The employer shall ensure that each affected employee wears protective footwear when working in areas where there is a danger of foot injuries due to falling or rolling objects or objects piercing the sole.

The employer must ensure that protective footwear complies with any of the following consensus standards:

ASTM F-2412-2005, "Standard Test Methods for Foot Protection," and ASTM F-2413-2005, "Standard Specification for Performance Requirements for Protective Footwear," which are incorporated by reference in § 1918.3;

ANSI Z41-1999, “American National Standard for Personal Protection – Protective Footwear,” which is incorporated by reference in § 1918.3; or

ANSI Z41-1991, "American National Standard for Personal Protection – Protective Footwear," which is incorporated by reference in § 1918.3.

Protective footwear that the employer demonstrates is at least as effective as protective footwear that is constructed in accordance with one of the above consensus standards will be deemed to be in compliance with the requirements of this section.