ASTM F2412-24: Standard Test Methods for Foot Protection
Pulling a brand new pair of boots out of a cardboard box can be an intoxicating experience. Each step of the process produces its own pleasures—removing the wrapping paper from the inside of the shoe, catching the new smell scent before sweaty feet tarnish it, and basking in how it feels on the foot. However, other aspects of the footwear experience, like safety should be considered, especially when operating in a potentially hazardous environment ASTM F2412-24: Standard Test Methods for Foot Protection provides guidelines to assist with this process.
According to a 2018 study from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), close to 96,000 foot and ankle injuries occurred in that year alone, resulting in lost workdays. Think about all the accidents that might go on unreported. Clearly, safety is something that should be considered when lacing up boots for a work related project.
What Is ASTM F2412-24?
ASTM F2412-24 can assure that footwear receives proper scrutiny for hazardous situations. The methods included in the standard asses the resistance of footwear for numerous situations that might lead to injury. These test methods can also be used to check for compliance with recognized safety standards. ASTM F2412-24 can be used to determine:
- Impact resistance
- Compression resistance
- Metatarsal impact resistance
- Resistance to electrical conductivity
- Resistance to Electrical Hazard
- Static dissipative performance
- Puncture resistance
Tests for these characteristics are crucial when it comes to footwear safety. ASTM F2412-24 can be a valuable asset in providing guidelines to better help with the safety of those who walk into hazardous work situations. Look beyond the aesthetics and warm fuzzy feelings a new pair of boots might generate. Consider the safety of that footwear as well.
Changes to ASTM F2412-24
The 2024 edition of this standard revises the last edition published in 2018. ASTM F2412-24 went through the following noteworthy changes:
- Definition for protective footwear was updated.
- New definition for unisex was added.
- Information relating to removing met guards was added to the requirement for removing the toe portion of the footwear when obtaining samples.
See all changes through ASTM F2412 Redline, which comes with both the standard PDF and the redline version, which clearly marks where text was removed or added to the current revision.
ASTM F2412-24: Standard Test Methods for Foot Protection is available on the ANSI Webstore. It is also part of the ASTM F2412 / ASTM F2413 – Foot Protection and Performance Package.
