Why Certifications Matter When Buying PPE
Not all personal protective equipment is created equal. A hard hat that looks the part but hasn't been tested to industry standards offers a false sense of security. Certifications exist to ensure that PPE has been independently tested and meets defined performance benchmarks — protecting your workers and keeping your business compliant.
Here are the most important certifications to look for when sourcing PPE and industrial supplies.
1. NIOSH — National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
What it covers: Respiratory protection (respirators, N95 masks, supplied-air respirators)
NIOSH is a federal research agency under the CDC. When a respirator carries NIOSH approval, it means the device has been tested and certified to filter at least the stated percentage of airborne particles under controlled conditions.
- N95: Filters ≥95% of airborne particles (non-oil-based)
- P100: Filters ≥99.97% of airborne particles (oil-proof)
- N99 / N100: Higher filtration for more hazardous environments
Always verify the NIOSH approval number on the respirator packaging or the CDC's NIOSH approval lookup tool.
2. ANSI/ISEA — American National Standards Institute
What it covers: Head protection, eye & face protection, high-visibility apparel, gloves, foot protection, and more
ANSI, in partnership with ISEA (International Safety Equipment Association), publishes performance standards for a wide range of PPE categories. Key standards include:
- ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 — Industrial head protection (hard hats): Type I/II, Class E/G/C
- ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 — Eye and face protection (safety glasses, goggles, face shields)
- ANSI/ISEA 107 — High-visibility safety apparel: Class 1, 2, and 3
- ANSI/ISEA 105 — Hand protection (cut resistance levels A1–A9)
3. ASTM International
What it covers: Protective footwear, flame-resistant clothing, gloves, and specialty industrial equipment
ASTM International (formerly American Society for Testing and Materials) develops technical standards used globally. For PPE, key standards include:
- ASTM F2413 — Standard for protective footwear (impact, compression, puncture resistance)
- ASTM F1506 — Flame-resistant garments for electrical workers
- ASTM D6413 — Flame resistance of textiles
4. UL (Underwriters Laboratories)
What it covers: Electrical safety equipment, arc flash PPE, and industrial tools
UL certification indicates that a product has been independently tested for safety against recognized standards. It's especially relevant for electrical PPE such as insulated gloves, arc flash suits, and voltage-rated tools.
5. CE Marking (for imported products)
What it covers: PPE manufactured or imported from the European Union
CE marking indicates conformity with EU health, safety, and environmental protection standards. While not a U.S. requirement, many imported PPE products carry CE marking. Always verify that CE-marked products also meet the applicable ANSI or ASTM standard for U.S. workplace compliance.
Quick Reference Chart
| Certification | Issuing Body | PPE Category |
|---|---|---|
| NIOSH | CDC / Federal | Respiratory protection |
| ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 | ANSI / ISEA | Hard hats |
| ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 | ANSI / ISEA | Eye & face protection |
| ANSI/ISEA 107 | ANSI / ISEA | High-visibility apparel |
| ASTM F2413 | ASTM International | Protective footwear |
| UL | Underwriters Laboratories | Electrical / arc flash PPE |
How to Verify Certifications
When evaluating a supplier or product, ask for:
- The specific standard number the product meets (e.g., ANSI Z87.1+)
- Third-party test reports or certificates of conformance
- NIOSH approval number for any respiratory protection
At Vesot Supply, we source PPE from manufacturers that provide full compliance documentation. Request a quote and we'll include the relevant certifications for every product.