CHOOSING HI-VIS CLOTHING

THE COMPLIANCE OF VISIBILITY

1. Hi-Vis Types: Explains the differences between the three main Garment Types (O, R, and P) based on the work environment (Off-Road, Roadway, and Public Safety).

2. Hi-Vis Classes: Details the Performance Classes (Class 1, 2, and 3) and the minimum required amounts of fluorescent background and retroreflective material for each class.

3. Regulations: Reviews OSHA standards, specifically where they reference or mandate the use of ANSI/ISEA 107 compliant apparel, such as in highway work zones (often referencing the MUTCD).

HOW HI-VIS WORKS

This piece delves into the technical elements that make a garment "high-visibility."

1. Color Selection: Outlines the three approved fluorescent colors (Yellow-Green, Orange-Red, and Red) and the specific environments where one may be more effective than the others (e.g., contrasting with the work background).

2. Retroreflection: Explains how retroreflective material works, the required striping width and configuration to ensure 360-degree visibility, and how striping on limbs highlights "biomotion" for greater recognition.

3. Design & Coverage: Covers the concept of 360-degree visibility and the difference in coverage requirements between basic vests and full clothing sets (Class 3 requires material on the limbs).

HI-VIS FOR THE WHERE AND HOW OF WORK

This article guides you through the FRC selection process based on job site conditions and hazards.

1. Worksite Conditions: Explains how to assess traffic speed and proximity (the main driver for Class selection), visual complexity of the background, and light conditions (day vs. night).

2. Vests VS. Full Clothing: Details the functional and compliance differences between Hi-Vis Vests (often Class 1 or 2) and Full Clothing Sets such as jackets, coveralls, shirts, and pants; often required for Class 3 or Class E ensembles.

3. Specialty Hazards: Discusses specialized garments, such as those with Flame Resistance (FR) or Arc Flash protection that must also meet ANSI/ISEA 107 standards and breakaway features for environments with moving machinery.

STAYING VISIBLE IN ANY WEATHER

How temperature and weather extremes affect comfort, compliance, and material performance.

1. Temperature Extremes: Explores insulated/thermal high-vis gear for cold weather and breathable/moisture-wicking materials for hot environments, ensuring workers don't remove crucial outer layers due to discomfort.

2. Weather Resistance: Covers waterproof and water-resistant high-vis rainwear and outerwear, highlighting the importance of not covering compliant garments with non-compliant outerwear.

3. Visibility in Adverse Conditions: Discusses how fog, rain, and snow increase the risk, making Class 3 (maximum visibility) garments even more critical.

MAXIMIZING HI-VIS LONGEVITY

A practical guide on cleaning, storage, and general maintenance to preserve the garment's protective features.

1. Cleaning Procedures: Emphasizes the importance of following manufacturer care labels to prevent fading of the fluorescent material or damage to the retroreflective tape (which reduces visibility).

2. Soiling and Contamination: Explains how soiling (dirt, oil, grease) or covering with other items (logos, non-reflective gear) can degrade performance and lead to non-compliance.

3. Storage: Provides recommendations for proper storage to avoid creases or damage to the reflective materials.

KNOW WHEN YOU NEED NEW GEAR

This article addresses the mandatory inspection and replacement protocols for safety apparel.

1. Inspection Criteria: Outlines a simple, routine pre-use inspection checklist for workers, focusing on signs of damage: tears, abrasions, fading, or loss of retroreflective material.

2. Retirement Criteria: Establishes clear guidelines for when a garment must be retired and replaced, based on physical damage or visible degradation of the fluorescent or reflective properties.

3. Lifespan & Durability: Discusses the concept of effective lifespan and how exposure to harsh chemicals, UV light, and repeated laundering can limit the garment's ability to maintain minimum ANSI/ISEA 107 performance standards.

SAFETY STANDARDS SUMMARIZED

Focuses on garments that do not meet the full ANSI/ISEA 107 standard but are used for enhanced corporate or internal visibility.

1. Supplemental Class E: Explaines that Class E items (like hi-vis pants or bibs) are designed to be worn with a Class 2 or 3 upper garment to achieve an even higher combined classification (e.g., Class 3).

2. Non-ANSI Enhanced Visibility: Defines Non-ANSI/Enhanced Visibility clothing, which is suitable only for environments with minimal or no exposure to roadway traffic or complex backgrounds.

3. The Compliance Gap: Reiterates that non-compliant gear is not a substitute for ANSI/ISEA 107-rated clothing where OSHA or other regulatory bodies (like MUTCD) mandate a specific performance class.