scope:

This standard establishes criteria for conformity assessment of safety and personal protective equipment which is sold with claims of compliance with product performance standards. Specific provisions are described for:

• qualification performance testing data collection and maintenance,
• periodic verification,
• substantiation of processes to maintain manufacturing quality,
• roles and responsibilities of suppliers, testing organizations, and certification organizations who participate in the process.

A summary of the provisions of the standard is presented in table form in appendix A.

This standard does not attempt to assign a level of conformity assessment to any product, hazard, or work environment. Guidance in making a determination of an appropriate conformity assessment level is found in appendix B.

This standard does not address fines, penalties, or government enforcement of activity covered in criminal code such as fraud and counterfeiting, or other material consequences resulting from failure to maintain conformance.