What is High Visibility Clothing?

HiVis Supply - Worker Wearing High Visibility Vest on Jobsite

High visibility clothing is one of the most essential pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) an industrial worker can have. In the simplest terms, it’s a type of workwear that has highly reflective properties that can help a worker stand out against any background including roadways, construction zones or any other complex background.

Why is the use of high visibility clothing important? For starters, it’s one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to promote safety and prevent accidents on the job.

Here’s just one scenario:

Picture it. It’s summertime in Florida and road construction is in full swing. It’s hot, it’s hazy and another torrential rain is just ahead of you on the horizon. If you were a betting person, you’d throw a cool hundred on the fact that there’s bound to be some backups, especially where the Department of Transportation is adding a few more turn lanes. Add traffic backups to bad weather and road construction and you end up with more than a few dangerous situations that can impact drivers, pedestrians and road crews themselves.

No matter where you live and work, as the weather warms up, it often means an increase in construction projects and travelers. And, we know tourists and traffic signs don’t mix. That’s why any worker in or near these conditions should take high visibility protection into consideration. But, it’s not just road crews that need to wear hi vis clothing. HiVis Hank thinks almost every industrial worker has a need for high visibility apparel at some point in their day.

Construction workers, equipment operators, warehouse personnel, utility workers, off-road workers, and emergency personnel should all be outfitted with the proper high visibility clothing and accessories. It will help them be more visible in busy work areas, minimizing the risk of being struck by machines or equipment.

HiVis-Supply-Group-of-Road-Workers-in-High-Visibility-ClothingHiVis-Supply-Group-of-Road-Workers-in-High-Visibility-Clothing

These are just a few of the high visibility options that can help you stand out:  

So What’s New in ANSI/ISEA 107-2015? 

American National Standard for High-Visibility Safety Apparel and Accessories (ANSI/ISEA 107-2015) was established to improve worker safety. It offers guidelines for the selection and use of high-visibility safety apparel to increase worker visibility during the day, at night and in low-light conditions. ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 may look similar to the older standard ANSI/ISEA 107-2010, but there are some major changes. 

HiVis Hank did a little digging and created a quick breakdown of what’s new: 

Addition of 3 Garment Types: 

  • Type O for Off-Road Use (Class 1) 
  • Type R for Roadway Use (Class 2 & Class 3)
  • Type P for Public Safety Use (Class 2 & Class 3)

Classes: 

  • Class 1: Minimum level of protection for off-road (Type O)
  • Class 2: Minimum protection for roadways, right-of-ways, TTC zones (Type R or P)
  • Class 3: Greater level of visibility for complex backgrounds, offers a 360° range of movement by placement of background, retroreflective and performance materials (Type R or P)
  • Supplemental Class E: Garments that do not meet standard requirements when worn alone, but can be paired with a Class 2 or Class 3 garment for Class 3 classification

Design Changes for Improved Fit:

  • Less design-restrictive, means improved fit for smaller body frames

Specific Markings On Garments Must Include: 

  • Manufacturer’s Name
    • Item Number, Size, Maximum Wash Cycles
    • Pictogram with Class, Type and Performance Level
  • Flame-Resistant Characteristics Indicators:
    • Flame-resistant properties must be labeled on garment’s markings with “FR” and the specific ASTM standard. A separate label must be attached that indicates certification to NFPA 1977 or 2112. If garment isn’t flame-resistant it must be marked “This garment is not flame resistant as defined by ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 Section 10.5”.
  • Service Life: ANSI 107 notes that all high visibility items have a limited lifetime of use requiring employers to repair or replace garments that are torn, faded, soiled, cracked, burned, heavily abraded or damaged.

 

  • Retroreflective Material Requirements:

    ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 calls for garments to meet certain requirements like color, brightness, fabric strength, retroreflective band placement and moisture resistance. Not only that, but the material needs to be tested for chromaticity and luminance. 

Expansion of Accessories:

Now, there’s more to choose from when it comes to high visibility safety apparel and includes hi vis accessories like gloves, arm and leg bands and headwear.

There’s no way HiVis Hank covered every single update from the newer standard. That’s why if you’re not familiar with ANSI/ISEA 107-2015, make sure to obtain a copy of the standard for the complete story. 

Your pals at HiVis Supply are here to offer advice on the best products you need to stay seen and stay safe on the job. Let us know how we can help you suit up in the best high visibility gear for maximum safety. Click here to get in touch with one of our knowledgeable members of staff.

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