High Visibility Workwear FAQs:

What's the difference between the 3 ANSI classes?

High visibility apparel comes in varying levels of visibility depending on what your work environment requires. Class 1 offers a basic level of visibility, with less reflective and background material required than Class 2 or Class 3. As you go up in the classes, there are more squared inches of color, reflective material, and larger width minimums for the reflective stripes. 

Which factors determine what class of high visibility clothing is required? It all boils down to how hazardous a person's work conditions are and what light levels they're working under. If the class level isn't already set for your company or if the current class isn't sufficient, look at which type might work best for your circumstances.

Can I just add reflective stripes to our current uniforms and be ANSI compliant?

The short answer is no. High visibility clothing must be compliant in multiple areas besides a little reflective tape. The standards look at the design of the apparel, the amount of fluorescent material it has, and the amount and width of the retroreflective material to determine its safety level. The little things matter! And especially if you have regulations to meet, it's better to bite the bullet and purchase approved high visibility workwear. 

What is The Federal Highway Worker Visibility rule?

Here's the official rule: every worker near the right-of-way of a federal-aid highway, who is exposed either to traffic or to construction equipment in that work area, must wear high visibility apparel for their own safety. Pretty simple, right?

What workwear meets the specified high visibility requirements?

For this environment, Class 1 performance is not considered high vis enough for a federal highway. Approved high visibility workwear is generally Class 2 or Class 3. It can be identified by the label Class 2 or 3 ANSI or ISEA 107 on its tag, along with a pictogram of a worker vest. Usually, sellers of high vis apparel will properly advertise the class of their workwear. 

Is enhanced visibility the same as high visibility?

Enhanced visibility and high visibility apparel are similar in many aspects, but they are definitely not the same. Enhanced visibility wear doesn't need to meet any regulations, and high visibility workwear does. So if you have ANSI requirements to uphold, don't go for anything labeled "enhanced" instead of "high." But if you don't have to meet ANSI requirements, then choose enhanced or high vis apparel based on your workplace and the level of hazards your workers deal with. In general, err on the side of being extra-visible! 

What do the different colors of high visibility workwear mean?

High visibility clothing is either fluorescent orange or green-yellow, and both work well to help you stand out. When to use which, then? This depends on the area your workers are in and the time of day. Fluorescent orange is a great color to contrast with the blue sky, green environment, and yellow sun of a clear day. On the other hand, fluorescent yellow is bright and clear to the eyes in the nighttime. To choose which color is best for your workers, consider how often they work in low light and the background colors they're surrounded by. Are there a lot of orange barrels and equipment? Opt for yellow. Is there a lot of green foliage around? Go for orange.

How often should I replace my high visibility workwear?

If high vis clothing is dirty, damaged, or loses fluorescence, it can't do its job—which is to keep you safe by making you visible! Replace your high visibility clothing at least every three years, but sooner if it begins to show signs of wear before then. That way, you stand out as you should and are protected in the way high visibility ensures.