High-visibility safety apparel is the first line of defense against struck-by accidents on the job site, which is why the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) requires it in many work situations. But visibility isn’t just about wearing a bright neon vest. HVSA needs to meet a safety standard sufficient for the activities the worker does on the job, and the one most commonly used is the ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 standard.
This guide breaks down what Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 mean in the ANSI-ISEA 107-2020 standard, where each class is appropriate, and what to look for in quality HVSA. You’ll also learn why so many safety managers trust the premium Portwest high-visibility safety vests and gear available at RX-Safety.
When it comes to working near roads or on busy job sites, bright clothing and reflective safety vests won’t cut it as protective gear. OSHA-compliant safety gear features fluorescent background material, usually in yellow-green or orange-red, as well as retroreflective material.
Unlike reflective material, which reflects a light beam back at the same angle, retroreflective material is designed to return the reflected light directly to its source. If a safety vest with retroreflective material is illuminated with a car headlight, the vest will reflect much of that light back towards the car and become readily visible to the driver.
Larger areas of both background material and retroreflective tape mean more protection, and ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 mandates the minimum area of background material and the minimum area of retroreflective material for three classes of safety vest: Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3. While this standard provides an easy way to check if a worker’s gear is compliant, safety managers also need to know their PPE manufacturer. Fluorescent fabric fades after repeated washes, and retroreflective tape can crack in harsh weather. Craft and high-quality materials matter, which is why safety managers looking for durability and reliability turn to Portwest.
What proper HVSA protection looks like depends on the specifics of the job.
The standard for Class 1 garments is 217 in2 of background material and 155 in2 of retroreflective material. These garments are designed for workers on job sites that have minimal traffic and are located away from public roads.
The standard for Class 2 garments is 775 in2 of background material and 201 in2 of retroreflective material. This class of gear provides safety on job sites with heavy moving machinery or where workers are near road traffic that exceeds 25 miles per hour. Utility crews, survey crews, and crews doing roadway construction are generally required to wear Class 2 vests.
The standard for Class 3 garments is 1240 in2 of background material and 310 in2 of retroreflective material. This kind of protection is designed for workers exposed to traffic in excess of 50 mph, nighttime darkness, or highly chaotic conditions. That includes night-shift construction workers, utility crews, and emergency responders.
Portwest is a global leader in HVSA because of its thoughtful designs, cutting-edge technology, premium products, and century-plus of experience. Other companies may make compliant safety vests, but Portwest gear is also comfortable, convenient, and reliable. Breathable, lightweight fabrics help keep workers cool during hot summer shifts, and Portwest vests include features like:
Best of all, these vests are manufactured to meet or exceed ANSI/ISEA standards, taking the guesswork out of your team’s safety compliance. RX-Safety can help you get the Portwest safety vests you need, all at a great price.
If you’re a job site safety manager, ask yourself the following questions to see if your crew has sufficient HVSA protection:
Don’t replace or upgrade your HVSA protection with just any vests. Purchasing comfortable gear from Portwest helps ensure safety compliance, and Portwest’s durability means you’ll replace vests less often and ultimately save more money. Plus, you’ll get exceptional customer service with each RX-Safety PPE purchase.
Outfitting your crew’s HVSA isn’t just a box to tick for compliance. Your team’s safety vests are a key tool for preventing struck-by accidents, and premium gear makes a difference. Ensure your crew is fully protected and ANSI-compliant. Explore RX-Safety’s extensive catalog of Portwest high-visibility safety vests and pair them with our premium safety eyewear collections to completely gear up your team today.
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