High-visibility

The high-visibility term applies to any highly luminescent clothing or colors that are easily discernible from any background. Hi-Vis clothing is made from fluorescent material with reflective tape or shapes added for extra visibility.

High-visibility clothing is required to protect employees exposed to the danger of being struck by public and construction traffic.

The color of a Hi-Vis garment is designed to clearly distinguish the wearer from the environment and make him/her more visible to those around them. The reflective stripes reflect back the headlights of approaching vehicles, alerting drivers and other vehicle operators of a worker’s presence, especially in low light and dark conditions.

Our products have been tested by most international standards like ANSI / ISEA 107-2015 (American National Standard Institute / International Safety Equipment Association), a standard established to provide guidelines for the selection and use of High-Visibility safety apparel.

Our wide variety of ANSI / ISEA approved High-Visibility apparel includes shirts, safety vests, T-shirts, waterproof jackets, waterproof rain gear, pants and more, that show characteristics such as special fabric properties, appropriate weight, adequate stretch, and flexibility that ensure optimal performance and comfort to the wearer.

There are different classes of hi-vis clothing set by ANSI / ISEA standards and are based on how much high-visibility fabric and reflective tape are used. The standards also specify where the reflective tape is placed in the garment.

Classes 1, 2 and 3 describes the ability of the clothing to increase the visibility of the wearer.

Products

Class 1

Is used for situations where high visibility is not a big priority. It is acceptable for jobs where:

  • There is separation between the worker and the vehicle traffic.
  • The worker can pay attention to traffic and isn’t distracted by other work duties.
  • Vehicle speeds are below 25 mph.
  • The background is not complex, and not something that the worker could blend in with.

 

Class 2

Is a step up from class 1 in both the amount of hi-vis material and the amount of reflective tape. Class 2 clothing is MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices) compliant. It should be used in situations where:

  • Workers are near traffic.
  • The job does not allow the worker to keep a close eye on traffic.
  • Vehicle speeds are greater than 25 mph, but under 50 mph.
  • Weather conditions or a complex background make it harder to see the worker.

 

Class 3

Is the highest-rated level of hi-vis clothing. It is used for the highest-risk situations, such as when:

  • Workers are near high-speed traffic.
  • Overall visibility is poor, such as in a blizzard or heavy fog.
  • Vehicle speeds are greater than 50 mph.
  • Equipment operators are working near pedestrians.

 

Class E

Refers to high-visibility pants. 

Class E pants can be added to any hi-vis vest to improve visibility. If a worker adds class E pants to a class 2 vest after dark or during inclement weather, the overall outfit is considered to be class 3.

If you add class E pants to a class 3 vest, it’s still considered class 3, but it is considerably more visible than the vest by itself.

 

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