Introduction

The ANSI/ISEA 107 Standard

• Minimum areas for background and retroreflective material
• Garment design and configuration for optimal visibility
• Performance testing for durability and reflective capabilities
• Labeling requirements for garment class, type, and flame-resistance

Types of Work Environments

• Type O (Off-Road Work): For areas with restricted public access but potential hazards from machinery or low-visibility conditions, such as warehouses, chemical plants, and enclosed construction sites not on public roadways.
• Type R (Roadway Work): For workers exposed to traffic on public roads or temporary traffic control (TTC) zones, including highway construction or maintenance crews.
• Type P (Public Safety): For first responders (police, firefighters, EMTs) who face the same vehicle hazards as Type R environments, along with additional risks that require specialized access to tools and equipment.

Classes of Garments

• Class 1: Intended for lower-risk Type O environments with minimal exposure to moving vehicles. Requires 155 square inches of retroreflective material and 217 square inches of background material.
• Class 2: Used in Type R or Type P environments with moderate risk. These garments have increased reflective and background material for better visibility and are commonly worn by road maintenance crews. ( View Class 2 Vests )
• Class 3: Provides the highest level of visibility for high-risk settings in Type R or Type P work. These garments offer full coverage, including sleeves, and are often required in night operations or high-speed traffic areas. ( View Class 3 Vests )

Specialized Standards and Flame Resistance (FR)

• ASTM F1506-19: Flame-resistant and electric arc-rated protective clothing
• ASTM F1891-19: Arc and flame-resistant rainwear
• ASTM F2302-19: Labeling for protective clothing resistant to heat/open flame
• ASTM F2733-17: Flame-resistant rainwear for flame-hazard protection
• NFPA 1977 (2016): Protective clothing/equipment for wildland firefighting
• NFPA 2112 (2018): Flame-resistant clothing for short-duration thermal exposures

Key Visibility Materials

• Background Material: Fluorescent fabric designed to stand out against most backgrounds, especially in daylight.
• Retroreflective Material: Reflects incoming light back to its source, greatly improving night-time or low-light visibility.
• Combined-Performance Material: Functions as both fluorescent and retroreflective, providing maximum visibility across diverse lighting conditions.

Advanced Vest Features

• Breakaway Panels: Prevent entanglement when working near moving machinery.
• Multiple Pockets: Convenient storage for tools, radios, and flashlights.
• Breathable Fabrics: Help regulate body temperature in hot conditions.
• Zipper or Velcro Closures: Allow easy on/off, especially in emergency situations.

The Importance of Compliance

• Reduces the risk of struck-by incidents, one of the most common workplace hazards.
• Promotes consistent safety practices across various industries and job sites.
• Ensures garments meet rigorous testing for visibility, durability, and flame resistance (where required).
• Demonstrates an employer’s commitment to worker safety and adherence to regulations.

Where to Find Safety Vests

• Class 2 Safety Vests
• Class 3 Safety Vests
• Enhanced Visibility (Non-ANSI) Safety Vests

Additional Specialized Safety Vests

• Surveyors’ Vests: Built with extra pockets and compartments for tools and documents. ( View Surveyors’ Vests )
• Breakaway Vests: Equipped with tear-away panels to reduce the risk of entanglement. ( View Breakaway Vests )
• Public Safety Vests: Designed for first responders who need quick access to emergency equipment. ( View Public Safety Vests )
• Flame Resistant (FR) Vests: Protect workers in high-heat, arc flash, or fire-prone environments. ( View FR Vests )

Conclusion