ANSI / ISEA Standards
ANSI (American National Standards Institute) approves voluntary “consensus standards” written by industry groups like ISEA and ASSP. OSHA often references them, and manufacturers design equipment to meet them.
- Construction
- General Industry
Consensus standard vs. OSHA rule
OSHA standards are law. Consensus standards are voluntary unless OSHA (or a contract, state law or local code) adopts them by reference. They’re often more up to date than OSHA rules, and following them is a sign of good practice.
How consensus standards are made
- A committee of manufacturers, users, safety professionals, unions, government and testing labs drafts the standard.
- Drafts go out for public comment, and the committee must reach consensus, not just a majority vote.
- ANSI checks that the process was fair and open, then approves it as an American National Standard.
- Standards are reviewed and updated about every five years. The year after the number (for example, Z87.1-2020) tells you which edition.
How OSHA uses them
- Incorporation by reference: some OSHA rules name a specific edition of a standard, which makes that edition part of the law. OSHA often references older editions, and usually accepts newer ones that protect at least as well.
- Evidence of recognized hazards: under the General Duty Clause, OSHA can point to a consensus standard to show a hazard was known in the industry and there was a feasible fix.
- Interpretations: OSHA letters often say whether equipment meeting a newer standard complies.
Standards you’ll see on the job
| Standard | Covers |
|---|---|
| ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 | Eye and face protection (look for “Z87+”) |
| ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 | Hard hats (Type I/II, Class G/E/C) |
| ANSI/ISEA 105 | Hand protection, including cut levels A1–A9 |
| ANSI/ISEA 107 | High-visibility safety apparel |
| ANSI/ISEA 121 | Dropped object prevention |
| ANSI/ISEA Z308.1 | Workplace first aid kits |
| ANSI/ISEA Z358.1 | Emergency eyewash and shower equipment |
| ANSI Z535 series | Safety signs, colors and tags |
| ANSI/ASSP Z359 series | Fall protection equipment and programs |
| ANSI/ASSP A10 series | Construction and demolition operations |
| ANSI A14 series | Ladders |
| ANSI/SAIA A92 series | Aerial work platforms (MEWPs) |
| ANSI Z49.1 | Welding and cutting safety |
What this means for you
- Look for the standard on the label of your PPE and equipment. No marking usually means it wasn’t made to the standard.
- Use the classification on the label (like Type II hard hat, Class 3 vest, cut level A4) to choose gear that matches the job.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, which are written to meet the standard.
- Ask your employer which standards your site follows. Many contracts require the latest editions.
Note: Most ANSI standards must be purchased. Some organizations offer free read-only access, and manufacturers usually summarize the key points in their product literature.
Standards & references
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