To properly identify certified footwear, you must locate a specific label inside one shoe of each pair. This marking is typically found on the tongue, gusset, shaft, or quarter lining and will clearly state the ASTM standard and its revision year, for example, ASTM F2413-05.
The ASTM F2413 label is not a simple pass/fail stamp; it is a multi-line code that details the specific safety features and performance ratings of the footwear, allowing you to match the protection to your exact workplace hazards.
Decoding the ASTM F2413 Label Line by Line
Understanding the label requires breaking it down into its distinct lines, each of which communicates a critical piece of safety information. This code is your primary guide to the footwear's capabilities.
Line 1: The Standard Designation
The first line identifies the safety standard the footwear conforms to.
For example, ASTM F2413-05 indicates that the shoe meets the performance requirements set by the ASTM F2413 standard as it was written in the year 2005.
Line 2: Gender and Core Protections
The second line is the most crucial, as it confirms the two foundational safety requirements: impact and compression resistance for the toe area.
A typical second line reads: M I/75 C/75.
- M or F denotes whether the footwear is designed for a Male or Female fit.
- I/75 signifies the Impact Rating. It certifies the toe box can withstand an impact of 75 foot-pounds.
- C/75 signifies the Compression Rating. It certifies the toe box can withstand a compressive load of 2,500 pounds.
All footwear conforming to ASTM F2413 must meet these baseline impact and compression standards.
Understanding Additional Protection Codes
Lines three and four of the label (if present) specify any additional safety features the footwear provides beyond the mandatory toe protection. These codes correspond to specific sections of the standard.
Mt: Metatarsal Protection
Footwear with an Mt rating includes an integrated guard that protects the top of the foot (the metatarsal bones) from impact.
EH: Electric Hazard Protection
The EH rating indicates the footwear is designed with non-conductive, electric shock-resistant soles and heels. It is meant to protect the wearer from open circuits of up to 18,000 volts under dry conditions.
Cd: Conductive Protection
Cd rated footwear is designed to discharge static electricity from your body through your shoes and into the ground. This minimizes the risk of static discharge igniting volatile chemicals or dust.
SD: Static Dissipative Protection
Similar to Cd, SD footwear also reduces the buildup of static electricity. However, it offers a higher level of electrical resistance than Cd footwear, providing a balance between static control and some limited shock protection.
PR: Puncture Resistance
The PR designation means the footwear has a puncture-resistant plate built into the sole to protect the foot from sharp objects like nails or scrap metal from below.
Common Pitfalls and Misconceptions
Selecting the correct footwear requires understanding the precise application of each rating, as choosing the wrong type can be a critical safety failure.
Do Not Confuse EH and SD/Cd
The most dangerous misconception is confusing Electric Hazard (EH) footwear with Static Dissipative (SD) or Conductive (Cd) footwear.
EH footwear is designed to insulate you from electricity. SD and Cd footwear are designed to conduct static electricity away from you. Wearing SD or Cd footwear when you need EH protection could be fatal.
The Standard Year Matters
The -05 in F2413-05 refers to the 2005 revision of the standard. While the core principles remain, standards are periodically updated (e.g., F2413-11, F2413-18). Always ensure your footwear meets the requirements specified by your workplace safety guidelines.
Making the Right Choice for Your Hazard
Use the label to ensure your footwear's protection profile matches your work environment's specific risks.
- If your primary focus is general construction or warehouse work: Your baseline need is footwear marked with I/75 and C/75, with PR being highly recommended.
- If your primary focus is working as an electrician: You must select footwear with an EH rating to protect against accidental contact with live circuits.
- If your primary focus is working in sensitive electronics or volatile environments: You need footwear with an SD or Cd rating to prevent static discharge.
- If your primary focus is heavy industry with crushing hazards: Look for footwear that adds an Mt rating for metatarsal protection.
By learning to read this essential safety label, you can confidently select the exact level of protection required for your specific work environment.
Summary Table:
| Protection Code | What It Means | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| I/75 C/75 | Impact & Compression Resistance | Mandatory toe protection (75 ft-lbs impact, 2,500 lbs compression) |
| Mt | Metatarsal Protection | Guard for the top of the foot from impact |
| EH | Electric Hazard | Insulates against open circuits up to 18,000 volts (dry) |
| PR | Puncture Resistance | Plate in the sole protects against sharp objects |
| SD/Cd | Static Dissipative/Conductive | Controls static electricity buildup (SD for balance, Cd for maximum discharge) |
Need ASTM F2413-Certified Safety Footwear for Your Team?
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Let us help you equip your team with reliable, code-compliant safety footwear.
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