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Safety standards in protective clothing and footwear: A guide to EN ISO and EN standards
In the field of clothing and protective footwear, proper understanding and compliance with safety standards are essential to ensure a high level of protection for workers. These standards, established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the European Standards (EN), form the basis for manufacturers, guaranteeing that their products meet the highest safety standards. In this article we present an overview of the key standards in this field. EN ISO 13688: General requirements for protective clothing EN ISO 13688 (formerly known as EN 340) is the standard defining general requirements for protective clothing. Regardless of the clothing category, this standard defines criteria regarding ergonomics, size labeling, user safety and marking. Manufacturers are required to provide precise product information, ensuring transparency and accountability. EN ISO 20471: High-visibility warning clothing This standard governs requirements for high-visibility clothing, which is crucial for the safety of workers on roads or railway tracks. EN ISO 20471 specifies requirements for colors, retroreflectivity and minimum areas of reflective and fluorescent materials. This ensures maximum visibility and user safety in low-visibility conditions. EN ISO 20347: Protective footwear This standard defines requirements for protective footwear that does not include a metal toe cap or a puncture-resistant midsole. It is characterized by a lighter construction, which translates into greater wearing comfort. Such footwear is intended for work environments where it is important to protect the feet against general hazards, but there is no need for protection against heavy impacts or puncture risks. This standard emphasizes the importance of comfort and user mobility while providing a basic level of protection. EN ISO 20345: Safety footwear This standard is essential for protective footwear used in commercial applications. EN ISO 20345 sets requirements for protection against impacts, crushing, falling objects and puncture risk. It also protects against extreme temperatures and chemical substances, offering comprehensive protection. EN ISO 21420: Requirements for protective gloves This standard sets out general requirements and test methods for protective gloves. It covers construction, safety, labeling and the information provided by manufacturers. Appropriate gloves are key in many industries, providing hand protection during various tasks. EN 388: Protective gloves against mechanical hazards This standard focuses on gloves designed to protect against mechanical hazards such as abrasion, cutting, puncture and tearing. In industries where mechanical hazards are common, appropriate gloves are crucial for worker safety. Understanding and complying with safety standards in protective clothing and footwear is not only a matter of regulatory compliance but above all a concern for worker safety. Therefore, monitoring and adhering to EN ISO and EN standards is essential for every manufacturer and user of protective clothing.Author: Paweł Sokołowski
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What do the colors of safety helmets mean?
Regulations do not govern the differentiation of colors of protective helmets issued to employees. These rules are most often subject to internal company regulations. The situation is different for workers on general construction sites. Helmet colors indicate the role performed by a person present on the construction site: yellow helmet – construction workers; white helmet – site manager, supervisory inspector and engineers; blue helmet – those working at heights, machine operators, electricians, power engineers; green helmet – safety officer; black helmet – architect/author's supervising inspector; orange helmet – surveyor; red helmet – trainees and visitors who have come to the construction site. Although the assigned helmet colors are a symbol of well-organized work, it should be borne in mind that on many construction sites workers do not adhere to their designated roles and wear whatever helmet is available. Worth knowing A protective helmet protects the worker from falling objects which, striking the crown of the head, can cause damage to the skull, brain or cervical vertebrae. Each helmet should meet the individual needs of the worker, protecting them against any risk of mechanical injury. The helmet must be light so as not to overload the head (the optimal weight is 255 grams). The helmet must be adjustable so that the worker can fit it to the size of their head. It must also comply with the EU standard PN-EN 397 titled "Industrial protective helmets", which specifies physical requirements and technical parameters, test methods and marking requirements for industrial protective helmets. Head protection should be worn by all employees while performing the following tasks: construction work, in particular work carried out on scaffolding and in their vicinity, during erection and dismantling of formwork, and during assembly and installation work; on bridges, steel structures, masts, towers, steel hydraulic structures, blast furnaces, steelworks, rolling mills, large tanks and pipelines, power stations, renovation and assembly works on boilers and their installations; earth and rock works, work in excavations, trenches, shafts and tunnels; in underground workings, open-pit mines, in the extraction of coal and other mineral raw materials; when working with explosive materials; at blast furnaces, ore processing plants, forges and metal foundries; in the vicinity of lifting equipment, cranes and conveyors; at industrial furnaces; in shipyards; rail shunting operations. Regulations concerning individual worker protection are contained in the Regulation of the Minister of Labour and Social Policy dated 26 September 1997.Author: Grzegorz Nowak
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What is personal protective equipment and how does it affect workers' safety?
What do we mean by personal protective equipment? In Poland alone, 66 606 workplace accidents were reported in 2022. Unfortunately, 180 of them proved fatal. How can this unfortunate statistic be reduced? One of the simplest and easiest ways is the use of personal protective equipment. What are they and when are they legally required? What obligations fall on employees and which on the employer? Don’t wait for an accident to happen. Check now. What is personal protective equipment? To begin, it is worth considering what personal protective equipment is. These are all devices and equipment (such as clothing) that have been designed to protect against a specific hazard. Therefore a police uniform or a waiter’s outfit does not count as personal protective equipment, whereas a forester's trousers (with anti-cut inserts) are already included in this group. Differences between personal protective equipment and workplace protective measures Many diverse measures are implemented to ensure employee safety. Therefore, personal protective measures include personal protective equipment as well as workplace protective measures. The first category concerns equipment worn directly by the employee, such as protective clothing or harnesses for working at height. Workplace protective measures, on the other hand, include solutions applied in the workplace. This group can include machine guards, ventilation or signal lighting. Types and categories of personal protective equipment How many groups personal protective equipment is divided into depends on the classification used. The most popular division includes: Limb protection such as protective footwear or gloves. Helmets and hard hats, i.e. head protection. Protective clothing such as aprons that protect against high temperatures or X-ray radiation. Face and eye protection, including various types of safety glasses or goggles, as well as welding masks. Headphones and earmuffs – hearing protection. Respiratory protection: masks and filters. Protection against high or low temperatures. Fall protection equipment. However, this is not the only possible division. Equally popular are the categories into which personal protective equipment can be divided. Category I covers protection against minimal risks. An example might be gardening gloves. Category II includes solutions used in the case of more serious health hazards. Examples include safety glasses or footwear with steel toe caps. Category III, in turn, covers PPE protecting against the most serious hazards that can cause severe bodily harm or death. A good example of this type of equipment is harnesses for working at height. Regardless of the classification method, it is worth using all personal protective equipment to minimize any hazards in the work environment. How to choose personal protective equipment? The decision about which occupational PPE will be appropriate is made by the employer. For this purpose they should seek expert opinions and consult with employees or their representatives. In addition, an analysis should be carried out regarding the types of work performed at the facility and the hazards present for the employee. This often forms part of the occupational risk analysis for specific positions. When do we use personal protective equipment? The use of personal protective equipment is closely linked to hazards in the work environment. Although the selection of PPE depends on the employer based on a risk and hazard analysis in the workplace, there are general guidelines on when to use PPE. They are always necessary in cases where hazards cannot be eliminated or sufficiently reduced by work organization or collective protective measures. Who determines the types of personal protective equipment? As already mentioned, the employer decides which types of personal protective equipment are used at a given workstation. It is worth knowing, however, what obligations this entails — both for the employer and for employees. Who is responsible for providing protective equipment? First and foremost, the employer is obliged to provide employees with individual and collective protective equipment. They are also responsible for all protective devices and accessories, including protective clothing for employees. This means the employer must take care of the condition of PPE: launder it, maintain it, clean it, repair it, de-dust it or disinfect it. It is common practice for employees to take their protective clothing home and wash it themselves. In such cases the employer should reimburse the cleaning costs. What are the employee's obligations regarding the use of protective equipment? Employees also have obligations related to the use of personal protective equipment. Above all, they must always use it in accordance with the rules set by the employer, which should be included in the instructions for using personal protective equipment. They should also take care of the devices and accessories entrusted to them. If these are destroyed due to the employee's fault, they must reimburse the purchase costs, reduced by depreciation. The employee should also inform their superiors about any damage or destruction of protective equipment. Regulations regarding personal protective equipment The currently applicable main legal act in the field of individual and collective protective equipment is Regulation (EU) 2016/425 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016. Its purpose was to harmonize rules across the European Union and to increase the safety of PPE users. What requirements should personal protective equipment meet? Personal protective equipment is designed to protect against specific hazards. Therefore, it must meet appropriate parameters and ISO standards. These standards are issued for different types of protective equipment. Fulfillment of all requirements should be confirmed by issuing the appropriate certificate. The CE mark on personal protective equipment is also important, confirming that they are permitted for use within the European Union. How long can personal protective equipment be used? PPE may only be used if it is not in any way damaged or destroyed. The new regulation on personal protective equipment also introduced a maximum certification period for such equipment. It is currently 5 years. After that time, re-certification tests should be carried out or new individual and collective protective equipment should be purchased. EU regulation and other normative acts regarding protective equipment The currently applicable EU regulation and ISO standards are the primary acts that indicate what requirements personal protective equipment should meet. However, it is also possible to apply other regulations, including internal regulations, provided that the criteria they use are stricter than the basic provisions (provide a higher level of protection than the parameters indicated in the standards).Author: Paweł Sokołowski
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Twill Fabric: A Revolution in the Protective Clothing Industry
Twill is a fabric usually made from cotton, characterized by a unique diagonal, slanted weave. Its specific structure, with a visible diagonal pattern at a 45-degree angle, results from the unique arrangement of threads. Thanks to the production technology used, twill fabric stands out for its exceptional strength and durability. One of its greatest advantages is its resistance to creasing, which makes it a practical choice for many applications. Applications in Protective Clothing Workwear: Due to its durability, twill fabric is ideal for workwear. It is resistant to abrasion, which extends the service life of garments in industrial conditions. Uniforms: Twill is also popular in the production of uniforms, where its elegant appearance and durability are highly valued. Specialized clothing: In industries requiring garments with additional protection, such as the chemical or construction industries, twill can be used as a base material to which specialized coatings or finishes are added to increase protection. Twill fabric is revolutionizing the protective clothing industry, combining durability and functionality with an attractive appearance. It is a versatile material that performs well in various work environments, from industry to uniformed services. Thanks to its properties, twill fabric not only protects users but also provides wearing comfort and positively affects their appearance, which is an invaluable asset in the professional world of work.Author: Paweł Sokołowski
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How to choose a construction mixer - overview of sizes and applications
Preparing liquid substances for construction and renovation work requires not only precision but also speed of action. Achieving a uniform consistency of plaster mortar, adhesive, paints, anti-corrosion agents, etc., requires the use of specialized tools. These are construction mixers. Check what types of such accessories exist and how to choose a construction mixer suited to a professional's needs. What is a construction mixer and what is it used for? Construction mixers, also called mixers for paints and plaster mortars, are tools made of durable, deformation-resistant material. They are used to mix materials — combining ingredients needed to create mortar, adhesive, smoothing compounds, concrete and other substances required on site. Thanks to varied construction and dimensions, they mix different masses of liquid or semi-liquid consistency, which as a result have a uniform color, do not separate and do not bleed. How to match a mixer to the type of material? Types of construction mixers Construction mixers are divided according to several criteria. The basic one is application — the type of mass we want to obtain. For example, a mixer for cement may have a different shape than a mixer for paints and mortars. We distinguish the following types of construction mixers: Type A and B mixers – for liquid materials Type C and D mixers – for materials with sand and gravel Type E mixer – for gypsum mortars LX mixer – for adhesives and sealants DLX mixer – for large quantities of liquid substances KR mixer – for gypsum compounds and adhesives WK mixer – for heavy materials such as concrete MK mixer – for compact masses, e.g. plasters MKN mixer – for heavy mortars FM mixer – for paints and waterproofing systems Universal mixers – versatile solutions The above types of construction mixers differ in construction and shape. For example, a mortar mixer has an elongated shape with blades arranged along the entire length of the shaft. These are so-called auger mixers. A paint mixer will be spiral-shaped — with flat blades, smaller and more precise than cement mixers. Concrete mixers have large, strong blades — capable of mixing hard, high-density materials. Meanwhile, gypsum mixers have a characteristic cup-shaped form and move horizontally during operation. Key technical parameters of construction mixers Construction mixers can be used to mix gypsum mortars and other masses with common power tools. For standard mixers for paints and mortars with a hexagonal shank, a regular drill-driver will do. Another tool widely used to mix masonry, gypsum and other mortars is a rotary hammer. A major advantage of the various types of construction mixers is their operational versatility — such tools are compatible with equipment available on practically every construction site, and even in private users' toolkits. Overview of mixer sizes Construction mixers are available in various sizes. They should be matched to the specifics of the mixed mass and to the construction tool in which they will be used. In the Högert Technik range you will find construction mixers in the following sizes: Mixer Ø60×400mm Mixer Ø80×480mm Mixer Ø115×600mm Mixer Ø135×600mm Mixer Ø115×600mm Mixer Ø135×600mm Mixer Ø80x520mm Mixer Ø100x600mm Mixer Ø120x600mm Mixer Ø100x560mm Mixer Ø80X440mm Mixer Ø100X440mm Mixer Ø90X350mm Mixer Ø90X400mm Mixer Ø130x570 mm Material and protection Once we know which mixer for adhesive, plaster mortar or paint will work for a given application and we know its size, it's time to consider other factors. Above all, construction mixers should be robust and durable. They are made of metal or plastic. In the first case, it is worth paying attention to additional protective treatments, such as galvanizing, which protects the material from corrosion. Practical tips when choosing a construction mixer When choosing among different types of construction mixers, remember that: The quality of the equipment translates into its reliability and service life — the higher the class of tools you buy, the longer you'll be able to use them. The diameter of the construction mixer affects mixing effectiveness and the final product. The larger it is, the faster and more precise the process of combining ingredients. Mounting the mixer on the device's chuck is done using the SDS+ system or by screwing in a mixing tip with an M14 thread, as well as by inserting a hex shank into the drill-driver chuck. The length of the mixer should be adapted to the size of the container in which you mix the materials. If necessary, it's worth consulting another specialist when choosing a construction mixer. Summary – how to choose the best construction mixer? Construction mixers differ in terms of construction, shape, size and the material from which they are made. A specific type of construction mixer should be matched to the characteristics of the mass to be prepared. When choosing a mixer for paints and mortars, adhesive, cement or other materials, prioritize quality — that way it will serve you longer. High‑quality manual construction tools and power tools can be found in the Högert Technik range.Author: Paweł Sokołowski
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Who are we?
Högert Technik is a brand of tools and PPE accessories. We are a young, modern brand operating in international markets. Since 2015 our products have been available for sale in Europe, Asia and South America. Honesty, openness to new challenges, professionalism and support for our customers are an integral part of the principles and culture of our brand.
The Högert Technik brand was born out of a passion for quality, simplicity and usability. It was designed with intensive use and demanding users in mind, who work with hand tools every day. The integration of a product’s idea with its application at work is the ambition of Högert Technik engineers, who precisely design every detail of the tools. Hot-forged steel, careful stress-relieving and hardening of the products, their detailed quality control process and logistics optimization create an assortment whose quality-to-price ratio is unattainable for other companies.