Which statement best describes the difference between OSHA standards and ANSI/ASME standards?

• A. OSHA standards are legally binding; ANSI/ASME standards are voluntary consensus standards.
• B. OSHA standards are voluntary; ANSI/ASME standards are legally binding.
• C. Both OSHA and ANSI/ASME standards are legally binding.
• D. ANSI/ASME standards are advisory.

Answer: (A)

OSHA standards are legally binding regulations that workplaces must follow; they carry the force of law and enforcement authority. ANSI/ASME standards are voluntary consensus guidelines created by industry committees to establish common safety practices. They guide how things should be done, but they aren’t enforceable as law unless a regulation, contract, or specific OSHA rule references them and makes compliance required. In crane safety, you’ll see OSHA rules setting mandatory requirements for operation, inspection, and training, while ANSI/ASME B30 series provides widely accepted safety practices that organizations may adopt to meet those requirements or to align with industry best practices.