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High Visibility Clothing
ANSI/ISEA 107-2004
There are four classes of garments specified in the standard that are based on the wearer's activities.
Class 3: These garments provide the highest level of conspicuity for workers. These are for workers with high task loads in a wide range of weather conditions where traffic exceeds 50 mph. The standard "recommends these garments for all roadway construction personnel, vehicle operators, utility workers, survey crews, emergency responders, railway workers and accident site investigators".
Class 2: These garments are for workers who work near roadways where traffic exceeds 25 mph and need greater visibility in inclement weather. Workers who would typically wear these garments are: railway workers, school crossing guards, parking and toll gate personnel, airport ground crews and law enforcement personnel directing traffic.
Non-ANSI These garments are a great low cost solution for anyone that is not required to wear ANSI approved high visibility apparel.
Class E: Applies to pants and shorts. When Class E garments are worn with a Class 2 or 3 garments, the overall classification is defined as Class 3.
ANSI 207: These garments are designed for Public Safety workers; including law enforcement, firefighters and ems. Public Safety Vests (PSV) have a lesser background area requirement allows for short designs giving tactical access to equipment belts. Retroreflective area requirements are the same at those safety vests under ANSI 107 Class 2. These safety vests features such design options such as, breakaways, colored identifiers, loops, pockets, badge holders, ID panels and mic tabs.
Types of High Visibility Clothing
Numerous types of high visibility clothing are available in addition to safety vests. There are ANSI and non-ANSI compliant high visibility jackets, high visibility sweatshirts, high visibility t-shirts, high visibility pants, high visibility rainwear, and high visibility gloves.
Sources for More Information
ANSI/ISEA 107-2004 American National Standard for High Visibility Safety Apparel
ANSI/ISEA 207-2006 American National Standard for High-Visibility Safety Vests
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does OSHA require this type of PPE?
A. ANSI/ISEA developed this standard to address to situations in which workers are in danger because of low visibility. These garments meet ANSI/ISEA criteria for performance and visibility. OSHA states that "employees exposed to public vehicular traffic shall be provided with, and shall wear, warning vests or other suitable garments marked with or made of reflectorized or high-visibility material." OSHA refers to ANSI/ISEA 107-1999 as a way for employers to comply with the requirement to provide enhanced visibility garments.
Q. How does new ANSI/ISEA 207-2006 affect ANSI/ISEA 107-2004 Standard?
A. It will not change any of the requirements or specifications found in ANSI/ISEA 107-2004. It will only affect four groups of workers found in the public safety sector: Law Enforcement, Emergency Responders, Fire Officials, and DOT Personnel. ANSI/ISEA 207-2006 recognizes the need for these agencies to identify with a specific color during a multi-agency event. ANSI 207 apparel is not intended to replace, or be interchangeable with ANSI 107 apparel.
Please Note: The information contained in this publication is intended for general information purposes only. This publication is not a substitute for review of the applicable government regulations and standards, and should not be construed as legal advice or opinion. Readers with specific questions should refer to the cited regulation or consult with an attorney.
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