Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) Practice Test

Which organization sets the standards for safety glasses?

1. NOSHA

2. OSHA

3. The American National Standards Institute

4. The International Safety Equipment Association

The correct answer is: The American National Standards Institute

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is responsible for establishing standards that ensure the quality and performance of safety glasses and other personal protective equipment. ANSI develops consensus standards that are used across various industries, including construction, to ensure that safety equipment meets specific performance and safety criteria. In the context of safety glasses, ANSI standards outline requirements for factors such as impact resistance, optical quality, and design features, which help protect workers’ eyes from hazards present in their work environments. When safety glasses are ANSI-certified, it indicates that they have undergone rigorous testing and adhere to established safety guidelines, providing assurance to users about the protection they offer. While organizations like OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) provide regulations that require the use of protective eyewear in certain situations, it is ANSI that specifically develops the criteria that such eyewear must meet. The involvement of other organizations, such as the International Safety Equipment Association, primarily focuses on advocacy and representation within the industry rather than directly setting the standards themselves.