3), C radiant heat (1–4), D molten aluminium splash (1–3), E molten iron splash (1–3) and F contact heat (1–3). A letter that isn’t shown wasn’t tested.
Example: A1 A2 B1 C1 E3 F1 — doesn’t spread flame from either face or edge ignition; the base level against convective heat, radiant heat and contact heat; the top level against molten iron splash; not tested against molten aluminium.
- A1 and A2
The two limited-flame-spread tests in EN ISO 11612 and EN ISO 11611. A1: a flame is held to the face of the fabric. A2: a flame is held to its edge. Either way the fabric must not burn on, drip or form a hole.
- EN ISO 11611
Protective clothing for welding and allied processes. Class 1 is for lower-risk welding with fewer spatters (such as gas and TIG); Class 2 for higher risk with more spatter and radiant heat (such as MMA and MIG, or confined spaces).
- IEC 61482-2
Clothing that protects against the heat of an electrical arc flash. Garments are tested by the box test (giving APC 1 or APC 2) and/or the open arc test (giving an ATPV or ELIM value in cal/cm²).
Example: IEC 61482-2 APC 1, ATPV 12 cal/cm² — passed the 4 kA box test, and an open-arc rating (ATPV) of 12 cal/cm². Your risk assessment gives the incident energy the garment needs to exceed.
- APC 1 and APC 2
Arc protection class from the box test. APC 1 is tested at a 4 kA arc, APC 2 at 7 kA. APC 2 is the higher level.
- ATPV, ELIM and EBT
Open-arc test results, in cal/cm²; higher is better. ATPV: the energy at which there is a 50% chance of a second-degree burn behind the fabric. ELIM: the highest energy at which no test showed a burn — a more cautious figure. EBT: given instead of ATPV when the fabric breaks open first.
- EN 1149-5
Electrostatic dissipative clothing: the garment lets static drain away rather than spark. For flammable atmospheres such as fuel and gas sites — worn with antistatic footwear so the charge has a path to earth.
- FR (flame-retardant)
Fabric that self-extinguishes rather than burning on. Inherent FR fibres keep the property for life; treated fabrics rely on a finish that must be laundered as the label says.
- Multinorm
A garment certified to several standards at once — for example hi-vis, flame (EN ISO 11612), arc (IEC 61482-2) and antistatic (EN 1149-5) — for jobs with more than one hazard, such as utilities and rail.
- Type 6 (EN 13034)
Disposable or reusable clothing that gives limited protection against light sprays and splashes of liquid chemicals.
- Type 5 (EN ISO 13982-1)
Protection against hazardous dry particles such as dust and fibres. A Type 5/6 disposable coverall is the usual choice for dusty and light-splash work.
- Type 3 and Type 4 (EN 14605)
Liquid-tight clothing: Type 4 is spray-tight, Type 3 withstands a pressurised jet of liquid. For chemical handling beyond what Type 6 covers.
- EN 1073-2
Protection against radioactive particle contamination. Often listed alongside Type 5/6 on disposable coveralls used for asbestos and other hazardous dust.
- EN 14126
Protection against infective agents such as bacteria and viruses. Shown with a biohazard symbol on coveralls for healthcare, drainage and clean-up work.
- ISO 15797
The garment has been tested as suitable for industrial laundering and finishing, so it keeps its colour and protection through a commercial laundry contract.
- EN ISO 13688
General requirements that all protective clothing must meet — sizing, fit, comfort and materials that are safe against the skin. Listed alongside the specific protection standard.
Gloves
- EN 388
The standard for gloves against mechanical risks. The shield symbol has four numbers and up to two letters: abrasion (1–4), coup cut (1–5), tear (1–4), puncture (1–4), TDM cut (A–F) and P if the glove passed the impact test. X means not tested or not applicable.
Example: 4X43C P — abrasion 4, coup cut not applicable, tear 4, puncture 3, TDM cut level C, impact protection passed.
- Cut levels A to F (ISO 13997)
The fifth character of EN 388: the force needed to cut through the glove with a straight blade. A is at least 2 newtons, B 5 N, C 10 N, D 15 N, E 22 N and F 30 N. Level C is a common minimum for sheet metal and glass handling.
- Coup test
The older cut test, the second number of EN 388. A rotating blade cuts until it goes through. Cut-resistant fibres blunt the blade and skew the result, so for those gloves the coup score is shown as X and the TDM letter is the one to read.
- P (impact protection)
The sixth character of EN 388, shown only if the glove passed the impact test on its knuckle and back-of-hand protection. For heavy handling, oil and gas, and demolition.
- EN ISO 374-1 (Type A, B and C)
Gloves against chemicals. Type A resists at least 6 of the listed test chemicals for at least 30 minutes each; Type B at least 3 for 30 minutes; Type C at least 1 for 10 minutes. The letters under the flask symbol name the chemicals tested.
Example: EN ISO 374-1 Type A, JKLOPT — passed against six test chemicals, including sodium hydroxide (K) and sulphuric acid (L).
- Breakthrough time
How long a chemical takes to get through the glove material, graded 1 (10 minutes) to 6 (480 minutes). Check the time for your chemical, not just the glove’s type.
- EN ISO 374-5
Gloves that protect against bacteria and fungi; “VIRUS” under the symbol means it also passed the virus test. Common on disposable gloves.
- EN 407
Gloves against heat and fire. Six numbers: limited flame spread, contact heat, convective heat, radiant heat, small splashes of molten metal and large quantities of molten metal. Contact heat level 1 is 100°C, 2 is 250°C, 3 is 350°C and 4 is 500°C.
- EN 511
Gloves against cold. Three numbers: convective cold (0–4), contact cold (0–4) and water penetration (0 or 1).
- EN 12477
Welders’ gloves. Type A gives more protection and less dexterity (MMA and heavier welding); Type B gives more dexterity for precise work such as TIG.
- EN ISO 10819
Anti-vibration gloves. They reduce some vibration from power tools, but don’t replace limiting exposure time under the vibration regulations.
- EN 60903
Electrically insulating gloves for live working, in classes 00 (up to 500 V AC) to 4 (up to 36,000 V AC). Must be inspected and air-tested before each use.
Head, eyes, ears and breathing
- EN 397
The standard for industrial safety helmets (hard hats): protection against falling objects. Optional marks include −30°C or −40°C (very low temperature), +150°C (very high temperature), 440 V AC (electrical insulation), LD (lateral deformation) and MM (molten metal).
- EN 14052
High-performance industrial helmets: tested against heavier impacts, and from the side as well as the top.
- EN 12492
Mountaineering helmets, often used for work at height because they have a chin strap that keeps the helmet on in a fall.
- EN 812 (bump cap)
A bump cap protects against knocks on fixed objects, such as walking into pipework. It is not a safety helmet and gives no protection from falling objects.
- EN 166
The standard for eye protection. The lens and frame are both marked: optical class (1 is best), then impact strength — S (increased robustness), F (low energy, 45 m/s), B (medium, 120 m/s) or A (high, 190 m/s), with T if tested at extreme temperatures. K means scratch-resistant and N anti-fog.
Example: Lens 1 FT K N — optical class 1, low-energy impact including at extreme temperatures, scratch-resistant and anti-fog.
- EN ISO 16321
The newer standard for occupational eye and face protection, gradually replacing EN 166. Products may carry either for some time.
- EN 170 and EN 172
Filter standards for eyewear lenses. EN 170 is ultraviolet filters (often clear lenses, shade 2-1.2); EN 172 is sunglare filters for outdoor work (shade 5-x).
- EN 169 and EN 379
Welding filters. EN 169 covers fixed shades; EN 379 covers auto-darkening filters that switch from light to dark when the arc strikes. The shade number rises with the welding current.
- EN 352
The standard for hearing protectors: part 1 earmuffs, part 2 earplugs, part 3 earmuffs that attach to a safety helmet.
- SNR (single number rating)
The average noise reduction a hearing protector gave in the lab, in decibels. HSE advises knocking 4 dB off for real-world use. Aim to bring the level at the ear below 80 dB, but not much further, or people can’t hear warnings.
Example: SNR 30 dB in 95 dB of noise: 30 − 4 = 26 dB of real-world protection, so about 69 dB at the ear.
- FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3
Disposable dust-mask classes under EN 149. FFP1 filters at least 80% of particles, FFP2 94% and FFP3 99%. HSE gives them protection factors of 4, 10 and 20 — FFP3 for hazardous dusts such as silica and hardwood.
Example: EN 149:2001+A1:2009 FFP3 NR D — FFP3, single-shift use only, and passed the dolomite dust clogging test.
- NR, R and D
Marks on dust masks. NR: non-reusable, one shift only. R: reusable for more than one shift. D: passed the dolomite clogging test, so it stays easier to breathe through in heavy dust.
- Filter types and colours (A, B, E, K, P)
Filters for half and full-face masks are colour-coded by what they stop: A brown (organic vapours), B grey (inorganic gases), E yellow (acid gases), K green (ammonia), P white (particles). The number after the letter is the class — higher holds more or filters better.
Example: A2P3 — brown band for organic vapours at class 2, plus a white band for particles at the highest class.
- Powered respirator (TH1, TH2, TH3)
A battery fan pushes filtered air into a hood or helmet, so the wearer doesn’t draw air through the filter. Classed TH1 to TH3 under EN 12941, TH3 giving the most protection. Loose-fitting hoods don’t need a face fit test.
Rules and labels
- PPE at Work Regulations 1992
The UK law that makes employers assess risks and provide suitable PPE free of charge, with training and maintenance. Since April 2022 the duty also covers “limb (b)” workers — many casual and agency workers.
- Regulation (EU) 2016/425
The product law that PPE must meet before it can be sold — it applies in Great Britain as retained law. It sets the conformity checks, markings and paperwork, and splits PPE into three categories.
- PPE Category I, II and III
Risk categories under the PPE regulation. Category I is minimal risk (the maker self-certifies, e.g. gardening gloves). Category II is intermediate (independent type examination, e.g. hi-vis and safety boots). Category III is risk of death or irreversible harm (independent examination plus ongoing surveillance, e.g. respirators, chemical gloves and hearing protection).
- CE and UKCA marks
The conformity marks on PPE. UKCA is the Great Britain mark; CE is the EU mark and continues to be accepted in Great Britain. Category II and III PPE also shows the number of the body that tested it.
- Declaration of conformity
The maker’s signed statement that the product meets the regulation and named standards. It must come with the PPE, or the instructions must give a web address where you can read it.
Fabrics and garments
- GSM
Grams per square metre — the fabric weight. A heavier GSM usually means a thicker, harder-wearing garment: a light T-shirt is about 150 GSM, a heavy polo or sweatshirt 250–300.
- Poly-cotton
A polyester and cotton blend, often 65/35. Tougher and quicker-drying than pure cotton, softer than pure polyester, and holds its colour through industrial washing.
- Polyester and cotton
Polyester is strong, light, quick-drying and colourfast — the base of most hi-vis. Cotton is soft and breathable but shrinks, creases and fades more.
- Ripstop
Fabric woven with a grid of thicker threads so a small tear can’t run. Used on work trousers and outerwear.
- Elastane
A stretch fibre added in small amounts (a few per cent) for freedom of movement in trousers and softshells.
- Bib and brace
Trousers with a chest bib and shoulder straps — keeps the back covered when bending and gives extra pockets.
- Coverall (boilersuit)
A one-piece suit covering body, arms and legs. Reusable coveralls are workwear; disposable ones are PPE against dust and splashes (Type 5/6).
- Bodywarmer (gilet)
A sleeveless padded or fleece jacket that keeps the core warm while leaving the arms free.
- Holster pockets
Pockets that hang outside the trouser at the hip for nails, screws and tools — the trade trouser of choice for joiners and fitters. Can be tucked away when not needed.
Branding
- Embroidery
A logo stitched into the fabric. Hard-wearing and professional — best on polos, fleeces, softshells and jackets. Not suitable on waterproofs, because the needle holes let water in.
- Printing (transfer, DTF and screen print)
A logo applied to the surface. Heat transfers, including DTF (direct to film), are pressed on and suit hi-vis, waterproofs and small runs; screen printing pushes ink through a mesh and suits big runs of T-shirts.
- Digitising
Turning a logo into a stitch file the embroidery machine can follow. Done once and kept on file for repeat orders.
- Vector artwork
A logo saved as lines and shapes (AI, EPS, PDF or SVG) rather than pixels, so it scales to any size without blurring. The best file to send for embroidery or print.
Go deeper
Not sure what you need?
Send us the job and the marking you’ve been asked for, and we’ll match the kit to it. Call 0131 210 0416 or email info@safeguardindustrial.co.uk.
General guidance only, not a substitute for the standard itself or your own risk assessment. Always check the marking and instructions on the product.