Standardization News

ASTM International Committee F13 on Pedestrian/Walkway Safety and Footwear is currently working on a proposed new standard for footwear designed for workers who do not necessarily need safety toe shoes but could use other protection such as puncture resistance, electrical shock protection and electrical grounding.

The proposed new standard, WK27855, Specification for Performance Requirements for Soft Toe Protective Footwear (Non-Safety/Non-Protective Toe), is being developed by Subcommittee F13.30 on Footwear.

Ed Fortuna, quality assurance technical manager, Wolverine World Wide, and chairman, F13.30, says that workers in industries such as infrastructure construction, automotive assembly and general construction would be the primary users of products made in accordance with the proposed standard. These workers would be in need of footwear that would protect against punctures, static and electrical hazards, but would not necessarily need to conform to current U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration or corporate safety footwear job-specific requirements that would protect the foot against dropping or rolling objects, particularly in the toe area.

Fortuna says that all interested parties are invited to participate in the ongoing development of WK27855 and other standards work of F13.30.

CONTACT Technical Information: Ed Fortuna, Wolverine World Wide, Rockford, Mich. • Phone: 616-866-5588 • E-mail: fortuned@wwwinc.com O ASTM Staff: Joseph Hugo • Phone: 610-832-9740 • E-mail: jhugo@astm.org O Upcoming Meeting: Jan. 31-Feb. 1, 2011 • January Committee Week • Baltimore, Md.