When you’re working in a manufacturing facility, construction site, or any high-risk environment, safety isn’t optional—it’s essential. But choosing the right personal protective equipment (PPE) isn’t just about comfort or price. It’s about making sure the gear meets recognized PPE safety standards that ensure it will protect you when it matters most.
That’s where ANSI/ISEA standards come in.
These standards, developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA), set clear, measurable requirements for different types of safety gear—from gloves and hard hats to safety vests and eye protection. Understanding these ANSI and ISEA standards can help you make smarter, safer decisions when selecting PPE.
In a fast-paced work environment, hazards can happen in an instant—falling objects, sharp materials, chemical splashes, and more. PPE that doesn’t meet safety standards can fail under pressure, putting you at serious risk.
When your safety gear is marked as ANSI/ISEA compliant, it means it has been tested against rigorous criteria to ensure it performs as promised. These standards:
Provide uniform safety benchmarks across the industry
Help you compare products more accurately
Reduce the risk of injury or equipment failure
Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations
Different hazards require different types of protection. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common ANSI/ISEA standards you’ll encounter on the job.
Protects against impact and penetration from falling objects.
Types:
Classes:
Tip: On construction sites with overhead work or electrical hazards, always match the hard hat class to your work environment and applicable ANSI standard.
Covers safety glasses, goggles, and face shields.
Impact Rated: Marked with a “+” for high-impact protection
Special Markings: May indicate resistance to dust, splash, or optical radiation
Tip: If there’s flying debris or grinding work, look for Z87.1-rated gear with the “+” marking. This gear meets ANSI standards for eye protection.
Rates gloves for protection against cuts, punctures, abrasion, chemical exposure, and heat.
Cut Resistance Levels: A1 (lowest) to A9 (highest)
Puncture Resistance: Level 1–5
Abrasion Resistance: Level 0–6
Tip: For sheet metal work or glass handling, higher cut ratings like A6–A9 are recommended.
Specifies installation, flow rates, and performance for eyewash stations and showers in case of chemical exposure.
Tip: If your job involves hazardous chemicals, ensure eyewash stations are accessible and meet current ANSI standards.
When choosing PPE:
Using non-compliant safety gear can result in:
Increased risk of serious injury
OSHA citations and fines for your employer
Loss of work time due to accidents
Investing in ANSI/ISEA-compliant PPE isn’t just a regulatory requirement—it’s a commitment to keeping yourself and your coworkers safe.
At Rodeno, we work with leading safety gear manufacturers to ensure you get PPE that meets or exceeds ANSI/ISEA standards. Whether you’re outfitting an entire crew for PPE equipment or replacing worn gear, we can help you choose the right protection for your specific hazards.
Need help choosing the right PPE?
Contact Rodeno to find ANSI/ISEA-compliant gear for your job site.