Why Are Standards Important?

Standards are an important part of the world of safety equipment.

• Manufacturers need them to determine the performance requirements for products they design, make and sell, and the test procedures to assess conformity to those requirements.
• Sellers, purchasers and users need them to select the right product for the job, and understand its application and limitations.
• Government agencies incorporate them into workplace safety and health regulations.

Common Standards Misconceptions

But even though standards are a familiar part of everyday commerce, there are some common misconceptions about them.

• Did you know that ANSI doesn’t develop standards?
• That no product can ever be “ANSI approved” or “OSHA approved?”
• Who is responsible for developing and maintaining standards?
• How does a product become “approved?”

Quick Overview of Standards

The following is quick overview of standards, certification and regulation – what they are, how they are related, and how they apply to safety equipment. If you’d like more information, check out the links to other standards-related websites, or contact ISEA.

• First of all, what is a standard?
• Where do standards come from?
• What is ANSI?
• Who develops ANSI standards?
• Who else develops standards?
• What is conformity assessment?
• Where does OSHA fit in?
• How do products get approved around the world?