ANSI Class Information
The difference between the classes is the amount of reflective material on the garments, with Class 3 having the most reflective material for the highest level of visibility.
| ANSI Class 1 | ANSI Class 2 | ANSI Class 3 |
|---|
| Class 1 apparel is for use by workers who are well separated from traffic and work in areas where vehicle and/or equipment speeds do not exceed 25mph. |
Class 2 apparel is intended for workers who are exposed to traffic traveling over 25mph and work in situtations where complex visual backgrounds may be present. |
Class 3 apparel is for workers requiring the highest level of visibility who have high task loads and need to be visible throughout a full range of body motions from a mininimum distance of 1280 feet, and exposed to traffic traveling at high speeds. |
| Who Wears Class 1? | Who Wears Class 2? | Who Wears Class 3? |
|---|
- Workers directing parking operations
- Shopping cart retrievers
- Delivery Vehicle Workers
- Warehouse workers with motorized equipment
|
- Roadway Construction Workers
- Survey Crews
- Utility Workers
- Crossing Guards
- Tollgate Personnel
- Emergency Response Personnel
- Forestry Workers
- Airport Baggage Handlers
- Law Enforcement Personnel
|
- Roadway Construction Workers
- Survey Crews
- Construction Vehicle Operators
- Accident Scene Investigators
- Railway Workers
- Emergency Response Personnel
- Flagging Crews
|
Huebsch offers laundering service options that will keep your garments lasting longer with the proper washing care.
Want more information?
See our High Visibility FAQ below or contact us for more information.
How long will high visibility/enhanced visibility garments last and remain ANSI compliant?
That depends on the garments exposure to wear and tear, how long it is in use, and in what manner the items are maintained and laundered. Certified NSI compliant retro reflective garments that use 3M Corporation reflective tape products are of the highest quality. The safest way to go is often to use a rental service supplier to maintain the garments properly, to gain the most wear life from them, and to get replacements when their useful reflective life has past.
When should I use a high visibility vest?
Quite simply, whenever you need to be seen. Vests are important traffic safety products, and worn by flaggers, survey crews, and road construction workers in high speed, high traffic areas. But ANSI vests are also intended for areas where traffic is slower and infrequent. Worker safety is enhanced with a high visibility vest even in an empty parking lot.
What is ANSI 107 2004?
The standard of high visibility safety apparel as outlined by the American National Standards Institute. ANSI 107 2004 outlines high visibility safety requirements for three major classes: ANSI Class 1, ANSI Class 2, and ANSI Class 3. Each class requires a specific minimum amount of retroreflective material to ensure high visibility.
Do police officers and other public safety personnel comply with ANSI 107 2004?
Sort of. In 2006, ANSI created 207 2006. This standard allows for public safety workers to use a slightly shorter high visibility vest, so they can easily access a gun, flashlight, or other items stored on an equipment belt.
Are emergency responders required to wear reflective safety vests?
Yes. In late 2008, the Federal Highway Administration enacted 23 CFR 634. This regulation requires anyone, including police, EMTs and other emergency responders to wear ANSI vests when working on federal highways. Firefighters are exempt when they are working near heat, flame or other hazardous materials and situations.
What color of ANSI vest should I choose?
In the United States choosing between an orange safety vest and a lime safety vest is largely based on personal preference. But in Europe lime safety vests are predominant. Lime reflective safety vests don’t run the risk of blendng in with bright orange construction vehicles and signage. Don’t be surprised if lime becomes the norm for ANSI vests in the near future.
What added safety features are offered with high visibility clothing?
High visibility apparel is frequently available in flame resistant styles. Also, tear away safety vests are offered by most manufacturers. These quickly tear off of the wearer if they become snagged on a work vehicle or passing traffic. Tear away vests are ideal for highway construction workers.
Can a logo hamper the ANSI level of a safety vest?
It actually can if the logo is too big and covers up too much of the vest. ANSI Class 2 vests require 775 square inches of visible ANSI color for background. ANSI Class 3 vests require 1240 square inches of background material. Smaller logos aren't generally a problem.
