International Safety Equipment Association

Since its founding in 1933, the ISEA and the industry it represents have been making work safer for men and women in the US and around the world. Throughout the year, we'll be telling the story of the progress of this industry and its contribution to advancing occupational safety and health, and making a better life for millions of workers.

The 75th Annual Meeting, April 27-29 at Amelia Island Plantation in Florida, featured timely and thought-provoking speakers on the economy, politics and global market opportunities.

STANDARDS AND PRODUCT INFORMATION

Read the April product group update (pdf).

ISEA is seeking comments on a revision to its RPED standard. Air-purifying respiratory protective smoke escape devices (RPEDs), commonly known as "smoke hoods," are worn to enable escape from fire and smoke. The first US standard for these devices was ANSI/ISEA 110-2003, which is now being revised. There's more information here.

"How to create an ANSI Z359.2-compliance fall protection plan" is the lead article in the April 2008 edition of Protection Update, ISEA's newsletter for PPE users, specifiers, purchasers and regulators. It begins on page 40 of the February issue of Occupational Hazards magazine, and is also available online.

Public safety vests are acceptable for use on federal highways. Effective this November, workers in a federal highway right-of-way have to wear high-visibility clothing that complies with ANSI/ISEA 107-2004, class II or III. Vests that comply with ANSI/ISEA 207-2006 are designed for use by emergency responders and other public safety personnel. In response to requests from user groups, the Federal Highway Administration reviewed the requirements of ANSI/ISEA 207-2006 and found that public safety vests are compatible with its requirements for night-time visibility. See the full story on ResponderSafety.com.

ISEA's draft standard for decontamination showers is available for public review. Intended for use by first responders and receiving medical facilities for treating initial gross decontamination of victims of exposure, this standard addresses classification and testing criteria for fixed and portable showers designed for decontamination facilities. It establishes performance for equipment capable of decontaminating one or more persons at the same time.

The standard, draft ISEA 113, was developed using feedback from a stakeholder survey to identify key criteria that are important to the end-user community. It was drafted by the ISEA Emergency Eyewash and Shower Group, and is now being reviewed by a consensus group to become an American National Standard. Review copies of the draft are available for $15. Contact Cristine Fargo at ISEA.

Product standards are essential for the safety equipment marketplace. A new brochure from ISEA explains how these standards are developed and used, and why it's important for equipment manufacturers to participate in development of standards. Safety Equipment Standards - Your Keys to Business Success is organized in a question-and-answer format, covering US standards, international standards, and conformity assessment. Contact ISEA for a copy of the brochure, or view the PDF version here.

A construction safety coordinator for the State of California has petitioned the state's Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board to require the use of ANSI/ISEA 107-compliant high visibility apparel. This would align California Construction Safety Orders with Federal Highway Administration regulations. Read the petition here.

OSHA has published its final rule establishing that employers must pay for PPE that is required by OSHA standards. Exceptions include prescription safety eyewear, some safety footwear and "ordinary" clothing. Read details here.

ISEA and member companies testified at a December 4 OSHA public hearing in Washington, challenging the agency's proposal to modify its PPE standard. None of the witnesses, including labor union representatives and ASSE as well as ISEA, supported OSHA's attempt to substitute "good design standard" for references to familiar consensus product standards in the regulation. Read more about it here.

Homeland Security is changing the rules for FIRE Act grants. OSHA is revising its shipbiulding safety standards. NIOSH is evaluating Institute of Medicine recommendations on PPE for healthcare workers in influenza pandemics. And ISEA is there. ISEA members can read about these government initiatives, and more, in the latest Washington Report.

NIOSH Director John Howard is the recipient of the 2007 Robert B. Hurley Distinguished Service Award, presented by ISEA. Dr. Howard is being honored for his vision, enthusiasm and dedication to worker safety and health. The award was presented at the Fall Meeting Awards Dinner on Monday, November 12, in Arlington VA.

The chairs of six ISEA Product Groups reported on their activities and plans at the Fall Meeting General Session. Review their presentations here.

Looking for a speaker on safety equipment? Check the ISEA Speakers’ Bureau. We’ve compiled a list of member company reps and staff who can speak on 60 different topics, such as standards, certification and regulation; making the business case for PPE; conducting a workplace safety audit; trends in worker protection, and public policies that affect safety equipment use. Specific topics cover various types of safety equipment to protect workers in specific industries.

How can safety equipment manufacturers and distributors provide the most value to their customers? By making sure they select the safety equipment that best meets their needs. The Qualified Safety Sales Professional (QSSP) course offered by ISEA and its industry partners is an intensive course in the technical and regulatory fundamentals of safety and health, designed specifically for sales and marketing professionals. Go to QSSP for details.

Looking for quality personal safety equipment? Try the ISEA Online Buyers Guide. It lists PPE and other products in over 160 categories, with contact information for ISEA member manufacturers.

A printed edition of the Guide is available. Give us your name and address and we'll mail you a copy.

International Safety Equipment Association
1901 North Moore Street
Arlington, VA 22209-1762 USA
(703)525-1695
fax (703)528-2148
E-mail isea@safetyequipment.org

ISEA CELEBRATES ITS 75TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2008