PPEThe International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) has received American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approval for ANSI/ISEA 101-2014, American National Standard for Limited Use and Disposable Coveralls - Size and Labeling Requirements. The ANSI/ISEA 101-2014 standard was prepared by members of the ISEA Protective Apparel Group and approved by a consensus panel of key stakeholders representing testing and certification organizations, product suppliers, and end-users.

The standard provides minimum size, packaging and labeling requirements for limited-use and disposable coveralls. Such garments are used in a variety of workplace uses including grain and milling operations, automotive repair, painting and dry chemical applications, abrasive blasting, food processing and construction work.

Sizing changes

The key update to the standard, last revised in 1996, is the expansion of the sizing chart to accommodate a majority of the working population who wear these garments on a daily basis. Sizing criteria ranges from extra small to 6X.

"Properly fitted clothing can help reduce the risk of exposure to chemical spills or unwanted particulates that can injure workers," stated Brian Lyons, chairman of the ISEA Protective Apparel Group and Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Enviroguard. "Safety apparel manufacturers are very cognizant of the ever-changing population and demographics represented in the workforce and view this as an opportunity for us to ensure they are provided with garments that fit well."

The document also identifies a set of detailed test movements that users can perform to further validate the size selection of a garment based on an individual's height and weight.

The standard can be purchased from ISEA for $10 a copy; discounts are available on bulk orders. For additional information, contact Cristine Z. Fargo, ISEA director of member and technical services, cfargo@safetyequipment.org or visit www.safetyequipment.org.

About ISEA

Located in Arlington, Va. ISEA is the trade association for personal protective equipment and technologies. Established in 1933, ISEA supports its 70 plus member companies in manufacturing and marketing the highest-quality products to protect the safety and health of people who may be exposed to potentially harmful situations while working on the job or at home. For more information visit: www.safetyequipment.org