Understanding ANSI High-Visibility Garment Classes
Understanding ANSI High-Visibility Garment Classes
High-visibility garments play a critical role in keeping workers safe, especially in low-light conditions or near roadways. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) defines specific classes for these garments to ensure visibility and protection. Let’s explore the different ANSI classes and their significance:
1. ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 Standard
The ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 standard provides guidelines for high-visibility safety apparel (HVSA). It covers various industries, including construction, maintenance, utility, emergency responders, and airport ramp personnel. Here are the key points:
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Class 1:
- Body Coverage: Lowest body coverage.
- Visibility: Good visibility during daylight hours.
- Examples: Safety vests for parking lot attendants, warehouse workers, or sidewalk maintenance crews.
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Class 2:
- Body Coverage: Moderate body coverage.
- Visibility: Enhanced visibility both day and night.
- Examples: High-visibility shirts, vests, or jackets for road construction workers, utility workers, and survey crews.
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Class 3:
- Body Coverage: Superior body coverage.
- Visibility: Best option for poor light conditions and visibility at a distance.
- Examples: Full-length jackets or coveralls for highway construction workers, emergency responders, and tow truck operators.
2. Achieving ANSI Compliance
All types and classes of garments should achieve the following:
- Retroreflective Bands: Use appropriate retroreflective band widths and amounts based on the garment class.
- 360° Visibility: Ensure horizontal gaps of 2 inches or less between bands.
- Band Placement: Horizontal bands should be at least 2 inches above the bottom of the garment.
3. ANSI and U.S. Regulations
- ANSI/ISEA 107-1999 was the first U.S. standard for HVSA.
- In 2008, 23 CFR part 634 mandated the use of Class 2 or 3 ANSI/ISEA 107 garments for workers in Federal Aid highway environments.
- The regulation was incorporated into the 2009 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), extending its application to all public access roadways.