ASTM F3579-24
Standard Practice for Considering and Deploying Exoskeletons for Return to Work

Standard No.

ASTM F3579-24

Release Date

2024

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Latest

ASTM F3579-24

Scope

1.1 The purpose of this practice is to discuss the potential benefits and risks of exoskeletons when used by workers during the Return to Work (RTW) process following an injury or illness, and to provide guidance to anyone considering their use during the modified/transitional duty period. The primary objectives of any exoskeleton used in a RTW capacity are to facilitate the natural healing process, prevent an exacerbation of an existing injury or illness, prevent further injuries or illnesses from developing, reduce the number of modified/ transitional duty days, reduce the number of visits to healthcare providers for medical treatments, and assist the worker with return to full duty without restrictions. The exoskeleton must not aggravate the original injury or illness, nor cause a secondary injury or illness. Successful RTW constitutes an injured worker’s ability to tolerate all of the demands of his/her job without reinjury, perform essential job functions, or return to work as per the decisions and directions of the worker’s physician and employer. In some cases, workers may continue to use the exoskeletons after full duty RTW for risk reduction, injury prevention, or to continue to perform essential job functions. Exoskeleton usage that continues beyond full duty RTW for these purposes is beyond the scope of this particular standard practice.

1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ASTM F3579-24 Referenced Document

• ASTM F3323 Standard Terminology for Exoskeletons and Exosuits*， 2024-06-01 Update
• ASTM F3392 Standard Practice for Exoskeleton Wearing, Care, and Maintenance Instructions
• ASTM F3444/F3444M Standard Practice for Training Exoskeleton Users
• ASTM F3527 Standard Guide for Assessing Risks Related to Implementation of Exoskeletons in Task-Specific Environments*， 2024-11-15 Update

ASTM F3579-24 history

• 2024 ASTM F3579-24 Standard Practice for Considering and Deploying Exoskeletons for Return to Work

Standard and Specification