I have frequently been asked about ANSI and ANSI standards.  New people in safety want to know what is ANSI, and experienced safety people ask about certain standards and where can they get the standard. 

ANSI is the American National Standards Institute.  The Institute oversees the creation, promulgation and use of thousands of norms and guidelines that directly impact businesses in nearly every sector: from acoustical devices to construction equipment, from dairy and livestock production to energy distribution, and many more. ANSI is also actively engaged in accrediting programs that assess conformance to standards – including globally-recognized cross-sector programs such as the ISO 9000 (quality) and ISO 14000 (environmental) management systems.

ASSE will often partner with ANSI to help develop safety standards such as ANSI/ASSE Z359, Fall Protection Code.  Organizations such as ANSI, ASSE, and other for-profit companies sell ANSI standards.  So now you know what ANSI is and where to find any standard you are looking for.  Have a safe day!