Figuring Out the Alphabet Soup: ASTM International
Our next step in reviewing the many organizations impacting our safety standards is ASTM International, a “globally recognized leader in the development and delivery of voluntary consensus standards.” Headquartered in Pennsylvania, ASTM also has offices in Belgium, Canada, China, Peru, Singapore, and Washington, D.C.
ASTM has produced 13,000+ standards that are used globally for a variety of industries, but for our purposes we are focusing on their impact on safety and health. ASTM encourages global involvement in research and development of their standards, ensuring access for a broader range of the global population.
In our setting, we most frequently see ASTM standards relied on for Arc and FR apparel, disposable gloves, and facility items. These standards supply manufacturers with the requirements for testing that ensure the appropriate level of safety, as well as sizing and other considerations. As noted in our ISEA blog, these standards ultimately allow us to know the level of protection of a product without listing all of the specifics each time we are searching. Essentially, these standards create room for consistency in manufacturing and purchasing.
When selecting the products we offer, these standards are important to us. We know if a product is meeting standards set out by these organizations, it has a clear and tested ability to meet their minimum expectations. We know they have been tested, and that allows a greater ability to trust that the product will be effective in keeping the wearer/user safe in their work.
While all these standards can sometimes feel confusing, the point is ultimately to make sure that there is a universal understanding of what a product is offering. Reach out to us at 919-602-2503 or marketing@safetypackonline.com with any questions!
Resources:
ASTM Overview: https://www.astm.org/about/detailed-overview
ISEA and Standards Blog: https://safetypackonline.com/blogs/themes-in-safety/standards-and-international-safety-equipment-association-isea