Introduction
Many non-governmental agencies affect the products and services offered to the safety industry. Those discussed here include: American National Standards Institute (ANSI), ASTM International, FM Global, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Safety Equipment Institute (SEI), Underwriters’ Laboratories Inc. (UL) and Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Group.
American National Standards Institute
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a diversified and unique nonprofit organization that includes industry, standards developing organizations, trade associations, professional and technical societies, government, labor and consumer groups. ANSI oversees the creation, promulgation and use of thousands of standards and guidelines that directly impact businesses in nearly every sector. ANSI is also actively engaged in accreditation – assessing the competence of organizations determining conformance to standards. ANSI was formed originally as the American Engineering Standards Committee on Oct. 19, 1918. ANSI’s mission is to enhance both the global competitiveness of U.S. business and the U.S. quality of life by promoting and facilitating voluntary consensus standards and conformity assessment systems; and safeguarding their integrity.
ASTM International
ASTM International, originally known as the American Society for Testing and Materials, was formed in 1898, when a group of engineers and scientists got together to address frequent rail breaks. Their work led to standardization on the steel used in railroad construction. ASTM International is a not-for-profit organization that provides a forum for the development and publication of voluntary consensus standards for materials, products, systems and services. It is one of the largest voluntary standards developing organizations in the world. Standards developed at ASTM International are the work of over 30,000 members. Technical experts represent producers, users, consumers, government and academia from over 1400 countries. Members belong to one or more committees, each of which covers a subject area. These committees develop more than 12,000 ASTM International standards that can be found in the 77-volume Annual Book of ASTM Standards.
FM Global
FM Global is one of the world’s largest commercial and industrial property insurance and risk management organizations specializing in property protection. It was formed in 1835 by Zachariah Allen, who felt the need for an industrial insurance group to focus on loss control. FM Global has six business units:
- FM Global Group – Mitigating business risk through all its business units
- AFM – Commercial property insurance and property insurance expertise for the Middle Market
- FM Approvals – Third-party certification for company products worldwide
- FM Global Cargo – Comprehensive cargo coverage and risk engineering services
- Mutual Boiler RE – Provides breakdown treaty reinsurance and related support services for boiler systems
- Emergency Response Consultants – Offers hands-on emergency response training to all levels of fire brigades, hazardous material emergency responders, technical and confined-space rescue teams, emergency medical services and local fire departments
Each unit helps its clients manage their property risks through a variety of products and services. The FM Approvals business unit certifies industrial and commercial products and services. When a product or service meets FM Approvals’ standards, it is issued the FM Approved mark to signify it will perform as expected and support property loss prevention. The FM Approvals business unit backs its evaluations with scientific research and testing and lists more than 45,000 certified products in its approval guide.
National Fire Protection Association
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is an international nonprofit organization founded in 1896, devoted to eliminating death, injury, property and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazards. NFPA membership totals more than 60,000 individuals and more than 80 national trade and professional organizations. NFPA’s mission is to help save lives and reduce loss with information, knowledge and passion. NFPA’s 300 codes and standards influence every building, process, service, design and installation in the U.S. and many of those used in other countries. The National Electric Code (NFPA 70), Life Safety Code (NFPA 101) and Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code (NFPA 30) are widely used.
Safety Equipment Institute
The Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) was organized in 1981 and is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. It is a private, nonprofit organization with third-party certification programs to test and certify a wide array of safety equipment. SEI’s certification programs are accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) in accordance with ISO Guide 65 General Requirements for Bodies Operating Product Certification Systems. SEI has an alliance with INSPEC International, Ltd., a notified body located in the UK. Together, they offer a variety of testing services, CE Marking and ISO Registration.
SEI certification programs include ongoing product testing and quality assurance audits of product models voluntarily submitted by manufacturers. All product testing is done in accordance with the selected voluntary, government or other standards available for the given product. SEI will certify the manufacturer’s product model and grant the right to use the SEI certification label when:
- The testing lab has determined that the product model has been tested and successfully meets the appropriate product standard.
- The quality assurance auditor has determined that the manufacturer complies with SEI quality assurance requirements.
SEI publishes a certified product list and it is continuously updated to reflect the latest information. SEI does not offer a warranty for the performance of the product, but having a product certified by SEI shows that the manufacturer is taking responsibility for producing a quality product.
Underwriters' Laboratories Inc.
Underwriters' Laboratories Inc. (UL) is an independent, not-for-profit product safety certification organization that has been testing products and writing safety standards since 1894. UL publishes 1,614 safety standards, and performs approximately 96,000 product evaluations of components, materials and systems with 22 billion UL marks appearing on 71,000 manufacturers’ products each year.
UL’s mission is to conscientiously advance safety science through careful research and investigation, applying their efforts to prevent or reduce loss of life and property and to promote safe living and working environments for all people. This is supported by 170 testing and certification facilities and a staff of 11,615 employees located in 40 countries.
Canadian Standards Group (CSA)
The Canadian Standards Group (formerly the Canadian Standards Association) is an independent, not-for-profit, member-based association dedicated to advancing safety, sustainability and social good. It is an internationally accredited standards development and testing and certification organization. They also provide consumer product evaluation and education and training services. They provide a broad range of knowledge and expertise that includes: industrial equipment, plumbing and construction, electro-medical and healthcare, appliances and gas, alternative energy, lighting and sustainability. The CSA mark appears on billions of products around the world.
Product Regulation Reference
These seven agencies affect many products in the Grainger catalog. Here are some examples of sections in which they appear:
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
- Eyewear
- Hard hats
- Fall protection
- Eye wash/showers
ASTM International
- Clothing
- Footwear
FM Global
- Lighting
- Safety cans
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
- Safety cabinets
- Lighting
- Respirators
Safety Equipment Institute (SEI)
- Air monitors
- Eyewear
- Hard hats
Underwriters' Laboratories (UL)
- Lighting
- Lockout/tagout
- Safety cans
Canadian Standards Group (CSA)
- Eyewear
- Fall protectiont
- Head protection
- Protective footwear
Sources
ANSI Headquarters
1899 L. Street, NW, 11th Floor
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 293-8020
ANSI Operations
25 W 43rd Street, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10036
(212) 642-4900
www.ansi.org
ASTM International
100 Barr Harbor Drive
West Conshohocken, PA 19428
(610) 832-9585
www.astm.org
Canadian Standards Group
178 Rexdale Boulevard
Toronto, ON
Canada M9W 1R3
1-800-463-6727
http://www.csagroup.org
FM Global Corporate Offices
270 Central Avenue
Johnston, RI 02919
(401) 275-3000
www.fmglobal.com
FM Approvals
1151 Boston-Providence Turnpike
Norwood, MA 02062
(781) 762-4300
www.fmapprovals.com
National Fire Protection Association
1 Batterymarch Park
Quincy, MA 02169-7471
(617) 770-3000
www.nfpa.org
Safety Equipment Institute
1307 Dolly Madison Boulevard Suite 3A
McLean, VA 22101
(703) 442-5732
www.seinet.org
Underwriters' Laboratories Inc.
333 Pfingsten Road
Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 272-8800
www.ul.com
The information contained in this article is intended for general information purposes only and is based on information available as of the initial date of publication. No representation is made that the information or references are complete or remain current. This article is not a substitute for review of current applicable government regulations, industry standards, or other standards specific to your business and/or activities and should not be construed as legal advice or opinion. Readers with specific questions should refer to the applicable standards or consult with an attorney.
FAQs
What is the difference between ASTM and ANSI? ›
The main difference between ASNI and ASTM is that ANSI is focused primarily on voluntary guidance on processes and is an umbrella organization that covers several industries in which they accredit other organizations to do so and approve the standards they develop (including the ASTM).
What is the ASTM? ›ASTM International, formerly known as American Society for Testing and Materials, is a global leader in developing voluntary consensus standards used by individuals, companies, and other institutions around the world. ASTM is made up of over 30,000 volunteer members from more than 140 countries.
What are the 6 types of ASTM standards? ›There are generally six (6) types of features that you will see with an ASTM document, including Test Method, Specification, Classification, Practice, Guide, and Terminology.
What does it mean to be ANSI certified? ›ANSI accreditation will signify that the certificate holder has completed a prescribed course of study designed specifically to meet predefined industry requirements-and that your organization has met, and continues to meet, standards for quality improvement.
What are the 5 types of standards recognized by ASTM? ›- Standard Practice Guide.
- Standard Test Method.
- Terminology Standard.
- Standard Classification.
- Standard Specification.
The ASTM E84 (often referred to as just “E84”) is the standard test method for assessing the surface burning characteristics of building products. The purpose of this test is to observe the flame spread along with a sample in order to determine the relative burning behavior of its material. Th.
What is ASTM in OSHA? ›ASTM International, formerly known as American Society for Testing and Materials, is an international standards organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services.
What is ASTM 7? ›ASTM A194 Grade 7 Specification for high tensile nuts and other internally threaded fasteners, made from heat treated chromium molybdenum alloy steel.
What is ASTM A vs ASTM B? ›The A prefix in an ASTM specification indicates Ferrous material; the B prefix indicates a Non Ferrous material. The ASTM standards are the most widely used in the United States for steel products.
What is ASTM 94? ›ASTM C 94 “Standard Specifica- tion. for Ready Mixed Concrete” is the specification almost uni- versally used in the United States for concrete manufactured and deliv- ered to a purchaser in a freshly mixed and unhardened state.
What does Z87 1 mean? ›
ANSI Z87. 1 classifies eye protection as impact- or non-impact-rated. Impact-rated eye protection must pass certain high-mass and high-velocity tests, and provide eye protection from the side. Impact-rated eye protection will have a plus symbol (+). Impact-rated flat lenses, for instance, will be marked “Z87+.”
What is the difference between ANSI Z87 and Z87 1? ›With the 2003 Standard eye and face safety products were marked as Z87 for impact and Z87. 1 for high impact.
Does OSHA recognize ANSI? ›Answer: A number of ANSI and other industry consensus standards have been adopted as OSHA requirements.
What are the three 3 types of standards? ›Following are different types of standards: Basic standards. Normal standards. Current standards.
What is the difference between ASTM and ISO? ›ASTM is a national organization that is a part of ISO organizations. ISO is an international organization that has representations from all countries including ASTM. ISO establishes documents and updates the standards of testing materials with global consensus from the experts of the associated national organizations.
What is the difference between ASTM and SAE standards? ›ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) covers primarily bolts and fasteners for construction applications. SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) covers fasteners for automotive, machinery, and OEM applications.
What is ASTM E119? ›ASTM E119 and Fire Resistance Standards
A standard called ASTM E119 provides instructions for ratings and criteria for the fire resistance of various building materials. It guides the work of professional contractors (along with other project stakeholders) in constructing interior spaces.
Scope: ASTM E108 is a fire-test-response standard that is used to evaluate roof coverings in both residential and commercial roofing applications for materials used on combustible or noncombustible decks. The evaluation simulates the fire originating outside the building accompanied by wind conditions.
What is ASTM E662? ›Scope: Per ASTM E662: "This fire-test-response standard covers determination of the specific optical density of smoke generated by solid materials and assemblies mounted in the vertical position in thicknesses up to and including 1 in. (25.4mm)." Applicable Products: Solid materials.
Is ASTM F2413 OSHA approved? ›ASTM F2413 specifies performance requirements for foot protection and replaces the specification ANSI Z41. OSHA incorporates ASTM F2413 as a reference standard in 29 CFR 1910.136(a).
What does Mi 75 mean? ›
Line 2: M I/75 C/75
It also identifies the existence of impact resistance (I), the impact resistance rating (75, 50 or 30 foot-pounds), compression resistance (C), and the compression resistance rating (75, 50, or 30, which correlate to 2500 pounds, 1750 pounds, and 1000 pounds of compression respectively).
ASTM F2413 covers the minimum design, performance, testing, labeling, and classification requirements for footwear designed to protect against a variety of workplace hazards that can potentially result in injury.
What is the ASTM standard for ANSI? ›ANSI's standard for safety footwear is the ASTM F2413 standard. This standard covers the minimum requirements for safety footwear, including impact and compression resistance, metatarsal protection, and electrical hazard protection.
Is ASTM a code or standard? ›ASTM is an organization that defines and publishes technical standards related to the quality of materials that can be used in the manufacturing of various products and pieces of equipment. ASTM code is made up of the standards that have been developed by committees within ASTM.
Is ASTM an American standard? ›Currently known as ASTM International, “American Society for Testing and Materials”, ASTM is a developer of international voluntary consensus standards.
What is the ANSI standard used for? ›To enhance both the global competitiveness of U.S. business and the U.S. quality of life by promoting and facilitating voluntary consensus standards and conformity assessment systems, and safeguarding their integrity.
What are ANSI codes and standards? ›American National Standards Institute (ANSI) codes are standardized numeric or alphabetic codes whose documentation is issued by ANSI to ensure uniform identification of geographic entities through all government agencies.
What are the three standards defined by ANSI? ›Environmental Management Systems (EMS) Quality Management System (QMS) Social Responsibility (SR)
Can you read ASTM standards for free? ›ASTM Reading Room
This is a free service where you can view and read ASTM safety standards incorporated in the United States regulations. The standards are presented for online reading. There is no print or download options.
ASTM certification programs include proctored, online written examinations and require the submission of evidence of satisfactorily completed performance evaluations. Those who earn the ASTM Certifications receive an official letter granting certification and a digital badge.
Is ASTM a government agency? ›
ASTM International has several awards for contributions to standards authorship, including the ASTM International Award of Merit (the organization's highest award) ASTM International is classified by the United States Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Who do ASTM standards apply to? ›ASTM standards are used and accepted worldwide and cover areas such as metals, paints, plastics, textiles, petroleum, construction, energy, the environment, consumer products, medical services, devices and electronics, advanced materials and much more.
How many types of ASTM are there? ›The ASTM publishes six types of standards: Test method. Specification. Classification.
Does OSHA use ANSI or ISO? ›The key difference between OSHA, ANSI, and ISO standards is that OSHA is legally binding, while ANSI and ISO are voluntary standards.
What is the difference between OSHA and ANSI standards? ›OSHA is the regulation, which is the law. ANSI is a voluntary standard agreed upon by manufacturers, engineers and other professionals who work in the area subject to the standard.
Does OSHA recognize ANSI standards? ›Many of the OSHA standards incorporate one or more ANSI Standards by reference. The most common way to incorporate an ANSI Standard by reference is to adopt the entire standard. But there are other approaches. For example, the OSHA standard might incorporate only a part of the ANSI standard.