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Glossary

Construction terms, explained

Short, plain definitions of the words you'll see on product pages and spec sheets. Each one links to a guide when there's more to know.

4

4-to-1 rule
Set an extension ladder base 1 foot out for every 4 feet of height. Read the guide →

A

Amp-hour
Battery capacity; higher runs longer. Read the guide →
ANSI Z89.1
The US standard for industrial head protection. Read the guide →
ANSI/ISEA 107
The US standard for high-visibility safety apparel. Read the guide →
APF
Assigned protection factor: how much a respirator reduces exposure. Read the guide →
ASTM F2413
The US standard for protective toe footwear. Read the guide →

B

Brushless motor
An electronically controlled motor without carbon brushes. Read the guide →

C

Class E
A hard hat electrical class tested to 20,000 volts. Read the guide →

D

Duty rating
The maximum load a ladder is rated to carry, including user and tools. Read the guide →

E

EH rating
Electrical hazard protection in safety footwear. Read the guide →

L

Laser detector
A receiver that finds a laser beam too faint to see. Read the guide →

M

Metatarsal guard
Protection over the top of the foot against falling objects. Read the guide →

R

Retroreflective
Material that reflects light back toward its source, such as headlights. Read the guide →

S

Self-leveling
A laser that levels itself within a set range. Read the guide →

T

Table 1
OSHA's list of silica tasks with required controls. Read the guide →
Type II hard hat
A hard hat tested for impacts to the top and sides of the head. Read the guide →