Standards and International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA)

As we dive further into the “alphabet soup” of safety, today we are taking a look at the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA). Operating for over 85 years, ISEA is recognized as a leader in the development of ANSI-accredited safety equipment standards globally and in the US (learn more about ANSI here).

As we know, ANSI is an organization that facilitates the development of the standards often used to specify the “what” and “how” of OSHA’s standards. ISEA is one of the bodies creating said standards. We see ISEA standards referenced for many of our products, including first aid kits, gloves, apparel, and more. 

According to ISEA, “a standard is a document, established by consensus and approved by a recognized body, that provides rules, guidelines or characteristics for a product for common and repeated use.” This is not a definition specific just to safety products, but it holds true for our industry. The example given for the practicality of standards is that it keeps us from having to read off a list of specifications for a product each time we purchase. By knowing that a product conforms to a specific standard (i.e. ANSI cut level), we know that the list of requirements under that label are already being met. 

The big picture idea is that by creating a set of standards, we are ensuring that there is a shorthand in place that allows employers and others in the safety industry to supply the appropriate safety equipment for their workers while also creating compatibility of products and performance across manufacturers. 

The standards development process is complicated, to say the least. ISEA is not the only organization developing consensus standards, but they are a major player. As we continue to dig deeper into these processes over the coming months, it is our goal to help you make sense of the “alphabet soup” of abbreviations and feel a greater sense of understanding for the “why” behind your safety equipment purchases. 

In the meantime, we are always here to help. Feel free to reach out with any questions to 919-602-2503 or marketing@safetypackonline.com.

Resources: 

ISEA Mission: https://safetyequipment.org/our-mission/

ANSI v OSHA: https://safetypackonline.com/blogs/themes-in-safety/figuring-out-the-letter-soup-osha-vs-ansi

ISEA FAQs: https://safetyequipment.org/standards-faqs/