Slips and trips are among the most common causes of workplace injury in the UK, so the grip on your safety footwear really matters. But what do slip-resistant footwear ratings such as SR, SRC, SRA and SRB actually mean? In short, SRA, SRB and SRC come from the older 2011 standard, while SR is the optional higher-grip marking under the current EN ISO 20345:2022.

The old ratings: SRA, SRB and SRC

Under the older EN ISO 20345:2011 standard, footwear was tested on two surfaces. SRA meant the sole passed a slip test on ceramic tile wetted with a soap solution, simulating kitchens, hospitals and washrooms. SRB meant it passed on smooth steel coated with glycerol, a much more slippery scenario found in industrial settings.

SRC meant the footwear passed both tests, making it the most versatile rating and the one most buyers looked for. These markings aren't used under the new standard, but buyers will still see them on older stock, because footwear certified to the 2011 version stays valid until its certificate expires.

What changed in EN ISO 20345:2022?

The updated standard has simplified things. Basic slip resistance on ceramic tile with a soap (NaLS) solution is now mandatory for all certified safety footwear, and it carries no separate marking. The optional SR marking indicates the shoe also passed a tougher test on ceramic with glycerine.

The steel-surface test has gone, so there's no direct equivalent of SRB or SRC. You'll see both old and new markings on the market for some time as stock transitions.

A common mistake is assuming that new footwear without an SR marking has no slip resistance. It has passed the basic test; SR simply shows extra grip on more slippery contaminants.

Which slip rating does your workplace need?

Start with your risk assessment and look at the floors, the contaminants and the work being done. As a general guide:

• Kitchens and food production: water, grease and food waste make the SR marking (or SRC on older stock) worth looking for.
• Healthcare and cleaning: wet floors are common, so look for SR and an outsole that's easy to clean.
• Warehousing and logistics: smooth concrete or resin floors with dust or spills often suit safety trainers or safety shoes with a good grip pattern.
• Construction: mud and loose ground need a deep, cleated outsole, which is part of the S3 rating, so look at safety boots rather than flat-soled styles.

A lab rating can't account for every floor. Oil, ice, wet leaves and loose dust all behave differently, so trial footwear in your actual conditions where you can. Our guide to safety footwear S codes explains the other markings you'll see on the label, including newer codes such as S1PL, S7 and FO.

Keeping the grip you paid for

Whichever standard applies, remember that slip resistance also depends on sole condition. Worn, clogged or damaged treads lose grip fast, so inspect footwear regularly and replace it when the tread wears down.

Clean soles at the end of each shift, especially in kitchens where grease builds up in the tread. Footwear is only one part of slip prevention, so keep floors clean and dry, deal with spills quickly and fix leaks at the source. HSE has further guidance on preventing slips and trips.

Quick answers

Is SR better than SRC?

They aren't directly comparable, because they come from different versions of EN ISO 20345 with different test surfaces. SR is the current optional marking for extra grip on ceramic with glycerine, while SRC is a 2011 rating you'll still see on older stock.

Is all safety footwear slip resistant?

Footwear certified to EN ISO 20345:2022 must pass a slip test on ceramic tile with a soap solution, even though this carries no marking. The SR marking shows it also passed the tougher glycerine test.

Can you still buy SRC safety boots?

Yes. Footwear certified to EN ISO 20345:2011 stays valid until its certificate expires, so you'll still see SRA, SRB and SRC markings on older stock for some time.

For catering, healthcare, warehousing and construction, browse our slip-resistant safety footwear. If you're unsure which rating your workplace needs, get in touch and we'll help you choose.