The ASTM F2412-11 and ASTM F2413-11 have just been released. They are the essential ASTM standards on foot protection and safety toe caps. The two documents replaced the ANSI Z41 standard back in 2005. The new editions are available from Document Center Inc. in both paper and electronic format.
ASTM F2412, titled “Standard Test Methods for Foot Protection,” covers test methods that measure the resistance of footwear to a variety of hazards that can potentially result in injury. Areas include:
Impact resistance for the toe area of footwear,
Compression resistance for the toe area of footwear,
Metatarsal protection that reduces the chance of injury to the metatarsal bones at the top of the foot,
Conductive properties which reduce hazards that may result from static electricity buildup, and reduce the possibility of ignition of explosives and volatile chemicals,
Electric Hazard by stepping on live wire,
Static dissipative (SD) properties to reduce hazards due to excessively low footwear electrical resistance that may exist where SD footwear is required, and
Puncture resistance footwear devices.
ASTM F2413, “Standard Specification for Performance Requirements for Protective (Safety) Toe Cap Footwear,” covers the minimum design, performance, testing, and classification requirements, and prescribes fit, function, and performance criteria for footwear designed to be worn to provide protection against a variety of workplace hazards that can potentially result in injury.
The specification is not intended to serve as a detailed manufacturing or purchasing specification, but can be referenced in purchase contracts to ensure that minimum performance requirements are met.
Footwear conforming to this specification shall meet the performance requirements for the following:
Impact resistance for the toe area of footwear,
Compression resistance for the toe area of footwear,
Metatarsal protection that reduces the chance of injury to the metatarsal bones at the top of the foot,
Conductive properties which reduce hazards that may result from static electricity buildup, and reduce the possibility of ignition of explosives and volatile chemicals,
Electric shock resistance,
Static dissipative (SD) properties to reduce hazards due to excessively low footwear resistance that may exist where SD footwear is required,
Puncture resistance of footwear bottoms,
Chain saw cut resistance, and
Dielectric insulation.
Document Center Inc. has been providing ASTM standards under licensed contract since the 1980’s. We have a complete collection of current standards and many of the obsolete revisions as well. Order through our website, www.document-center.com, or contact us by phone (650-591-7600), fax (650-591-7617) or email (info@document-center.com). We would be pleased to work with you.
For a little safety footwear humor, click here: http://www.gocomics.com/theargylesweater/2013/10/26
Protective footwear requirements are referenced in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA’s) Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 29. These references can be found in (1910.132) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) General Requirements or (1910.136) Foot Protection.
According to 29 CFR 1910.132, PPE must be used whenever an employer’s workplace hazard assessment determines that hazards that require PPE are present, or are likely to be present.
29 CFR 1910.136 refers to the American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) F2412-05 Standard Test Methods for Foot Protection, F2413-05 Standard Specification for Performance Requirements for Protective Footwear and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) American National Standard for Personal Protection – Protective Footwear (ANSI Z41-1999 and Z41-1991) for its performance criteria.
On March 1, 2005, the ANSI Z41 reference was withdrawn and replaced by the ASTM Standards.
On September 9, 2009, OSHA issued an update to its PPE standards. The final rule went into effect in October 2009. This final rule revised the PPE sections of OSHAs general industry, shipyard employment, longshoring, and marine terminals standards regarding requirements for eye and face protective devices and head and foot protection.
The revision updated the references in these regulations to recognize the more recent editions of the applicable national consensus standards. It allows employers to use PPE constructed in accordance with any of three national consensus standards; the ASTM standards which were updated in 2011 and the ANSI Z41-1999 standard.
This document provides an overview of the OSHA standard, the ANSI performance criteria and ASTM F2413 performance requirements.
Occupational Foot Protection
According to 1910.136(a), “Each affected employee shall wear protective footwear when working in areas where there is a danger of foot injuries due to falling or rolling objects, or objects piercing the sole, and where such employee’s feet are exposed to electrical hazards.” Appendix B to Subpart I identifies the following occupations for which foot protection should be routinely considered: “shipping and receiving clerks, stock clerks, carpenters, electricians, machinists, mechanics and repairers, plumbers, assemblers, drywall installers and lathers, packers, wrappers, craters, punch and stamping press operators, sawyers, welders, laborers, freight handlers, gardeners and grounds keepers, timber cutting and logging workers, stock handlers and warehouse laborers.”
Requirements of ANSI Z41
The ANSI Z41 standard defines performance measurements and test methods for protective footwear. Effective with the last revision of this standard, the ANSI Z41-1999 requires suppliers and manufactures of Protective Footwear to have independent laboratory test results available to confirm compliance with the standard. And all protective footwear that is certified as meeting ANSI Z41 must first meet the requirements of Section 1 General Requirements for All Types of Footwear–Impact and Compression Resistance. Then the requirements of additional sections such as electrical hazard protection, conductive protection and protection against punctures and penetration can be met.
Protective footwear can meet all the requirements of the ANSI standard or specific elements of it, as long as it first meets the requirements for toe protection in Section 1. A work boot that meets the impact and compression requirements of the ANSI standard may not provide protection for metatarsal, electrical or penetration hazards. All footwear manufactured to ANSI specifications will be marked with the specific portion of the standard with which it complies.
The ANSI standard incorporates a coding system that manufacturers use to identify the portions of the standard with which the footwear complies. The identification code must be legible (printed, stamped, stitched, etc.) on one shoe of each pair of protective footwear.
The following is an example of an ANSI Z41 marking that may be found on protective footwear:
ANSI Z41 PT 99
F I/75 C/75
Mt/75 EH
PR
Line #1: ANSI Z41 PT 99:
This line identifies the ANSI standard. The letters PT indicate the protective toe section of the standard. This is followed by the last two digits of the year of the standard with which the footwear meets compliance (1999).
Line #2: F 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 correlates to 2500 pounds, 1750 pounds, and 1000 pounds of compression respectively).
Lines 3 & 4: Mt Cd EH PR & SD:
Lines 3 and 4 are used to reference additional sections in the standard. They are use to designate metatarsal (Mt) resistance and rating, conductive (Cd) properties, electrical hazard (EH), puncture resistance (PR) and static dissipative (SD) properties, if applicable. Line 4 is only used when more than three sections of ANSI Z41 apply.
The purpose of metatarsal footwear is to prevent or reduce the severity of injury to the metatarsal and toe areas. The existence of metatarsal resistance (Mt) and the rating (75, 50 or 30 foot-pounds) is identified.
Conductive (Cd) footwear is intended to protect the wearer in an environment where the accumulation of static electricity on the body is a hazard. It is designed to dissipate state electricity from the body 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 heals. It is intended to provide a secondary source of protection against accidental contact with live electrical circuits, electrically energized conductors, parts or apparatus. It must be capable of withstanding the application of 14,000 volts at 60 hertz for one minute with no current flow or leakage current in excess of 3.0 milliamperes, under dry conditions.
The purpose of sole puncture resistant (PR) protective footwear is to reduce the possibility of injury caused by sharp objects that may penetrate the soles of the footwear. The puncture resistant device must be an integral part of the footwear and must be constructed into the shoe during the manufacturing process. The footwear must withstand a minimum force of 270 pounds. Devices constructed of metal must pass the corrosion resistance testing and show no sign of corrosion after being exposed to a five percent salt solution for 24-hours. The puncture resistant footwear must show no signs of cracking after being subjected to 1.5 million flexes.
Static dissipative (SD) footwear is designed to reduce the accumulation of excess static electricity by conducting body charge to ground while maintaining a sufficiently high level of resistance. There are two static dissipative classifications Type I and Type II. Both types have a lower limit of resistance of 106 ohms. Type I footwear’s electrical resistance must not exceed 108 ohms, which is generally considered acceptable for semiconductor applications. Type II footwear’s electrical resistance must not exceed 109 ohms and has applications in work environments less demanding than Type I.
ASTM F2413-05 Requirements
ASTM F2413-05 Standard Specification for Performance Requirements for Foot Protection covers minimum requirements for the design, performance, testing and classification of protective footwear. Footwear certified as meeting ASTM F2413-05 must first meet the requirements of Section 5.1 Impact Resistant Footwear and Section 5.2 Compression Resistant Footwear. Then the requirements of additional sections such as metatarsal protection, conductive protection, electric shock protection, 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 (stitched in, stamped on, pressure sensitive label, etc.) on either the surface of the tongue, gusset, shaft or quarter lining.
The following is an example of an ASTM F2413-05 marking that may be found on protective footwear:
ASTM F2413-05
M I/75/C/75/Mt75
PR
CS
Line #1: ASTM F2413-05:
This line identifies the ASTM standard it indicates that the protective footwear meets the performance requirements of ASTM F2413 issued in 2005.
Line #2: M I/75 C/75 Mt75:
This line identifies the gender [M (Male) or F (Female)] of the user. It also identifies the existence of impact resistance (I), the impact resistance rating (75 or 50 foot-pounds), compression resistance (C) and the compression resistance rating (75 or 50 which correlates to 2500 pounds and 1750 pounds of compression respectively). The metatarsal designation (Mt) and rating (75 or 50 foot-pounds) is also identified.
Lines 3 & 4: PR CS
Lines 3 and 4 are used to identify footwear made to offer protection from other specific types of hazards referenced in the standard. They are used to designate conductive (Cd) properties, electrical insulation properties (EH), footwear designed to reduce the accumulation of excess static electricity (SD), puncture resistance (PR), chain saw cut resistance (CS) and dielectric insulation (DI), if applicable. Line 4 is only used when more than three sections of the ASTM standard apply.
Conductive (Cd) footwear is intended to provide protection for the wearer against hazards that may result from static electricity buildup and to reduce the possibility of ignition of explosives or volatile chemicals. The footwear must facilitate electrical conductivity and the transfer of static electricity build up from the body to the ground. The electrical resistance must range between zero and 500,000 ohms.
Electrical shock resistant (EH) footwear is manufactured with non-conductive electrical shock resistant soles and heals. The outsole is intended to provide a secondary source of electric shock resistance protection to the wearer against the hazards from an incidental contact with live electrical circuits, electrically energized conductors, parts or apparatus. It must be capable of withstanding the application of 14,000 volts at 60 hertz for one minute with no current flow or leakage current in excess of 3.0 milliamperes, under dry conditions.
Static dissipative (SD) footwear is designed to provide protection against hazards that may exist due to excessively low footwear resistance, as well as 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 is designed so that a puncture resistant plate is positioned between the insole and outsole. It is an integral and permanent part of the footwear. Devices constructed of metal must pass the ASTM B117 Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog Apparatus) corrosion resistance testing. The device must show no sign of corrosion after being exposed to a five percent 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.
Chain saw cut resistant (CS) footwear is designed to provide protection to the wearer’s feet when operating a chain saw. It is intended to protect the foot area between the toe and lower leg. This footwear must meet the ASTM F1818 Specification for Foot Protection for Chainsaw Users standard.
Dielectric insulation (DI) footwear is designed to provide additional insulation if accidental contact is made with energized electrical conductors, apparatus or circuits. It must meet the minimum insulation performance requirements of ASTM F1117 (Specification for Dielectric Footwear) and be tested in accordance with ASTM F1116 (Test Method for Determining Dielectric Strength of Dielectric Footwear).
ASTM F2413-11 Requirements
The primary purpose of this standard is the certification of protective footwear. Certification must be performed by independent third party laboratories.
ASTM F2413-11 Standard Specification for Performance Requirements for Protective (Safety) Toe Cap Footwear contains performance requirements for footwear to protect workers’ feet from the following hazards by providing:
Footwear certified as meeting ASTM F2413-11 must first meet the requirements of Section 5.1 Impact Resistant Footwear (75 foot-pounds) and Section 5.2 Compression Resistant Footwear (75 / 2,500 pounds). Then the requirements of additional sections such as metatarsal protection, conductive protection, electric shock protection, static dissipative protection and protection against punctures can be met.
Each protective toe cap must be marked with the manufacturer’s name, trademark or logo. The cap number or identification, toe cap size, and R (right)/ L (left) 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.
All footwear manufactured to this 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 (stitched in, stamped, pressure sensitive label, or a combination of these methods) on the inside or outside surface of the tongue, gusset, shaft or quarter lining. The marking must be enclosed in a rectangular border and a four line format is suggested. Line four is to be used when more than three sections of the standard applies to the footwear.
Any changes to the original components of safety toe footwear such as replacing or adding after market footbeds/inserts could cause failure to any or all parts of this standard and the ASTM marking would be invalid.
Add-On Devices
An important point to remember is that neither the ANSI nor ASTM standards allows for the use of add-on type devices – strap-on foot, toe or metatarsal guards – as a substitute for protective footwear. According to the ANSI and ASTM standards, any protective toe caps or metatarsal guards must be designed, constructed and manufactured into the protective footwear during the manufacturing process and tested as an integral part of the footwear.
While ANSI and ASTM both exclude add-on devices, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re not acceptable to OSHA. This paradox exists because OSHA states in 1910.136(b)(2) “Protective footwear that the employer demonstrates is at least as effective as protective footwear that is constructed in accordance with one of the above consensus standards will be deemed to be in compliance with the requirements of this section.” This means that if an employer can provide documentation, such as testing data proving their add-on devices provide protection equivalent to either the ANSI or ASTM performance standards, then the add-on devices are acceptable to OSHA. Most manufacturers of add-on devices have submitted their products to independent laboratories for testing. This data and its results can be obtained upon request.
Questions and Answers
Q. What performance standards are incorporated by reference in OSHA’s Foot Protection Standard?
A. 29 CFR 1910.136 refers to the American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) F2412-05 Standard Test Methods for Foot Protection and F2413-05 Standard Specification for Performance Requirements for Protective Footwear and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) American National Standard for Personal Protection – Protective Footwear (ANSI Z41-1999 and Z41-1991) for its performance criteria.
On September 9, 2009, OSHA issued an update to its personal protective equipment (PPE) standards. The final rule went into effect in October that year and revised the PPE sections of OSHAs general industry, shipyard employment, longshoring, and marine terminals standards regarding requirements for eye- and face-protective devices, head protection and foot protection.
The revision updated the references in these regulations to recognize the more recent editions of the applicable national consensus standards. It allows employers to use PPE constructed in accordance with any of three national consensus standards the two most recent and the incorporated reference in the current standards.
Q. When is footwear with impact and compression protection suggested for use?
A. Per Appendix B to Subpart I safety shoes or boots with impact protection are suggested for carrying or handling materials such as packages, objects, parts or heavy tools, which could be dropped; and, for other activities where objects might fall onto the feet. Safety shoes or boots with compression protection are suggested for work activities involving skid trucks, around bulk rolls (such as paper rolls) and around heavy pipes, all of which could potentially roll over an employee’s feet.
Sources
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132
Personal Protective Equipment General Requirements
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.136
Personal Protective Equipment Occupational Foot Protection
ASTM B117
Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus
ASTM F1116
Test Method for Determining Dielectric Strength of Dielectric Footwear
ASTM F117
Specification for Dielectric Footwear
ASTM F1818
Specification for Foot Protection for Chainsaw Users
ASTM F2412-05
Standard Test Methods for Foot Protection
ASTM F2413-05
Standard Specification for Performance Requirements for Foot Protection
ASTM F2412-11
Standard Test Methods for Foot Protection
ASTM F2413-11
Standard Specification for Performance Requirements for Protective (Safety) Toe Cap Footwe