Who is OSHA? What is ANSI? These may be easy questions for some to answer, but for others they may be a source of confusion or unknowing. To help those who may not be clear on the difference I am going to answer some frequently asked questions. This is OSHA & ANSI 101.

Who is OSHA?

OSHA is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Why was OSHA created?

OSHA was created as a result of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act of 1970). The act was passed “To assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women; by authorizing enforcement of the standards developed under the Act…” as stated in Section 1 – Introduction of the Act.

What does OSHA do?

OSHA was established to set and enforce standards in workplace safety and health by providing information, training and assistance to workers and employers.

What are OSHA standards based on?

Because OSHA is a research-driven organization OSHA Standards are based on recommendations from its research arm the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

What does ANSI stand for?

ANSI stands for the American National Standards Institute

What is the role of ANSI?

ANSI is a private, not-for-profit organization that promotes and facilitates voluntary standards through consensus.

Who’s standards should I follow, OSHA or ANSI?

The specific requirements that have been set forth by OSHA must be followed. However, in the absence of OSHA requirements, ANSI standards should be followed. It is important to note that any applicable federal, state or municipal regulations must also be followed.

So there you have it, answers to some common questions about OSHA and ANSI. Hope you have found this information helpful and that there is a little less confusion about the two organizations and what they represent.

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Part of the ANSI Standard A13.1-2007 Scheme for Identification of Piping Systems that recommends a universal approach to pipe and valve identification is a predetermined color scheme.

This secondary piece of pipe identification has been revised in the latest 2007 revision.  This portion of the standard has changed dramatically. In addition, the terminology of inherently hazardous or non hazardous has been removed from the standards. The combination of Yellow/Black is now assigned with flammable fluids, and Green/White shall now identify potable, cooling, boiler feed and other waters. These two changes mean that legends such as hot water, cold water and steam will now all use the color code of Green/White.
The other significant color changes include the addition of Brown/White for combustible fluids and Orange/Black for toxic or corrosive fluids. The fact that the standard has identified specific colors for flammable fluids, combustible fluids and toxic or corrosive fluids means you must consult Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) before selecting a color. Further, if the pipe content contains multiple hazards (flammable and toxic) it must be determined which poses the greater risk and marked accordingly. For example, if chilled or heating systems contain toxic treatments the color combination should be Orange/Black. The 2007 standard also identifies for the first time four additional used identified color combinations and specifically identifies all of the exact background colors to be used. The exact colors are safety colors contained in the ANSI Z535.1-2007 standard.

For easy pipe marker color identification of fluids, see the diagram below.

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The roadside is a dangerous place to work. Ask any emergency responder or construction worker. Drivers speed by like they don’t even see them. Add in factors of poor lighting, bad weather and distracted drivers and the potential for accidents climbs.

That’s why it’s important for roadway workers to do everything they can to make sure that drivers see them. Making roadside workers more visible allows drivers time to slow down and take caution.

An excellent way to add to roadside worker safety is with ANSI compliant reflective safety vests.

In an effort to improve worker safety, ANSI (American National Standards Institute) has developed a standard to help you choose which type of safety vest is appropriate for the type of work you perform. The standard is based on the type and amount of background material in combination with the amount of reflective material and its location on the vest. ANSI compliant vests are tagged with class numbers to reference. Here’s what to look for on the tag.

ANSI/ISEA 107-2010 - There have been previous standards. ANSI/ISEA 107-2010 is the most recent.

Class 3 – Class 3 vests give the highest level of visibility for workers performing high risk work. Use when traffic speeds exceed 50 mph and the worker must put all of their attention on their work. Ideal for utility workers, roadway construction workers and flagging crews and emergency responders.

Class 2 – Class 2 vests are best for workers when traffic is moving at 25 mph or more, in bad weather or when a worker must divert their attention away from traffic. Ideal for crossing guards, airport ground workers and parking lot or toll operators.

Class 1 – Class 1 vests are for use when traffic speeds are lower than 25 mph or where workers can focus all their attention on traffic. Ideal for delivery truck drivers, warehouse workers and shopping cart retrievers.

Seton offers ANSI compliant safety vests in all 3 class ratings to ensure that you can keep yourself and your work crews safe from potential accidents.

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