How to Choose a Safety Vest

by Michelle Rose

Safety begins with visibility especially with flaggers and other roadway workers. The Federal Highway Administration now requires all workers on any federally funded roadway to wear garments that are ANSI 107-2004 compliant, as do many other state and local authorities. Before the 1999 version of the 2004 standard, there were no national regulations or guidelines for the quality and performance of high-visibility garments. One addition to the standard is that headwear is now included in the high-vis category.

Roadway workers should be easy to see from at least 1,000 feet away, and they should stand out from the environment they are working in. Pick the color that will contrast the most with the colors of the rural, city, desert or other background. The fabric should be fluorescent orange-red or yellow-green, and the retroreflective striping should be silver, white, orange, yellow, or yellow-green. Check the label of a garment to see the rating. Garments labeled ANSI Class 1, 2, or 3 or E are required to first be ANSI/ISEA 107-2004 certified. This means the garment type has been tested and certified by an independent, accredited lab for many aspects of the background material and for the performance of the reflective stripes.

In general:

Class 1 safety vests are only meant for workers who are not in close proximity to vehicles traveling over 25 mph. These activities may include working in a warehouse with equipment traffic, shopping cart retrieval, and delivery driving. The occupation must allow for undivided attention to approaching vehicles to be considered for a Class 1 garment.

Class 2 safety vests and garments are for activities with a higher risk than those listed above, such as work near roads where traffic exceeds 25 mph (but not over 50 mph), or work activities closer to traffic. This requires a higher level of visibility, especially when weather conditions are a factor. Class 2 garments are often used by school crossing guards, outdoor airport personnel, parking and toll gate personnel, and law enforcement officers directing traffic. Please note that Class 2 is not sufficient for these activities in all conditions. Class 3 may be required in some cases. When in doubt, go to the higher class rating.

Class 3 safety vests, garments, and rain wear have the highest visibility rating. The ANSI 107-2004 standard recommends this class for anyone working around traffic traveling over 50 mph, such as roadway construction workers, utility personnel, survey crews, emergency responders, railway workers, and vehicle operators.

The information above is summarized and does not address every scenario. More guidelines are available in the Suggested Performance Class Guidelines and Scenarios (an appendix to the ANSI/ISEA 107-2004). The complete text of American National Standard for High-Visibility Safety Apparel and Headwear can be purchased from ISEA for $60 at www.safetyequipment.org.

Michelle Rose is currently a consultant for Utility Safeguard. Her main interests are health and safety. For safety vests or more information, go to: http://www.utilitysafeguard.com