Third-Party Tested PPE: Protecting Workers with Proof, Not Promises
Pyramex understands the responsibility that comes with protecting people on the job. That’s why we are committed to providing PPE that doesn’t just make claims but proves performance through third-party testing. When it comes to your safety on the job, proof matters more than promises.
What Is Third-Party PPE Testing and Why Does It Matter?
Third-party testing involves independent labs evaluating PPE without ties to the manufacturer or seller. These labs provide objective data, so you can trust the results. Pyramex sees this as a commitment to honesty: we don’t just say our products perform, we prove it.
In the U.S., personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, safety glasses and gloves are tested to meet established safety standards; however, the specific type of testing laboratory is not mandated. ISO 17025 accredited third-party laboratories ensure the highest level of creditability, consistency, and compliance in verifying the performance of the products. In Europe, an extensive process occurs. Approved and accredited labs are used to test the higher risk products (Category II & III) and Notified Bodies issue CE certifications to confirm PPE meets EU safety requirements. Here is why this matters for you and your team:
1. Verifying Performance for Real-World Safety
Marketing claims like “cut-resistant” or “waterproof” only carry weight when backed by proper testing. Third-party labs test PPE under conditions that mimic workplace hazards. For example, a glove claiming “A5 cut protection” undergoes repeated blade tests. Only those that pass earn the marking, giving safety managers confidence in their choices.
2. Empowering Confident Decision-Making
Safety managers don’t just select PPE—they protect lives and ensure projects run smoothly. Third-party test results simplify these critical choices by providing clear, lab-backed data. With documented and repeatable performance scores, you can:
Justify PPE selections during budget reviews.
Compare products using consistent metrics.
Balance protection, price, and performance with clarity.
For industries with high-risk environments, from construction sites to chemical plants, verified testing helps teams feel confident they're making the right call.
3. Supporting Compliance with Confidence
OSHA doesn’t just ask employers to provide PPE, they ask them to provide appropriate PPE. When products are backed by third-party testing, you have the documentation to prove compliance in case of audits, reviews, or incident investigations. Third-party test reports protect not only your workers but your process.
4. Ensuring Consistent Quality Over Time
Passing one test isn’t enough. Quality can drift with changes in materials or suppliers. That’s why batch testing and ongoing evaluations are so valuable. They help ensure that the glove you buy today performs just as reliably as the one from last quarter. This consistency matters most for high-volume PPE items that workers depend on daily: hand protection, safety eyewear, and high-visibility workwear.
CE Testing for Gloves: Clarity You Can Trust
The ANSI/ISEA 105 standard outlines how to test and rate gloves for cut, puncture, and abrasion resistance. However, manufacturers are responsible for conducting their own testing, and they’re not required to use third-party labs. That means a company can legally print an ANSI/ISEA 105 cut score on a label if it claims to have followed the standard.
CE testing takes a different approach. In Europe, gloves must go a step further and use approved and accredited labs then go through a notified body, an independent government-accredited organization, to earn the CE mark. These labs run the gloves through the appropriate harmonized standards, and the Notified Body reviews the test report, technical files, user instructions, declarations, and the product. They may also audit the factory or the product annually depending on the category of PPE. Only gloves that meet the required performance levels earn the CE mark.
That’s why more U.S. safety managers are leaning on CE test results. Not only are they easy to read, but they also provide consistent, apples-to-apples comparisons across brands. If two gloves claim to offer cut protection, and one has a CE certification and the other doesn’t, the choice becomes clear.
Understanding how CE testing works is only the first step. Finding a supplier who makes it easy to access trusted, verified gloves is next.
Pyramex: Your Trusted Partner for Verified PPE
When it comes to PPE, performance matters. The safest choice is the one that’s backed by data — not just marketing. Third-party testing offers confidence that a product will perform when it matters most. It eliminates guesswork and provides the proof you need to make the right call.
When you choose Pyramex, you are choosing Superior Quality products backed by real testing, real data, and a team committed to your success. Whether you are outfitting a crew or evaluating new gear, we’re here to help you make confident, informed decisions.
