ASTM F2413-11

ASTM F2413-11: STANDARD SPECIFICATION FOR PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR PROTECTIVE (SAFETY) TOECAP FOOTWEAR.

ASTM F2413-11 explained

This specification covers the minimum design, performance, testing, and classification requirements, and prescribes fit, function, and performance criteria for footwear designed to protect against a variety of workplace hazards. It is not the intention of this specification to serve as a detailed manufacturing or purchasing specification. Instead, this specification can be referenced in purchase contracts to ensure that minimum performance requirements are met. Footwear conforming to this specification must meet the performance requirements for the following: impact resistance for the toe area; compression resistance for the toe area; metatarsal protection that reduces the chance of injury to the metatarsal bones at the top of the foot; conductive properties that reduce hazards resulting from static electricity build-up and reduce the possibility of igniting explosives and volatile chemicals; electric shock resistance; static dissipative (SD) properties to reduce hazards caused by exceedingly low footwear resistance that may exist where SD footwear is required; puncture resistance of footwear bottoms; chainsaw cut resistance; and dielectric insulation. The purpose of this standard is to summarize the requirements for certifying protective footwear by independent, third-party laboratories.

Footwear certified as meeting ASTM F2413-11 must first meet the requirements of Section 5.1: Impact Resistant Footwear and Section 5.2: Compression Resistant Footwear. Following these assessments, the requirements of additional sections—such as metatarsal protection, conductive protection, electric hazard resistance, static dissipative protection, and protection against punctures—can be met.
All footwear manufactured to the ASTM specification must be marked with the specific portion of the standard with which it complies. One shoe of each pair must be clearly and legibly marked (e.g., stitched in, stamped on, pressure sensitive label, etc.) on either the surface of the tongue, gusset, shaft, or quarter lining. The marking must be enclosed in a rectangular border; a four-line format is recommended. Line four is used only when more than three sections of the standard apply to the footwear.

Each protective toecap must be marked with the manufacturer’s name and trademark or logo. The cap number or identification, toecap size, and R (right)/L (left) designation must be permanently stamped or marked in a conspicuous location. Each metatarsal and puncture-resistant device must be marked with the manufacturer’s name, trademark or logo, and device number or identification in a conspicuous location.
The following is an example of an ASTM F2413-11 marking on protective footwear:

• ASTM F2413-11
• M I/75/C/75
• PR/Mt75

Line 1: ASTM F2413-11
This line identifies the ASTM standard. It indicates that the protective footwear meets the performance requirements of ASTM F2413, issued in 2011.

Line 2: M I/75 C/75
This line identifies the applicable gender [M (Male) or F (Female)] for which the footwear is intended. It also identifies the existence of impact resistance (I), the impact resistance rating (75, 50 or 30 foot-pounds), compression resistance (C), and the compression resistance rating (75, 50, or 30, which correlate to 2500 pounds, 1750 pounds, and 1000 pounds of compression respectively).

Line 3: PR Mt75
Line 3 is used to identify footwear made to protect against the specific hazards described in the standard Cd, EH, SD, PR, Mt. These are used to designate conductive (Cd) properties, electrical hazard resistance properties (EH), footwear designed to reduce the accumulation of excess static electricity (SD), and puncture resistance (PR). The metatarsal designation (Mt) and rating (i.e., 75 foot-pounds) is also identified.

Conductive (Cd) footwear is intended to provide protection for the wearer against hazards resulting from static electricity build-up and to reduce the possibility of igniting explosives and volatile chemicals. The footwear must facilitate electrical conductivity and the transfer of static electricity build-up from the wearer to the ground. The electrical resistance must range between zero and 500,000 ohms.

Electrical hazard (EH) footwear is manufactured with non-conductive, electrical shock-resistant soles and heels. The outsole is intended to provide a secondary source of electric shock-resistance protection for the wearer against the hazards associated with incidental contact with live electrical circuits, electrically energized conductors, parts, or apparatuses. It must be capable of withstanding the application of 18,000 volts at 60 hertz for one minute with no current flow or leakage current in excess of one milliampere under dry conditions.
Static dissipative (SD) footwear is designed to provide protection against hazards associated with exceedingly low footwear resistance and to maintain a sufficiently high level of resistance to reduce the possibility of electric shock. The footwear must have a lower limit of electrical resistance of 106 ohms and an upper limit of 108 ohms.

Puncture-resistant (PR) footwear features a puncture-resistant plate positioned between the insole and outsole. This plate is an integral and permanent part of footwear. Devices constructed of metal must pass the ASTM B117-11 Standard Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog Apparatus) corrosion resistance testing. The device must show no sign of corrosion after being exposed to a five per cent salt solution for 24 hours. The puncture-resistant footwear must show no signs of cracking after being subjected to 1.5 million flexes and have a minimum puncture resistance of 270 pounds.

Metatarsal protection (Mt) footwear is designed to prevent or reduce injuries when the toe and metatarsal areas of the foot are exposed to “drop” hazards.
Any changes to the original components of safety toe footwear, such as replacing or adding foot beds or inserts, could cause failure to any or all parts of the ASTM standard invalidates the safety marking.