Safety
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Who Is ANSI?

Learn about the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), its role in setting essential safety and performance standards, and how its guidelines impact industries like manufacturing, construction, and equipment operation. Understanding ANSI’s influence can help you stay compliant and ensure workplace safety.

Aerial lift operator on a lowered platform using a Snorkel boom lift.

When you purchase a replacement bulb for your light fixture, you expect it to fit and function correctly. You assume a 60-watt bulb will be brighter than a 40-watt bulb, and that the plug will fit securely into the wall socket. These assumptions are made possible by the standards set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). 

Without ANSI’s guidelines, you could encounter issues like incompatible bulbs, incorrect brightness levels, and ill-fitting plugs, which could even pose safety risks like fire hazards. ANSI ensures consistency, safety, and reliability in everyday products.

How ANSI Relates To Forklifts

When ANSI addresses standards for material handling equipment, they outline how to build a machine, what testing for capacity and stability may apply and practices for safe operation. Additionally, the organization notes the responsible parties for each step – manufacturers, dealers, lessors, lessees, owners or operators.

American National Standards Institute

ANSI serves as a coordinator of voluntary standardization for the U.S. private sector. It provides a forum for professionals of all levels of engineering, management, industry and safety to come together. Standards are written, reviewed and updated based on consensus within their committees, later allowing public review before adoption.

ANSI is not a government agency and lacks regulatory authority, but its standards hold significant influence. Regulatory bodies, such as OSHA, often adopt ANSI guidelines to clarify or support federal regulations. When new laws are being developed, ANSI frequently plays a key role in shaping both the intent and language. Today, thousands of ANSI standards are in place, governing products, symbols, labeling, test methods, and equipment across hundreds of industries, ensuring safety, quality, and consistency in various applications.

Standards to reference for material handling include:

  • ANSI B56 Powered Industrial Trucks
  • ANSI A92.5 & A92.6 Aerial Lift Trucks

    ProLift’s training team is here to support you with answers related to ANSI standards and forklifts. Contact us with your questions or learn more about safety training classes offered.
Safety training class for a forklift operator being conducted by a trainer.

Safety Training Classes

Continue promoting safety at your facility with our comprehensive safety training classes. ProLift offers training for both operators and trainers. Contact our safety specialist to schedule your team.

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