For employees who work around moving vehicles or equipment, it’s absolutely critical to be seen. To help prevent injuries and fatalities from hazards, OSHA established national standards for high-visibility garments which workers must wear to help alert vehicle and machinery operators of their presence, especially in low light situations.
ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 – Making Sense of the ANSI Class Ratings
In 2016, ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 combined two previously recognized high visibility safety apparel ratings (ANSI/ISEA 107-2010 and ANSI/ISEA 207-2011) into one rating. ANSI/ISEA 107-2010 had been for non public safety workers and ANSI/ISEA 207-2011 covered public safety workers. The new combined rating, ANSI/ISEA 107-2015, broke down hi-visibility workwear into types and performance classes, with the type of garment worn being dictated by the work environment.
ANSI Hi-Vis Safety Apparel Types
ANSI Type O
Some examples which call for Type O are as follows:
- Workers whose function is to retrieve shopping carts
- Those working around warehouse equipment
- Employees working in oil and gas extraction, refineries, and mines
ANSI Type R
Some examples which call for Type R are as follows:
- Construction workers working on a roadway
- Parking personnel
- Toll gate personnel
- Towing operators
- Airport baggage handlers and airport ground crew
ANSI Type P
Some examples which call for Type P are as follows:
- Law enforcement officers
- EMS and EMT personnel
- Firefighters
- Road closure personnel
- Accident site investigators
ANSI Hi-Visibility Safety Apparel Performance Classes
ANSI Class 1
ANSI Class 1 offers a minimum degree of hi-visibility and is only appropriate for off-road environments.
ANSI Class 2
ANSI Class 2 requires garments which have enough hi-visibility material to offer better definition of the human form. This is considered the minimum level of protection for workers exposed to roadway rights-of-way and TTC zones.
ANSI Class 3
ANSI Class 3 provides even greater visibility, allowing the wearer to be visible in complex backgrounds and through a full range of movement by the required placement of background, retroreflective and combined performance materials on the sleeves and pant legs (if present). Generally, ANSI Class 3 Safety Apparel will include sleeves and a safety garment without such coverage typically will not qualify as ANSI Class 3.
Flame Resistance
ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 has specifications with regards to flame resistance. Generally, if a garment is not flame resistant, it must be marked clearly on the garment.
Summary
Uniform Tactical Supply offers a wide range of ANSI/ISEA Hi-Visibility Safety Apparel in all classes. We’re constantly adding new products, so if you don’t see what you need, contact us to inquire.
Additional information can be found by viewing the ANSI-American National Standards Institute website.