When your work involves exposure to low-visibility hazards, the ANSI standard 107-2010 should be your first point of reference for safeguarding yourself and others. High-visibility apparel is a key aspect of this, and this term is often shortened to hi-vis or high-vis for easy reference.
High-Visibility Apparel & ANSI Standards
Explore different worksite scenarios in this guide to learn which class of hi-vis safety apparel to choose. Comply with ANSI standards for a safer workplace.
These Performance Class Guidelines and Scenarios serve as an assessment tool only. Certain specific conditions, such as atmospherics, sight/stop-distances, training regulations, etc., must be taken into account in any final hazard/safety assessment. Get started selecting the appropriate work apparel with these guidelines.
Scenario A
Performance Class 1 is the typical recommendation for the following situations, although Class 2 is suitable under certain conditions for occupational activities where:
- Staff can give their full and undivided attention to approaching traffic.
- The worksite provides ample separation of pedestrian workers.
- The worksite permits a great degree of visibility of the worker.
- The speed of vehicles does not exceed 25 mph.
These classes are common for parking service attendants, warehouse workers with equipment traffic, shopping cart retrievers, and sidewalk maintenance workers. Type O hi-vis apparel may be suitable for off-road locations (such as delivery areas).
Scenario B
Commonly suggested PPE for the below situations, Performance Class 2 or 3 reflective clothing is for certain conditions in occupational activities where:
- Greater visibility is required due to inclement weather conditions (with apparel found in rain and chemical wear or jackets and coats).
- A complex background distracts from the worker′s visibility.
- The worker is performing a task that distracts attention away from oncoming traffic.
- Speeds exceed those in Scenario A.
- Work activities take place in closer proximity to vehicle traffic.
These classes of high-visibility clothing are for railway workers, school crossing guards, parking and toll gate personnel, airport ground crew, and law enforcement personnel.
Scenario C
The suggested Performance Class 3 is typically for occupational activities where:
- Workers encounter reduced sight distances and/or significantly higher vehicle speeds.
- The worker and vehicle operator have high task loads, clearly placing the worker in danger.
- The wearer must be identifiable as a person and conspicuous through the full range of body motions at a minimum of 390m (1,280 feet).
Class 3 safety clothing is primarily for (but not limited to) roadway construction workers, emergency teams, firefighters, and survey crews.
Types of Hi-Vis Workwear
High-visibility clothing and accessories offer several benefits that suit various work environments. Discover the range of options available to choose those best suited to your team:
Hi-Vis Shirts: With short- or long-sleeve styles, safety shirts provide the right coverage for the situation. Polos and T-shirt options ensure your workers can remain visible while meeting your company’s uniform standards.
Reflective Jackets: For cold weather or other environmental concerns, a hi-vis jacket delivers comfort and safety. Various materials and designs offer you a range of options.
Reflective Rain Jackets & Pants: Storms and showers can reduce visibility and your workers’ comfort. Find worksite rain jackets, pants, and overalls to fit your team’s needs.
Safety Hoodies: With lightweight warmth and protection from the elements, this PPE is suitable for mildly cold days. Fleece and polyester are common materials for these garments.
High-Vis Sweatshirt: When a hood would get in the way or be uncomfortable, this is the suggested solution. Zippers or snaps make them simple to use.
Hi-Vis Vests: Because they are so common, vests have a wide range of features. Choose from several closure types, pocket amounts, materials, and stripe colors or widths.
Safety Apparel Accessories: Some of these offer additional uses, such as reflective belts and suspenders. A high-vis band for arms or legs increases worker visibility with minimal layering or weight. Gloves can provide extra protection from cuts, abrasions, or punctures.
Disposable Hi-Vis Clothing: Orange coveralls with chemical and flame resistance meet several requirements for specific worksites. Disposable coveralls and overalls in bright colors ensure that your team gets the necessary protection.