How to Read Safety Footwear Ratings: EH, ESD, Puncture Protection and Slip Resistance
Safety shoes carry several technical markings. These markings help workers choose footwear that meets electrical, puncture and slip requirements across a wide range of workplaces. Many people see CSA Z195-14 or ASTM F2413-24 information on their shoes without knowing what each symbol means. This guide explains how to confirm an Electrical Hazard rating, an ESD rating, puncture protection and slip resistance grades. The goal is to give you a clear way to identify these features on any certified safety shoe.
Why These Ratings Matter
Every rating exists for a specific risk. Electrical work, electronics assembly, construction sites and wet surfaces all require shoes that pass tests from CSA or ASTM. Certified footwear lowers risk and keeps workplaces aligned with health and safety rules. Search intent for these topics comes from workers who want to verify that their shoes meet standards before entering a job site.
How to Tell if a Shoe Is EH Rated
An Electrical Hazard rating appears on the certification label inside the shoe. You will find it printed next to the CSA or ASTM line. The marking looks like this:
ASTM F2413 EH (ASTM Label on the Tongue of your Safety Shoe)
or
CSA Z195 EH (Orange Omega on White Background)
EH shoes insulate the wearer from open circuits in dry conditions up to a test level of 18 kilovolts. This protection helps workers who operate equipment that may expose them to electrical sources. You can confirm the rating by reading the inner tag, the product specifications or the safety data supplied by the manufacturer. EH shoes must meet strict insulation requirements during laboratory tests under both CSA and ASTM rules.
For background information, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety explains electrical protection requirements for certified footwear:
https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/prevention/ppe/footwear.html
How to Tell if a Shoe Is ESD
An ESD rating controls static discharge. This protects electronics, sensors and precision equipment. You will see the indicator printed on the tongue label or shoe box. The symbol is a small hand and spark graphic.
Look for terms such as:
ESD
SD
Electrostatic Dissipative
ASTM F2412 ESD
The rating requires the shoe to maintain electrical resistance within a defined range. The range allows the shoe to move static electricity into the ground at a safe pace. ESD shoes support manufacturing plants, electronics facilities and clean room environments. You can confirm the rating by checking the resistance specification in the technical sheet. CSA also outlines ESD footwear performance in its electrical protection sections.
For additional reference on static control standards, see the ESD Association:
What a Puncture Proof Shoe Means
Many people search for the phrase puncture proof. Safety standards do not use this term. Certified footwear uses the phrase puncture resistant. The level of resistance depends on plate material, plate thickness, outsole hardness and the sharpness of the object. Every certified shoe must pass a defined test load. Puncture proof suggests complete protection from all objects at all forces, which no standard can guarantee. Puncture resistant gives a measurable and tested rating that helps workers choose footwear for high risk surfaces.
How to Tell if Safety Shoes Have Puncture Protection
Puncture protection helps prevent sharp objects from entering the sole of the shoe. Construction sites, warehouses and outdoor work areas often contain nails, staples, rebar and debris. A puncture resistant shoe includes a protective plate under the footbed.
You can verify puncture resistance in three ways.
-
CSA Green Triangle
The triangle appears on certified safety shoes in Canada. It indicates a composite or steel toe plus a puncture resistant sole. The plate must withstand a force of at least 1200 newtons. -
ASTM F2413 PR Marking
Shoes that follow ASTM display PR on the label. The protective plate must resist a force of at least 1100 newtons during the test. -
Technical Specifications
The product page usually lists the plate material and the puncture test result. This confirms whether the shoe uses a composite plate or a steel plate.
Puncture protection supports job sites that involve demolition, framing, roofing, landscaping and waste collection
Is SRA Better Than SRC
Slip resistance ratings help workers understand how shoes perform on wet floors, smooth tiles and oily surfaces. The most common ratings are SRA, SRB and SRC.
SRA passes a test on ceramic tile with a dilute soap solution.
SRB passes a test on steel with a glycerol solution.
SRC passes both SRA and SRB.
SRC provides the broadest coverage because it includes both test surfaces. Workers in food production, healthcare, automotive plants and commercial kitchens rely on slip resistance to reduce injuries. You can confirm the rating by checking the shoe label or the technical notes from the manufacturer.
For details on slip test procedures, the UK Health and Safety Executive offers a clear description of slip resistance measurement:
https://www.hse.gov.uk/slips/footprocure.htm
When Each Rating Applies
EH ratings support electrical work, maintenance roles and warehouse environments.
ESD applies to electronics production and precision assembly.
Puncture resistance protects workers in construction and land management.
SRC helps workers who stand or walk on wet or smooth floors for long periods.
Choosing the correct rating lowers the risk of injury and meets site entry rules. Many Canadian employers follow CSA Z195 guidance when issuing safety shoe requirements. U.S. employers rely on ASTM F2413 for footwear certification.
Additional Resources for Readers
- How to Read CSA-Approved Safety Shoes & Work Boots Approved Safety Shoe Symbols
- What Does ASTM F2413 Mean on Work Boots?
- CSA Approved Safety Shoes Guide
Conclusion
Safety shoes carry symbols that communicate electrical protection, static control, puncture resistance and slip resistance. You can confirm each rating by reading the inner certification label, checking the official product sheet and reviewing CSA or ASTM information. Workers who understand these markings choose footwear with confidence and support workplace safety rules.
If you want safety shoes with clear CSA and ASTM certification markings, explore our full range of dual certified safety shoes. You will see each rating displayed in the product details so you can select footwear that meets your job requirements.
