ASTM International develops and publishes voluntary consensus standards, establishing performance benchmarks for protective gear across many industries. The standard specification known as ASTM F2413 outlines the minimum performance requirements for safety footwear. Adherence to this specification ensures a consistent level of protection for workers against foot injuries in hazardous work environments.
Understanding the Purpose and Scope of ASTM F2413
The ASTM F2413 standard provides a framework for the design, construction, testing, and certification of protective footwear. Its primary goal is to establish minimum performance criteria that manufacturers must meet to standardize the level of hazard protection offered to workers. This standard replaced the former ANSI Z41 specification and is the recognized consensus standard for safety footwear in the United States. While it is a voluntary standard, its widespread adoption by employers and reference by regulatory agencies make it the de facto requirement. The specification ensures that all certified safety footwear is tested by an independent third-party laboratory to guarantee its protective features function as intended.
The Key Performance Requirements for Safety Footwear
Impact and Compression Resistance
All protective footwear must meet requirements for impact and compression resistance, which protect the toes from crushing injuries. The Impact rating (“I”) measures the toe cap’s ability to withstand falling objects. The highest rating, I/75, certifies protection from an impact force of up to 75 foot-pounds.
The Compression rating (“C”) measures the toe cap’s ability to resist static weight or rolling objects. The highest rating, C/75, indicates the footwear can endure a compressive load of up to 2,500 pounds of pressure before the internal space is compromised. Footwear must pass both tests to achieve certification.
Metatarsal Protection
Metatarsal protection (“Mt”) shields the delicate bones on the top of the foot, extending beyond the protective toe cap. This feature is important in environments where heavy objects are frequently handled or dropped, such as in foundries or construction. Footwear with the Mt designation must meet the I/75 impact requirement, protecting the metatarsal area from the same level of force as the toe. The guard is typically an internal or external device placed over the instep area, designed to absorb and deflect severe impact energy.
Conductive Protection
Conductive (Cd) footwear is specifically designed to minimize hazards associated with static electricity buildup by rapidly dissipating the charge to the ground. This protection is necessary in environments where volatile materials or explosives are present, as a static spark could cause ignition. The footwear achieves conductivity by maintaining a low electrical resistance, typically between zero and 500,000 ohms. Because this footwear is highly conductive, it must not be worn near live electrical circuits, as it offers no protection against electrical shock.
Electrical Hazard Protection
Electrical Hazard (EH) footwear is constructed with non-conductive, electrical shock-resistant soles and heels to provide secondary protection against contact with live circuits. This protection is achieved by minimizing the flow of electricity through the shoe and into the ground. EH-rated footwear must withstand 18,000 volts at 60 hertz for one minute, with a maximum leakage current of one milliampere under dry conditions. The protective quality relies on the footwear being kept dry and in good condition, as moisture or excessive wear compromises its insulating properties.
Static Dissipative Protection
Static Dissipative (SD) footwear is engineered to control the amount of static electricity buildup on a person’s body by conducting the charge to the ground in a controlled manner. Unlike conductive footwear, SD footwear maintains a specific range of electrical resistance. The standard specifies various levels (e.g., SD10, SD35, or SD100) corresponding to resistance limits that prevent uncontrolled static discharge. This footwear is used in manufacturing settings, such as electronics assembly, where static discharge could damage sensitive components. The resistance is set high enough to offer minor protection against electrical shock, but low enough to prevent static accumulation.
Puncture Resistance
Puncture Resistance (PR) is a requirement for footwear used in environments where sharp objects like nails, screws, or scrap metal might be stepped on. Protection is provided by a puncture-resistant plate permanently incorporated into the sole construction between the insole and the outsole. The plate, which can be metallic or non-metallic, must withstand a minimum puncture force of 270 pounds. The entire sole area must be covered by this protective layer, which is tested for corrosion resistance and flexibility.
Decoding Safety Footwear Labeling and Markings
A clear, standardized marking must be permanently placed inside the footwear, typically on the tongue, allowing users to verify its protective features. This label is enclosed within a rectangular border and follows a specific multi-line format to communicate compliance and ratings.
The first line identifies the standard and the year of issue (e.g., “ASTM F2413 – 18”).
The second line identifies the gender (M or F) and the mandatory impact and compression ratings (e.g., “M I/75 C/75”).
Subsequent lines indicate additional protective features.
For example, a complete code might read: “ASTM F2413 – 18 / M I/75 C/75 / EH PR / Mt,” which signifies male footwear compliant with the 2018 standard, offering maximum impact and compression protection, Electrical Hazard protection, Puncture Resistance, and Metatarsal protection.
Workplace Compliance and Mandates
The practical application of the ASTM F2413 standard is enforced through government regulation, primarily by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1910.136 mandates that employers ensure employees use protective footwear where there is a danger of foot injuries from falling or rolling objects, puncture hazards, or electrical exposure. OSHA recognizes and references ASTM F2413 as the applicable consensus standard for meeting this requirement, making compliance a legal mandate for employers. Employers must conduct a thorough hazard assessment to determine workplace risks and then provide or require footwear that meets or exceeds the appropriate ASTM F2413 ratings. This compliance demonstrates due diligence, managing employer liability and avoiding regulatory penalties.