ANSI ratings – what you need to know

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) safety ratings are used to indicate the level of protection provided by personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, hard hats, and safety footwear. These ratings can be confusing, especially for those who are not familiar with them. In this article, we will discuss the differences between the ANSI safety ratings and what they mean for workers.

Firstly, it’s important to understand that ANSI safety ratings are voluntary standards that have been developed by the ANSI organization in consultation with industry experts, safety professionals, and government agencies. The ratings are designed to provide a consistent and standardized approach to assessing the performance of PPE across different manufacturers and products.

The most common ANSI safety rating for PPE is the ANSI Z87.1 rating for safety glasses and goggles. This rating specifies the minimum requirements for impact resistance and optical clarity, among other factors. Safety glasses that meet this standard will typically have a marking on the lens or frame indicating compliance with ANSI Z87.1.

Another common ANSI safety rating is the ANSI Z89.1 rating for industrial head protection, which includes hard hats. This standard specifies the requirements for impact resistance, penetration resistance, and electrical insulation, among other factors. Hard hats that meet this standard will typically have a marking on the inside or outside of the helmet indicating compliance with ANSI Z89.1.

Safety footwear is also rated by ANSI, with the ANSI Z41 rating specifying the minimum requirements for impact resistance, compression resistance, and puncture resistance. Safety shoes that meet this standard will typically have a marking on the inside or outside of the shoe indicating compliance with ANSI Z41.

It’s worth noting that the ANSI safety ratings are not the only standards that are used to assess the performance of PPE. For example, the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) also has its own set of standards for safety glasses, hard hats, and safety footwear, which are recognized in Canada and in some parts of the United States.

In conclusion, ANSI safety ratings are an important tool for assessing the performance of PPE such as safety glasses, hard hats, and safety footwear. They provide a standardized approach to evaluating the level of protection provided by different products and manufacturers, and they help ensure that workers are adequately protected in the workplace. Employers should ensure that their workers are wearing PPE that meets the relevant ANSI safety rating, in order to create a safer and more productive workplace for everyone.