Working for the government in areas like construction, law enforcement, or transportation comes with a high level of responsibility. Part of that responsibility is making sure that you and your team are visible at all times. As someone who works in a high-risk environment, it’s important to make sure that your high-visibility clothing meets government standards. These clothing standards are in place to protect you and your colleagues and to make sure that everyone can see you.
4 government standards for high-visibility clothing include;
1. Wear Garments Labeled and Certified as ANSI/ISEA 107
ANSI/ISEA 107-2010 is the American National Standard for High-Visibility Safety Apparel and Headwear. This standard is for any garment that’s designed to make the wearer more visible in daytime or nighttime conditions. These garments must be bright and must have retroreflective material. The level of reflectivity will depend on the job you are doing. For example, construction workers need a higher level of reflectivity than office workers.
2. Garments Must Meet Specific Firefighter Standards
If you are a firefighter, you must wear clothing that meets National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1971 standards. These garments are made with heat-resistant and flame-resistant materials. The government standards for high-visibility garments for firefighters are in place to protect you from high temperatures and flames. Workers who are exposed to high temperatures, like welders, also need to wear high-visibility clothing that meets NFPA standards.
3. Wear Performance Class 2 or 3 ANSI/ISEA 107 Garments
Workers must wear high visibility clothing that is labeled as Class 2 or 3. These garments are designed for workers who need to be visible from a distance of 1,000 feet or more. The clothing is usually bright and has a high level of reflectivity. The FHWA (Federal Highway Administration) requires workers who are exposed to fast-moving traffic, like highway construction workers, to wear high-visibility clothing that is Class 3.
The three different performance classes for high-visibility clothing include;
- Class 1 garments are meant for workers who have low-risk exposure like office workers or retail employees. These garments are usually only worn in daylight conditions.
- Class 2 garments are meant for workers who have moderate-risk exposure like utility workers, school crossing guards, or parking lot attendants. These garments can be worn in both daylight and nighttime conditions.
- Class 3 garments are meant for workers who have high-risk exposure like construction workers, highway workers, or first responders. These garments can be worn in both daylight and nighttime conditions and must have a high level of reflectivity.
All these classes were put in place by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to make sure that workers are visible and safe.
4. Look for the Right Fit
The high-visibility garment is only effective if it fits properly. If your clothing is too loose, it can catch on equipment or get caught in machinery. If your garment is too tight, it can restrict your movement and make it difficult to do your job. It’s important to find a high-visibility garment that fits well and is comfortable to wear.
Conclusion
Above are a few different government standards for high-visibility clothing. Make sure that you and your team are aware of these standards and that you are wearing the right type of clothing for your job as per the standards. By following these standards, you can help keep yourself and your colleagues safe.
