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Safety Footwear Ratings (ASTM F2413)

ASTM F2413 sets performance requirements for protective-toe safety footwear and the codes printed on the label. This sheet explains what each code protects against, how to match codes to hazards and how F2892 covers soft-toe footwear.

Ref SP-0128ASTM F2413ASTM F289229 CFR 1910.136

Draft, open for review. Check every value against the governing standard and the manufacturer’s data before use.

What it is

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.136 requires protective footwear where there is a danger of foot injury from falling or rolling objects, objects piercing the sole, or electrical hazards. It refers to ASTM F2413 (and earlier ANSI Z41 editions). F2413 footwear always has a protective toe that meets impact and compression requirements, shown as I/C. Other protections are optional and shown with more codes. ASTM F2892 covers soft-toe (no protective toe) footwear that offers other protections, such as EH or puncture resistance. The line-by-line label layout is on the safety footwear label decoder.

How to read it

Look for the label inside the tongue or on the shaft. The first line names the standard and year, such as ASTM F2413-18. The next line shows the gender (M or F) and I/C. Later lines show the other codes. A shoe without I/C is not F2413 toe protection.

Codes and the hazards they address

Code	Protection	Typical hazard
I/C	Impact and compression resistant toe	Falling and rolling objects
Mt	Metatarsal guard	Heavy objects striking the top of the foot
EH	Electrical hazard (secondary protection)	Accidental contact with live circuits, dry conditions
PR	Puncture resistant sole	Nails, scrap, sharp debris
Cd	Conductive	Explosive or volatile work where static must be drained
SD	Static dissipative (with a number)	Electronics and static-sensitive areas
CS	Chain saw cut resistant	Chain saw use
DI	Dielectric insulation	Electrical work requiring dielectric footwear

Key points

EH footwear is secondary protection only. It does not replace safe electrical work practices or rated dielectric overshoes.
Cd and EH cannot be on the same shoe. They do opposite things.
SD footwear works only as part of a grounded floor and ESD program.
Composite toes and steel toes both meet I/C. Composite is lighter and non-metallic; steel is thinner.
Replace footwear after a heavy impact on the toe, or when soles crack or wear through.
For sizing and width, see safety footwear sizing and width.

Common mistakes

Buying "slip resistant" or "work" shoes with no F2413 label for a toe hazard.
Choosing EH footwear for wet electrical work.
Ignoring the Mt code when heavy items can strike the instep.
Reading the year on the label as an expiration date.

Governing standards: ASTM F2413 (performance requirements for protective-toe footwear); ASTM F2892 (soft-toe protective footwear); 29 CFR 1910.136 (foot protection).

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.

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