The Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) has become a subsidiary of ASTM International following a unanimous vote by the ASTM International board of directors.

ASTM International is one of the largest voluntary standards developer organizations in the world, and provides a forum for the development and publication of international voluntary consensus standards for materials, products, systems, and services.

The move broadens ASTM International’s overall certification capabilities while also bolstering SEI — a highly regarded certification provider founded in 1981. SEI will remain a separate entity.

ASTM International President James Thomas said bringing SEI into the ASTM family is a clear win-win.

“This will blend the strengths of two well-positioned organizations that share a common goal of improving public health, product safety, and consumer confidence,” Thomas said.

SEI President Patricia Gleason added, “This exciting step will bring benefits to SEI and to all of our stakeholders, including end users of certified products, clients, government agencies, associations, and more.

“We look forward to building on our two organizations’ track record of cooperation.”

SEI provides third-party certification for a range of products, including sports and athletic equipment, safety and protective products used by firefighters and emergency responders, and eye and face protection for industrial workers.

SEI bases its programs on technical standards from a variety of standards development organizations.

As a result of the development, ASTM International will transfer its existing certification activities to SEI, which is accreditated to ISO 17065 for product certification.

All SEI employees will also come under the ASTM International umbrella on July 1. Gleason will retain the title of president of SEI, and will also become vice president of certification for ASTM International.