Unlocking Safety: A Guide to High Visibility Clothing and Choosing the Right Class of Safety Vest for the Job

While everyone appreciates being recognized for their hard work while on the job, some industries take the importance of being seen to another level. Individuals working in construction, road maintenance, utilities, or at night and in low-light conditions all rely on wearing high-visibility clothing such as safety vests to stand out, get noticed, and lower the risk of an accident.

Safety vests help workers stand apart from the background of heavy equipment, construction materials, and motor vehicles. In fact, OSHA Standard 1926.651(d) requires that all employees exposed to public traffic wear safety vests or other highly visible clothing while on the job.

Considering that 17% of all fatal accidents involving construction and road workers are “struck-by incidents,” the value of being clearly identifiable can’t be understated.

Continue reading as we take a closer look at the difference between a class 2 safety vest and a class 3 safety vest and what you need to know to select the right type of high-visibility clothing to meet the demands of your job.

Why It’s Important to Be Seen

The neon green, electric Kool-Aid yellow, or atomic orange colors of most high-visibility clothing may not compliment your outfit or be seen on the runways of fashion week. Still, their signature style is all about helping you stand out, even if it means wearing colors so bright you can be seen from space.

Drivers today need all the help they can get. Trying to talk and text on the phone while kids scream about plugging their tablets in and needing to finish that day’s Wordle before grandma gives away the answer on the family text chain limits their ability to really focus on what’s happening around them when behind the wheel. High-visibility clothing draws people’s attention and acts like a million-megawatt sign saying, “Hey, pay attention and don’t hit me.”

Central to the design and regulation of high-visibility clothing is the ANSI/ISEA 107 standard. Developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA), this standard created guidelines for the design, performance specifications, and use of high visibility safety apparel. It categorizes high-visibility clothing into three classes based on the level of visibility they provide: Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3. Each class is designed for specific operational environments and the risk levels associated with each of those environments.

• ANSI Class 1 garments offer the minimum amount of visibility and are suitable for environments where speeds do not exceed 25 mph and workers are at a safe distance from traffic. These are often used in jobs like parking lot attendants or those working in warehouses.
• ANSI Class 2 requirements for garments provide moderate visibility and are intended for environments where traffic exceeds 25 mph but does not reach highway speeds. This class is recommended for school crossing guards, airport ground crews, and high-volume parking or toll gate personnel.
• ANSI Class 3 requirements for garments offer the highest level of visibility and are designed for use in high-risk environments. These include areas where traffic speeds exceed 50 mph, conditions are highly congested, or workers operate in conditions with poor visibility, such as in severe weather. Class 3 safety vests have the most reflective material and brightest background material, making them invaluable for workers on high-speed roadways or in emergency response situations.

The underlying principle of the different types of safety classifications is to determine a worker’s visibility in relation to how fast someone is moving. Retroreflective material is designed to reflect light back at its source. Safety apparel’s color is designed to help the wearer stand out from busy backgrounds and moving objects. When combined together, these properties will provide the wear a level of protection critical for ensuring their safety on the job. Knowing the difference between Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 safety vests will help you select the right gear and the right level of protection to keep you safe while on the job.

How to Choose the Right Class 3 Safety Vest

Selecting the right Class 3 safety vest is essential for ensuring the highest level of protection and visibility in high-risk environments. When making this critical choice, consider several key factors other than whether impossibly bright green or “OMG, that’s bright yellow” is your color. You need to ensure the vest meets both the safety standards and the specific needs of your job.

Know the Performance Class for Your Job

The type of work you do and where you do it will determine the type of ANSI Class safety apparel you’ll need to wear. Most jobs will be found in one of the following categories:

Type O (Off-Road)

Type O only includes Class 1 clothing and covers those working indoors in more controlled environments. The category is designed to help protect workers who perform tasks like stocking warehouse shelves, retrieving shopping carts in parking lots, and operating factory machinery.   

Type R (Roadway)

Type R includes Class 2 and Class 3 garments, especially those designed to be worn outside close to traffic. This category typically includes construction and transportation workers due to their presence around moving equipment and vehicles. Type R workers typically operate in environments with higher activity levels and need to wear clothing that helps them stand out from the background.

This category does cover a significant range of job responsibilities, which will help determine the type of clothing that should be worn. For example, a Class 2 vest would usually be enough to clearly identify road construction and airport ramp workers, while flaggers and DOT workers should wear a Class 3 vest.

Type P (Public Safety)

Type P includes ANSI Class 2 and 3 apparel for public safety apparel. Public safety vests are typically shorter in length to allow easy access to any equipment carried on the waist, such as radios. As the name implies, this category covers anyone in a public safety role, such as first responders, firefighters, EMS, and police. Government regulations and union guidelines often cover what public safety personnel should wear out in the field, so always consult with your department to determine what’s needed.

Tips for Picking the Right Vest

Not all safety vests offer the same level of quality and protection needed to keep you safe on the job. When trying to determine which vest is right for you, consider the following:

Material and Durability: Class 3 vests are typically made from high-visibility fluorescent materials with reflective stripes. Look for durable, weather-resistant fabrics that can withstand the demands of outdoor work while still maintaining their high visibility. Vests made from breathable materials will improve your comfort during long shifts on hot days.

Design Features: A good Class 3 safety vest should have practical design features to enhance visibility and functionality. This includes a sufficient amount of reflective tape to meet ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 standards, covering the chest, back, shoulders, and waist to ensure 360-degree visibility. Additionally, consider vests with closure options like zippers or Velcro that offer secure fastening and storage. Pockets for tools, radios, and other essentials can make the day easier, while mic tabs are useful for those who need to communicate regularly.

Compliance and Certification: Ensure the vest is ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 compliant, indicating it meets the required standards for Class 3 visibility. This certification should be clearly labeled on the vest, assuring its safety features have been validated and the vest approved for your work. 

However, you should know that just wearing a Class 3 vest won’t necessarily make you Class 3 compliant. Depending on your job or work environment, there are different combinations of safety clothing that may need to be worn for you to be considered compliant. For example, you may also need to wear reflective pants or waders, along with the vest, to be considered compliant with Class 3 visibility standards. Some roles may require wearing a hard hat with a reflective strip in addition to a reflective vest and pants.(check out these hard hat reflective accessories, including reflective vinyl to add to your hat) Be sure to check with your employer for a complete list of safety apparel for you to meet Class 3 requirements. 

Customization Options: Many suppliers offer customization options, allowing company logos or other markings to be added. This not only enhances brand visibility but also reinforces a professional image. At BareBones, we offer custom embroidery and screening printing services that can help add the finishing touches to your safety gear. We also offer the option of customizing reflective material for safety gear like vests, helmets, and pants. 

Choosing the right vest is like seasoning a steak. A dash of this and a little of that will combine to ensure you’re comfortable and well-protected for the workday.

Caring for Your High-Visibility Clothing

Proper maintenance and care are crucial for extending the life and preserving the effectiveness of high-visibility clothing. To maintain these garments’ vibrant color and reflective properties, follow the manufacturer’s washing instructions carefully, typically favoring mild detergents and cool temperatures to prevent fading and damage to reflective strips. Don’t just throw them into the hamper and wash them at the highest temperature along with your underwear. Air drying is preferred over machine drying to avoid excessive wear.

Regularly inspect your high-visibility garments for signs of wear, tear, or fading, and replace them immediately if they no longer meet safety standards. Proper storage away from direct sunlight and harsh environments (like your hamper) also helps preserve the fabric’s integrity and visibility features, ensuring the garments remain effective and protective for as long as possible.

BareBones WorkWear® Has Your Safety Needs Covered

Picking the right high-visibility clothing is incredibly important for anyone working where being seen is a life-saver. It’s all about finding that perfect mix of bright, comfy, and durable gear that keeps you safe and sound.

When it comes to nailing that high-vis look, BareBones WorkWear® has you covered. We’re stocked with top names like Carhartt, Kishigo, Radians, and Occunomix, so you know these are brands you can rely on. Swing by any of our ten locations to check out our fantastic selection of high-visibility wear. Our team’s ready to help you spot the perfect safety vest that ticks all your boxes.

See you soon at BareBones, where staying safe never goes out of style!