Safety Footwear Label Decoder

What it is

ASTM F2413 sets performance requirements for protective (safety) toe footwear. Footwear that meets it carries a label, usually sewn or printed inside the tongue or shaft, listing the standard and each protection the footwear passed. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.136 requires protective footwear that meets F2413 (or an equivalent) where there is a foot injury hazard. Testing to the standard is done under ASTM F2412.

How to read it

The label is printed as up to four lines in a set order. A code that does not appear was not claimed.

1. Line 1: the standard and edition year, for example "ASTM F2413-18".
2. Line 2: gender (M or F), then the toe ratings for impact and compression.
3. Line 3: further protections, such as metatarsal, conductive, electrical hazard or puncture resistance.
4. Line 4: further protections, such as static dissipative, chain saw or dielectric.

Decoder

Key points

• I and C ratings apply to the protective toe cap. Steel, composite and alloy caps can all meet them.
• EH is secondary protection only and is lost when the sole is wet, worn or punctured.
• Cd and EH are opposite in purpose. Do not sell Cd footwear where electrical shock is the hazard.
• SD footwear limits static buildup but is not conductive. Match the category to the site requirement.
• The label is the evidence. A boot that "looks safety" without the F2413 label is not certified.
• Editions change. Check the year on line 1 against the customer's specification.

Common mistakes

• Reading "EH" as permission for work on energized equipment.
• Assuming every safety toe boot has puncture protection. PR must be on the label.
• Mixing up SD and Cd when a customer works around static-sensitive electronics.
• Selling a metatarsal guard add-on as equal to an Mt-rated boot without checking the label.

Governing standards: ASTM F2413; ASTM F2412; 29 CFR 1910.136.

Reference only. Verify against the current governing code or standard, the manufacturer's data and the project documents before use. Apps for Distributors disclaims liability arising from reliance on this reference.