OSHA-approved safety shoes are labeled with specific indelible markings to indicate compliance with safety standards. These labels include symbols like "C" for compression resistance, "I" for impact resistance, "Mt" for metatarsal protection, "EH" for electrical hazard protection, and "ESD" for electrically conductive properties. Additionally, the labels reference ASTM standards (such as ASTM F2413-18) and manufacturing details, ensuring the footwear meets rigorous testing requirements for workplace safety.
Key Points Explained:
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Indelible Markings for Compliance
- OSHA requires safety shoes to have permanent, legible labels that cannot be easily removed or worn off.
- These markings confirm the shoe meets or exceeds OSHA’s safety standards.
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Symbols for Hazard Protection
- C (Compression Resistance): Indicates the shoe can withstand up to 75lbf of compression force.
- I (Impact Resistance): Confirms protection against impacts up to 75lbf.
- Mt (Metatarsal Protection): Shields the metatarsal bones from heavy impacts.
- EH (Electrical Hazard Protection): Protects against open circuits up to 600V in dry conditions.
- ESD (Electrically Conductive): Safely dissipates static electricity (10–100 kilo-ohms resistance).
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ASTM Standards on Labels
- OSHA-approved shoes must reference ASTM F2413-18 (or the latest version), which covers:
- Impact/compression resistance (tested at 30–75lbf).
- Puncture resistance (minimum 270lb force).
- Static dissipation and electrical hazard protection.
- Some labels may also cite ASTM F2412 for additional performance criteria.
- OSHA-approved shoes must reference ASTM F2413-18 (or the latest version), which covers:
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Manufacturing & Gender Designation
- Labels include production details (e.g., batch numbers, manufacturer info).
- Gender-specific markings (M/F) may appear to indicate fit standards.
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Independent Laboratory Testing
- OSHA mandates third-party testing for:
- Impact/compression (30–75lbf ratings).
- Puncture resistance (270lb minimum).
- Metatarsal protection (up to 75lbf).
- Electrical safety (EH and ESD ratings).
- OSHA mandates third-party testing for:
For more details on selecting compliant footwear, see our guide on safe shoe standards. These labels ensure workers can quickly verify if their footwear aligns with OSHA’s life-saving requirements.
Summary Table:
| Symbol | Meaning | Protection Level |
|---|---|---|
| C | Compression Resistance | Withstands up to 75lbf |
| I | Impact Resistance | Protects against 75lbf impacts |
| Mt | Metatarsal Protection | Shields metatarsal bones |
| EH | Electrical Hazard Protection | Up to 600V in dry conditions |
| ESD | Electrically Conductive | Dissipates static electricity (10–100 kilo-ohms) |
| Standard | Key Requirements |
|---|---|
| ASTM F2413-18 | Impact/compression, puncture resistance, electrical safety |
| ASTM F2412 | Additional performance criteria |
Ensure your workforce is equipped with OSHA-compliant safety footwear that meets all critical safety standards. 3515, a leading manufacturer of industrial and safety footwear, offers a comprehensive range of durable, certified safety shoes and boots designed for distributors, brand owners, and bulk clients. Our products undergo rigorous third-party testing to guarantee impact resistance, electrical hazard protection, and more.
Why choose 3515?
- Full compliance with ASTM F2413-18 and OSHA standards.
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Contact us today to discuss your safety footwear needs and request a catalog!
