ASTM F2413

ASTM F2413 is a comprehensive standard that specifies the minimum design, performance, testing, labeling, and classification requirements for footwear intended to provide protection against a variety of workplace hazards. It replaces the older ANSI Z41 standard and is referenced by OSHA in 29 CFR Part 1910.136 as the guideline for foot protection.

Key Protection Criteria and Requirements:

1. Impact Resistance (I):

   • Footwear must protect the toes against impact from falling objects. The standard specifies that the footwear must withstand an impact of up to 75 foot-pounds (101.7 J).

2. Compression Resistance (C):

   • Protects against crushing injuries from heavy objects or equipment. The footwear must withstand compression up to 2,500 pounds (11,121 N).

3. Metatarsal Protection (Mt):

   • Covers the metatarsal bones in the foot, which are susceptible to impact injuries. The standard requires the footwear to protect against impacts up to 75 foot-pounds (101.7 J) on the metatarsal area.

4. Electric Hazard (EH):

   • Provides insulation against electrical hazards by incorporating specific outsole and heel materials that resist electric shock. EH-rated footwear helps protect against open circuits up to 600 volts in dry conditions.

5. Static Dissipative (SD):

   • Reduces static electricity buildup by conducting static charges from the wearer to the ground. This is crucial in environments where static electricity could damage sensitive electronic equipment or create safety hazards.

6. Conductive (Cd):

   • Offers a more rapid dissipation of static electricity compared to SD-rated footwear. Conductive footwear is used in environments where static electricity poses a risk of igniting flammable materials or explosives.

7. Puncture Resistance (PR):

   • Protects the wearer from puncture wounds caused by sharp objects on the ground. Footwear must include a puncture-resistant plate positioned between the insole and outsole.

Labeling and Identification:

• Label Format: The ASTM F2413 label uses a specific format to indicate the type of footwear and the hazards it protects against.

  • Line 1: Identifies compliance with ASTM F2413 and the year of issuance.

  • Line 2: Indicates gender (M/F) and protection against impact (I) and compression (C).

  • Line 3 and Line 4: Specify additional protection criteria, such as metatarsal (Mt), electric hazard (EH), static dissipative (SD), conductive (Cd), or puncture resistant (PR).

• Examples: The label format might include details such as "ASTM F2413-18, M/I/C, Mt EH" indicating compliance with the 2018 standard, protection for male footwear against impact and compression, with additional metatarsal and electric hazard protection.

Standards and Testing:

• Third-Party Testing: Footwear is tested according to ASTM F2412 to determine resistance to various hazards. Tests are conducted multiple times, and the lowest score is used to ensure compliance.

• Section References: The label references specific sections of ASTM F2413-18 that detail the performance requirements and testing procedures for each type of protection.

Availability:

• ASTM F2413 can be purchased and downloaded from the ASTM website, providing comprehensive guidelines for selecting and using protective footwear in various workplace environments.

For further information or to access the standard directly, visit the ASTM F2413 page on the ASTM website: ASTM F2413. This standard is essential for ensuring footwear meets the necessary safety standards to protect workers from a range of potential hazards.