ASTM F3392-20

Standard Practice for Exoskeleton Wearing, Care, and Maintenance Instructions

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This practice describes the minimum information to be provided by the manufacturer to the end user related to the wearing, care, and maintenance of an exoskeleton. Adherence to this practice allows written information to be provided with the exoskeleton to purchasers.  
4.2 Not every element of this practice may be applicable to all exoskeleton components or configurations. It is the manufacturer’s responsibility to determine which portions of this practice, and the corresponding requirements, are applicable to their exoskeletons. For informational requirements that are not applicable because of the nature of the product and intended use, the manufacturer shall indicate and describe those portions or requirements that are not applicable.  
4.3 All information related to wearing, decontamination, care, and maintenance shall be written in a manner so that the end user can readily understand the details. To emphasize important limitations, bold lettering and explicit warning terminology (for example, signal words such as ‘danger,’ ‘warning,’ and ‘caution’ (described in ANSI Z535.4)) shall be used. Where possible, pictograms and illustrations may be used to convey specific instructions. In addition, the use of symbols, such as those provided in the care of textile products in Guide D5489, are appropriate for indicating specific care procedures used in cleaning an exoskeleton where applicable.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice describes the required minimum information to be conveyed by the manufacturers to buyers or end users for the wearing, care, and maintenance of exoskeletons.  
1.1.1 This practice does not cover specific instructions for how to select and when to use exoskeletons or design requirements.  
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.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Aug-2020
• ICS: 11.180.10 - Aids and adaptation for moving
• ICS: 25.040.30 - Industrial robots. Manipulators
• Technical Committee: F48 - Exoskeletons and Exosuits
• Drafting Committee: F48.04 - Maintenance and Disposal

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D5489-18(2023) - Standard Guide for Care Symbols for Care Instructions on Textile Products
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM D5489-18 - Standard Guide for Care Symbols for Care Instructions on Textile Products
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2018
• Refers: ASTM F2061-17 - Standard Practice for Chemical Protective Clothing: Wearing, Care, and Maintenance Instructions
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Refers: ASTM D5489-14 - Standard Guide for Care Symbols for Care Instructions on Textile Products
• Effective Date: 15-May-2014
• Refers: ASTM D5489-07(2013)e1 - Standard Guide for Care Symbols for Care Instructions on Textile Products
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2013
• Refers: ASTM F2061-12 - Standard Practice for Chemical Protective Clothing: Wearing, Care, and Maintenance Instructions
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2012
• Refers: ASTM F2061-08 - Standard Practice for Chemical Protective Clothing: Wearing, Care, and Maintenance Instructions
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2008
• Refers: ASTM F2061-07 - Standard Practice for Chemical Protective Clothing: Wearing, Care, and Maintenance Instructions
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2007
• Refers: ASTM D5489-07 - Standard Guide for Care Symbols for Care Instructions on Textile Products
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2007
• Refers: ASTM D5489-01a - Standard Guide for Care Symbols for Care Instructions on Textile Products
• Effective Date: 10-Sep-2001
• Refers: ASTM D5489-01 - Standard Guide for Care Symbols for Care Instructions on Textile Products
• Effective Date: 10-Sep-2001
• Refers: ASTM F2061-00 - Standard Practice for Chemical Protective Clothing Care and Maintenance Instructions
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-2000
• Refers: ASTM D5489-96c - Standard Guide for Care Symbols for Care Instructions on Textile Products
• Effective Date: 10-Sep-1996

Overview

ASTM F3392-20 is the international standard practice developed by ASTM for providing exoskeleton wearing, care, and maintenance instructions. This standard specifies the minimum information that manufacturers are required to communicate to buyers or end users regarding how to properly wear, care for, maintain, and safely manage exoskeletons. By adhering to ASTM F3392-20, manufacturers ensure that necessary and practical information is accessible and easily understood by users, which improves safety, usability, and longevity of exoskeleton products. The document covers all types and domains of exoskeletons, supporting manufacturers, employers, safety officers, and end users in the delivery and use of comprehensive instructions.

Key Topics

• Wearing Instructions: Manufacturers must provide clear, step-by-step guidance for donning, doffing, fitting, and adjusting exoskeletons, including pictograms or illustrations where helpful.
• Care and Cleaning: Specific procedures for cleaning, laundering, disinfecting, and drying exoskeletons, including precautions, limitations, and warnings to prevent degradation or hazards caused by improper maintenance.
• Decontamination and Sanitization: Instructions for safe removal of contaminants, sanitization, and disinfection methods, especially after exposure to potentially hazardous substances.
• Storage: Guidance on appropriate storage environments, conditions, and limitations, including recommended storage and product life.
• Inspection and Maintenance: Detailed inspection frequencies, visual checks, non-destructive testing, permissible repairs, and required tools or equipment.
• Retirement and Disposal: Criteria for determining when an exoskeleton should be retired or removed from service and best practices for disposal, especially for contaminated units.
• Safety Considerations: Use of bold lettering, signal words, and warnings (aligned with ANSI Z535.4) to highlight limitations and potential risks.
• Recordkeeping: Requirements for documentation systems to track exoskeleton wear history, care activities, and maintenance over time.

Applications

ASTM F3392-20 is relevant to all sectors utilizing exoskeleton technology, including:

• Industrial exoskeletons: Enhancing worker safety, reducing fatigue, and optimizing productivity in construction, manufacturing, and warehousing.
• Medical exoskeletons: Supporting rehabilitation, mobility assistance, and healthcare applications for patients and care teams.
• Military exoskeletons: Increasing endurance, reducing injury risk, and enabling load carriage in defense and security operations.
• Consumer exoskeletons: Providing support for personal mobility and daily living activities.
• Research and product development: Supporting R&D teams with standardized approaches to user communication, maintenance, and performance validation.

By following these standardized instructions, organizations can reduce operational risk, comply with international best practices, and ensure users achieve the maximum performance and lifespan from their exoskeletons.

Related Standards

ASTM F3392-20 is part of a family of standards and references that provide comprehensive guidance for exoskeleton products:

• ASTM D5489: Guide for Care Symbols for Textile Products - applicable care symbols for cleaning instructions.
• ASTM F3358: Practice for Labeling and Information for Exoskeletons - related labeling requirements.
• ASTM F2061: Practice for Wearing, Care, and Maintenance of Chemical Protective Clothing - related maintenance guidance.
• ANSI Z535.4: Product Safety Signs and Labels - for safety terminology and hazard communication.
• ISO 7000 / IEC 60417: International graphical symbols for use on equipment - applicable for pictograms and user instructions.
• 21 CFR 890.3480: Regulations for powered lower extremity exoskeletons in the US.

Adherence to ASTM F3392-20 ensures harmonization with these globally recognized standards, facilitating safer, clearer, and more effective exoskeleton use across all domains.

Keywords: exoskeleton, care, maintenance, cleaning, decontamination, inspection, safety, standard, ASTM F3392-20, instructions, storage, removal from service, repair, user information.

Standards Content (Sample)

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.
Designation: F3392 − 20
Standard Practice for
Exoskeleton Wearing, Care, and Maintenance Instructions
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3392; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2.3 Other Standards:
ANSI Z535.4 Standard for Product Safety Signs and La-
1.1 This practice describes the required minimum informa-
bels
tion to be conveyed by the manufacturers to buyers or end
ISO 7000 / IEC 60417 Graphical symbols for use on
users for the wearing, care, and maintenance of exoskeletons.
equipment
1.1.1 This practice does not cover specific instructions for
how to select and when to use exoskeletons or design require-
3. Terminology
ments.
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 care, n—procedures for cleaning, sterilization,
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
decontamination, and storage of the exoskeleton.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.1.2 contamination, n—the addition of an undesired sub-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
stance to the exoskeleton.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.1.3 decontamination, n—the reduction, removal, or neu-
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
tralization of a contaminant or contaminants from the exoskel-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
eton to the extent necessary to safely permit the exoskeleton to
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
be doffed (taken off), reused, or discarded.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.1.4 degradation, n—a deleterious change in one or more
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
properties of a material.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.1.5 disinfection, n—a process that destroys or irreversibly
inactivatesfungi,viruses,andbacteria,butnotnecessarilytheir
2. Referenced Documents
spore, on inanimate surfaces and objects.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.1.6 end user, n—the entity or organization whose employ-
D5489 Guide for Care Symbols for Care Instructions on
ees ultimately wear the exoskeleton.
Textile Products
3.1.7 maintenance, n—procedures for inspection, service,
F2061 Practice for Chemical Protective Clothing: Wearing,
upgrades, and repair of the exoskeleton, including the deter-
Care, and Maintenance Instructions
mination for removal from service.
F3358 Practice for Labeling and Information for Exoskel-
3.1.8 manufacturer, n—party responsible for the manufac-
etons
turing of the exoskeleton and assumes the liability or provides
2.2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations:
the warranty for the exoskeleton.
21 CFR 890.3480 Powered lower extremity exoskeleton
3.1.9 sanitization, n—a process that reduces, but not neces-
sarily eliminates, microorganisms from the inanimate environ-
ment to levels considered safe as determined by public health
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F48 on Exoskel-
codes or regulations.
etons and Exosuits and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F48.04 on
Maintenance and Disposal. 3.1.10 storage life, n—thelengthoftimethatanexoskeleton
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2020. Published September 2020. Originally
can remain in storage, presuming that the exoskeleton has
approved in 2019. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as F3392 – 19. DOI:
undergone proper care and maintenance in accordance with the
10.1520/F3392-20.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
the ASTM website. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
3 5
Available from U.S. Government Printing Office, Superintendent of Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO
Documents, 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Washington, DC 20401-0001, http:// Central Secretariat, BIBC II, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier,
www.access.gpo.gov. Geneva, Switzerland, http://www.iso.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F3392 − 20
manufacturer’s instructions but has not been used either in 5.2.2 Warranty—The manufacturer shall provide the war-
training or on the job. ranty statement and any associated information for the exo-
skeleton.
3.1.11 wearing instructions, n—procedures for donning,
doffing, fitting, and adjusting an exoskeleton and preparing the
5.3 Pre-Use Information—The manufacturer shall provide
exoskeleton for use.
information on how to mark the exoskeleton for purposes of
identification by the end user organization, recommended
4. Significance and Use
undergarments and associated equipment to be worn with the
exoskeleton, as applicable.
4.1 This practice describes the minimum information to be
provided by the manufacturer to the end user related to the
5.4 Sizing Information—The manufacturer shall indicate the
wearing, care, and maintenance of an exoskeleton. Adherence
types and number of sizes available for the exoskeleton and
to this practice allows written information to be provided with
provide information for the selection of the correct size of the
the exoskeleton to purchasers.
exoskeleton by the end user and describe any adjustments that
4.2 Not every element of this practice may be applicable to
can be made for properly sizing the exoskeleton.
all exoskeleton components or configurations. It is the manu-
5.5 Donning and Doffıng Instructions—The manufacturer
facturer’s responsibility to determine which portions of this
shall provide instructions to the end user on the proper donning
practice, and the corresponding requirements, are applicable to
(putting on and wearing) and doffing (removal) of the exoskel-
their exoskeletons. For informational requirements that are not
eton. If applicable to the exoskeleton design, the manufacturer
applicable because of the nature of the product and intended
shall provide alternative instructions as needed for removal of
use,themanufacturershallindicateanddescribethoseportions
the exoskeleton when contaminated with hazardous sub-
or requirements that are not applicable.
stances.
4.3 All information related to wearing, decontamination,
5.6 Tools Required Instructions—The manufacturer shall
care, and maintenance shall be written in a manner so that the
provide information about the necessary tools and equipment
end user can readily understand the details. To emphasize
necessary for the proper wearing, care, and maintenance of the
important limitations, bold lettering and explicit warning
exoskeleton.
terminology (for example, signal words such as ‘danger,’
‘warning,’ and ‘caution’ (described in ANSI Z535.4)) shall be
5.7 Exoskeleton Domain—The manufacturer shall indicate
used.Wherepossible,pictogramsandillustrationsmaybeused
the domains of exoskeleton use. Such domains may include:
to convey specific instructions. In addition, the use of symbols,
consumer, industrial, medical, military, or all. This list is not
such as those provided in the care of textile products in Guide
exhaustive and domains beyond the prior shall be indicated as
D5489, are appropriate for indicating specific care procedures
applicable.
used in cleaning an exoskeleton where applicable.
5.8 Power Source—Themanufacturershallindicatethetype
of power source used by the exoskeleton. The power source
5. General Information and Information Related to
refers to any device that stores and releases mechanical,
Wearing Instructions
electrical, pneumatic, or a combination the
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F3392 − 19 F3392 − 20
Standard Practice for
Exoskeleton Wearing, Care, and Maintenance Instructions
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3392; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This practice describes the recommendedrequired minimum information to be conveyed by the manufacturers to buyers or end
users for the wearing, care, and maintenance of exoskeletons.
1.1.1 This practice does not cover specific instructions for how to select and when to use exoskeletons or design requirements.
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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D5489 Guide for Care Symbols for Care Instructions on Textile Products
F2061 Practice for Chemical Protective Clothing: Wearing, Care, and Maintenance Instructions
F3358 Practice for Labeling and Information for Exoskeletons
2.2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations:
21 CFR 890.3480 Powered lower extremity exoskeleton
2.3 Other Standards:
ANSI Z535.4 Standard for Product Safety Signs and Labels
ISO 7000 / IEC 60417 Graphical symbols for use on equipment
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 care, n—procedures for cleaning, sterilization, decontamination, and storage of the exoskeleton.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F48 on Exoskeletons and Exosuits and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F48.04 on Maintenance
and Disposal.
Current edition approved Nov. 15, 2019Sept. 1, 2020. Published December 2019September 2020. Originally approved in 2019. Last previous edition approved in 2019
as F3392 – 19. DOI: 10.1520/F3392-19.10.1520/F3392-20.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from U.S. Government Printing Office, Superintendent of Documents, 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Washington, DC 20401-0001, http://www.access.gpo.gov.
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO Central Secretariat, BIBC II, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier, Geneva,
Switzerland, http://www.iso.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F3392 − 20
3.1.2 contamination, n—the addition of an undesired substance to the exoskeleton.
3.1.3 decontamination, n—the reduction, removal, or neutralization of a contaminant or contaminants from the exoskeleton to the
extent necessary to safely permit the exoskeleton to be doffed (taken off), reused, or discarded.
3.1.4 degradation, n—a deleterious change in one or more properties of a material.
3.1.5 disinfection, n—a process that destroys or irreversibly inactivates fungi, viruses, and bacteria, but not necessarily their spore,
on inanimate surfaces and objects.
3.1.6 end user, n—the entity or organization whose employees ultimately wear the exoskeleton.
3.1.7 maintenance, n—procedures for inspection, service, upgrades, and repair of the exoskeleton, including the determination for
removal from service.
3.1.8 manufacturer, n—party responsible for the manufacturing of the exoskeleton and assumes the liability or provides the
warranty for the exoskeleton.
3.1.9 sanitization, n—a process that reduces, but not necessarily eliminates, microorganisms from the inanimate environment to
levels considered safe as determined by public health codes or regulations.
3.1.10 storage life, n—the length of time that an exoskeleton can remain in storage, presuming that the exoskeleton has undergone
proper care and maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions but has not been used either in training or on the
job.
3.1.11 wearing instructions, n—procedures for donning, doffing, fitting, and adjusting an exoskeleton and preparing the
exoskeleton for use.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This practice describes the minimum information to be provided by the manufacturer to the end user related to the wearing,
care, and maintenance of an exoskeleton. Adherence to this practice allows written information to be provided with the exoskeleton
to purchasers by means of labels (such as labels complying with Practice purchasers.F3358), pamphlets, or other documents.
4.2 Not every element of this practice may be applicable to all exoskeleton components or configurations. It is the manufacturer’s
responsibility to determine which portions of this practice, and the corresponding requirements, are applicable to their
exoskeletons. For informational requirements that are not applicable because of the nature of the product and intended use, the
manufacturer is to shall indicate and describe those portions or requirements that are not applicable.
4.3 All information related to wearing, decontamination, care, and maintenance are required to shall be written in a manner so that
the end user can readily understand the details. To emphasize important limitations, bold lettering and explicit warning terminology
(for example, signal words such as ‘danger,’ ‘warning,’ and ‘caution’ (described in ANSI Z535.4)) are to shall be used. Where
possible, pictograms and illustrations are required may be used to convey specific instructions. In addition, the use of symbols, such
as those provided in the care of textile products in Guide D5489, are appropriate for indicating specific care procedures used in
cleaning an exoskeleton where applicable.
5. General Information and Information Related to Wearing Instructions
5.1 Address and Point-of-Contact Information—The manufacturer shall provide an address, a contact telephone number, and
means of electronic communication, as applicable, for questions concerning the proper use, limitations, decontamination, care, and
maintenance of the exoskeleton. Provision of a toll-free emergency number is encouraged but not required.
5.2 Safety Considerations, and Limitations of Use, and Warranty Information—The manufacturer shall provide a list of
considerations for the safe use of the exoskeleton and describe specific limitations for the use of the exoskeleton. As appropriate
F3392 − 20
for the intended use of the exoskeleton, the manufacturer shall provide appropriate warnings related to the use of the exoskeleton
(for example, CONDUCT A HAZARD AND RISK ASSESSMENT TO DETERMINE THE SUITABILITY OF THIS
EXOSKELETON FOR ITS INTENDED USE; FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS
INJURY OR DEATH). It is recommended that warnings be highlighted using bold text and explicit terminology, such as the signal
words ‘danger,’ ‘warning,’ and ‘caution,’ as described in ANSI Z535.4.
5.2.1 Materials Compatibility—The manufacturer shall provide a list of the types of materials used in the exoskeleton.
5.2.2 Warranty—The manufacturer shall provide the warranty statement and any associated information for the exoskeleton.
5.3 Pre-Use Information—The manufacturer shall provide information on how to mark the exoskeleton for purposes of
identification by the end user organization, recommended undergarments and associated equipment to be worn with the
exoskeleton, as applicable.
5.4 Sizing Information—The manufacturer shall indicate the type
...