Protective footwear is required across numerous industries where workers face hazards from falling objects, sharp debris, or electrical exposure. Understanding the performance standards for this equipment is important for ensuring compliance and worker safety. While many people search for the “ANSI standard” for protective footwear, the current consensus standard in the United States is managed by ASTM International. The focus remains on meeting defined performance requirements for foot protection in the workplace.
Clarifying the Standard: ANSI vs. ASTM
The prevailing standard for protective footwear in the United States is ASTM F2413, published by ASTM International. This standard replaced the previous American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard, ANSI Z41, which was officially withdrawn in 2005. ANSI itself does not create standards but oversees their development and accreditation; the committee responsible for Z41 merged into ASTM International’s Committee F13.
The public often continues to refer to the “ANSI standard” because the ANSI Z41 designation was the industry benchmark from 1967 until the transition. Although the standard changed hands, the core performance requirements largely carried over into the new ASTM F2413 specification. The companion document, ASTM F2412, details the specific laboratory test methods used to evaluate footwear against these protections.
Regulatory Mandate for Safety Footwear
These technical standards are incorporated into workplace safety law through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA’s requirement for foot protection is outlined in 29 CFR 1910.136. This regulation mandates that employers ensure employees use protective footwear where there is a danger of foot injuries due to falling or rolling objects, objects that could pierce the sole, or exposure to electrical hazards.
To comply with this mandate, the footwear must meet or exceed the performance criteria established in the consensus standards. OSHA explicitly recognizes ASTM F2412 and ASTM F2413 as the benchmarks for acceptable protective footwear. Purchasing footwear compliant with the current ASTM F2413 standard is necessary for any employer or employee operating in a hazardous environment.
Key Performance Requirements of the Standard
ASTM F2413 sets minimum performance requirements for protective footwear. Footwear must first meet impact and compression resistance requirements before being certified for additional protections. Footwear conforming to the standard is third-party tested, and performance criteria are measured using the test methods outlined in ASTM F2412. The standard covers specific protections, each designated by a code indicating the footwear’s tested capabilities.
Impact and Compression Resistance (I/C)
Impact resistance (I) and compression resistance (C) are the two primary requirements protective footwear must meet. The highest and most common rating is I/75 and C/75. This means the protective toe cap can withstand an impact of 75 foot-pounds and compression forces up to 2,500 pounds. The test is passed if the interior height clearance of the toe area remains above a minimum threshold after the force is applied.
Metatarsal Protection (Mt)
Metatarsal protection (Mt) guards the bones at the top of the foot from injury. This is often achieved through an integrated guard extending over the protective toe cap. This protection is necessary in environments where heavy objects may strike the top of the foot. The standard requires the highest level of metatarsal protection, equivalent to the 75 foot-pound impact standard.
Conductive Protection (Cd)
Conductive footwear (Cd) minimizes the hazard of static electricity buildup, which is a concern in environments with volatile chemicals or explosives. This footwear reduces electrical resistance, allowing static charges to quickly dissipate to the ground. This reduces the possibility of static discharge creating a spark that could ignite flammable materials.
Electrical Hazard Protection (EH)
Electrical Hazard (EH) footwear provides protection against accidental contact with live electrical circuits. This is achieved through an outsole and heel construction highly resistant to electricity, preventing current flow through the foot to the ground. EH footwear is effective in dry conditions, as moisture or contamination with conductive materials can diminish the protective properties.
Puncture Resistance (PR)
Puncture Resistance (PR) protects the foot from sharp objects that could penetrate the sole. This capability is achieved by incorporating a puncture-resistant plate, which is a permanent part of the footwear positioned between the insole and the outsole. The standard requires the plate to resist a specified force without complete penetration.
Understanding Safety Shoe Markings and Labels
To confirm compliance, every pair of certified safety footwear must include a clear, legible label or stamp on one shoe, often found on the tongue or inner lining. The marking structure is standardized to quickly communicate the specific protections offered. It typically follows a multi-line format, sometimes enclosed in a rectangular border.
The first line identifies the standard and the year of issue, such as “ASTM F2413-18.” The second line indicates the gender (M for male, F for female) and the basic impact and compression ratings, such as “M/I/75/C/75.” Subsequent lines list any additional protective features using specific codes. For example, “EH” confirms Electrical Hazard protection, and “PR” indicates Puncture Resistance.
Maintenance and Replacement for Continued Compliance
The protective integrity of safety footwear depends on proper maintenance and timely replacement. Damage from impact, puncture, or severe wear can compromise its ability to meet the standard’s performance requirements. If a heavy object drops on the toe cap or a sharp object punctures the sole, the protective component’s structural integrity may be voided, requiring immediate replacement.
Regular inspection should look for signs of wear, such as worn-down treads, tears in the upper material, or separation of the sole. Specialized protective properties, particularly Electrical Hazard (EH) or Conductive (Cd) ratings, can be affected by poor care, such as excessive moisture or contamination. Allowing the footwear to fully dry between uses and cleaning off debris helps maintain the designed protective properties and extends the overall lifespan.