You know, I think this 'third party' stuff has been perverted beyond even the self-interested intent of their marketing departments.
"Third party" certifications were never intended to allow someone to appoint themselves as tsar over us, nor for 'responsible' parties to shuck their responsibiities. I certainly don't recall the election where we appointed a particular anonymous, private-party ASTM committee or UL panel as perpetual 'king' of wire nuts!
Just for the sake of discussion, let's look at some past discussions we've had regarding hard hats. Even, to this day, there are those who impose rules against wearing the 'cowboy' style hats, even though they have the requisite approvals. In a like manner, there are those who get all worried about 'backwards' hard hats, despite proof that such wear has been evaluated and approved by the manufacturers.
One might say "well, you can always set a higher standard." Perhaps- but, if nothing else, the actions described above show clearly that "AHJ's" are quite willing to exercise their discretion when it suits them.
Yet, the 'higher standard' becomes irrellevant when a company chooses to supply the cheapest, least adequate hard hat they can find. So what if the brim is improper, or that it directs rain down the back of your neck, or is falling off all the time ..... heaven forbid you bring your own in, with a better suspension, and more appropriate to the task. They'll piously claim that their dreck 'meets all standards and is perfectly adequate,' while at the same time objecting to your meeting a 'higher standard.'
I've had folks object to every imaginable bit of safety equipment you can imagine, even knee pads. The same jackalopes who objected to my use of rappelling gear for fall restraint (in the days before there were any OSHA requirements) today want my all harnessed up and tied down when I'm on an 8-ft step ladder! (No, I'm not making this up!).
That's why I conclude it has nothing to do with safety at all - "Safety" is simply a blank check used to assert absolute authority over every detail of our lives, by those who would be king.
I don't care how well they cover their tails with paperwork .... it's my ass out there, and I'll reserve the right for ME to make the final decision.
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Probably the most egregious examples of this "DIY tyranny" can be found in the crime statistics. Despite countless incidents of folks being harmed by criminals, we still have almost a 'norm' of property owners and employers asserting their 'right' to render you helpless. Yet, when bad things happen, these same parties assert that they can't be held responsible for the actions of a criminal. Just exactly what is the 'higher standard' that they are using?
Again: the motive isn't your safety. Logic and the record prooves that. The inconsistancies make sense only if you accept my theory that it's all about 'control.'
