Workplace Safety Standards

The ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 standard sets out performance requirements for eyewear used as personal protective equipment. The standard details a variety of tests and assessments that can be applied to a design, dependent on the planned usage and potential hazards. Marks indicating which hazards a pair of safety glasses protects against will always be found on the glasses.

The ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 standard sets out performance requirements for headwear used as personal protective equipment enabling you to keep associates safe from on-the-job risks. The standard details different levels of protection termed as 'Types' and 'Classes' depending on the risk present in the work environment.

• Class I protects for top of head protection, Class 2 for top and sides as well as chin protection
• Type E protects up to 20,000 volts, Class G protects to 2200 volts, Type C has no voltage protection and is suitable where no electrical risks are present

The ANSI/ISEA 107 standard sets out performance requirements for materials used in high-visibility apparel such as t-shirts and jackets. The standards detail different levels of visibility, termed as 'Types' and 'Classes' that are required depending on the work environment.

• Type O. This is the lowest class and suitable people working in off-road environments where extra visibility in day or night is a benefit such as volunteers at an event or landscape gardeners.
• Type R. This is the minimum level of protection for workers that are in a roadway environment, the extra requirements make sure that they are more easily seen and protected.
• Type P. This is a higher level of protection for employees working in higher risk and more complex environments such as emergency responders.
• Background. Garments made from fluorescent-colored materials making the wearer highly conspicuous in dawn, day, or dusk. Item would however need additional reflective tape and/or the addition of a safety vest to meet the requirements of the above classes.