Optimal Safety and Productivity
Typically, hi-vis clothing features fluorescent colors such as bright yellow, orange, and green, which stand out against most backgrounds and catch the light effectively. Additionally, many hi-vis garments include reflective panels or stripes that reflect light from sources like headlights, ensuring visibility even at night.
High-Visibility Clothing Requirements
The legal requirements for hi-vis clothing vary depending on the jobsite and the type of work being performed. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) sets guidelines for hi-vis clothing, widely accepted in the construction industry under the ANSI/ISEA 107 standard.
ANSI Classes and Types
Off-Road (Type O): Type O garments are for workers in off-road environments who still need visibility. These garments fall under ANSI Class 1.
Roadway and Temporary Traffic Control (Type R): Type R garments are for workers on roadways or near traffic, requiring higher visibility due to more complex backgrounds. These garments fall under ANSI Classes 2 and 3.
ANSI Classifications
ANSI Class 1:
Class 1 clothing is for workers at the lowest risk, typically in areas far from roadways. For example, sidewalk repair in residential neighborhoods where speed limits are lower. Class 1 garments must have at least one band of retroreflective material across the torso and encircling the arms or shoulders. The background color can be dark, distinguishing it from Classes 2 and 3.
ANSI Class 2:
Class 2 garments are for workers at greater risk, such as those on roadways with traffic moving below 50 miles per hour. These garments must have safety orange or safety yellow background material, along with retroreflective bands around the torso and on the shoulders or sleeves.
ANSI Class 3:
Class 3 is for workers in the most hazardous environments, where visibility is crucial. This includes highway construction crews, surveyors, and tow truck drivers. Class 3 garments have the highest visibility requirements, with safety yellow or orange background material and retroreflective tape in horizontal bands around the torso and encircling the sleeves.
