High Visibility clothing is typically made of fluorescent or brightly colored materials that reflect light. The clothing’s bright color makes people more visible and is also more comfortable. It should fit properly and be loose enough to be worn over other clothing. High-vis clothing should also be durable.
ANSI Standards for High Visibility Clothing
High-visibility clothing is used for safety in many industries. It is typically worn by workers who have contact with large vehicles or high traffic areas. Recently, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) updated its standards for high-visibility apparel. The new standards require high-visibility clothing to meet specific requirements for safety and performance.
High-visibility clothing must meet the ANSI/ISEA 107 standard to be considered high-visibility. It can come in one of three colors, such as orange, yellow, or green. The choice of color should be based on the environment. For instance, a person working in a construction site might not need orange-red high-visibility clothing. Instead, yellow-green or red may be more appropriate depending on the situation.
The ANSI/ISEA 107 guidelines provide guidance on the design and construction of high-visibility safety apparel. It also includes performance testing criteria for materials used to create high-visibility apparel.
Classification of High Visibility Clothing
You are working in a high-visibility environment, you will need to wear specialized clothing. For example, a person who works in the oil and gas industry will need to wear flame-resistant garments. This type of clothing is also known as reflective clothing. It is important to follow the proper care instructions for this type of apparel.
The purpose of high-visibility clothing is to help workers avoid being hit by automobiles. This type of clothing is most suitable for construction and roadwork where workers come into contact with pedestrians or traffic. The clothing should allow the worker to be seen from at least 1,280 feet away. This is a better option than class 2 high-visibility garments if the worker will be working on the roadway.
Three Official Types
- High-visibility apparel comes in three official types.
- Types O and R are for high-vis jackets, while Type P is for reflective apparel.
- The classification is based on the risk associated with the wearer’s position and environment.
Styles of Hi-Visibility Clothing
Hi-visibility clothing is an essential part of safety gear, and there are many different styles available. The traditional type of hi-vis clothing includes fluorescent vests, which are characterized by reflective stripes on the front and back. These vests can make the wearer more visible during the day and at night, increasing their overall safety. Hi-vis apparel also includes t-shirts, jackets, pants, and more.
High-visibility clothing must meet safety standards and regulations set by the International Safety Equipment Association and the American National Standards Institute. The purpose of this clothing is to increase the visibility of workers, especially in hazardous situations. Typically, hi-vis vests are worn by workers who work around moving vehicles and in environments with little light. The material used to make high-vis garments is highly reflective, making the wearer more visible to drivers and other workers. Hi-vis garments are also designed to be comfortable, and should fit properly over other clothing.
Cost of Hi-Visibility Clothing
Hi-vis apparel can be worn by workers in the construction, maintenance, utility, and emergency response industries. For instance, crane operators need to be able to see co-workers, while highway maintenance workers need to be visible to drivers. Other people also benefit from high-vis clothing for recreational activities, such as road runners and cyclists. Hi-vis apparel is also important for hunters, who wear fluorescent shirts and reflective vests in order to be visible to other hunters.
High visibility clothing is an essential part of any workplace. However, it isn’t cheap. Production is expensive, dyes are expensive, and the standard for the garments is strict. Because of these issues, the cost of hi-vis clothing tends to be higher than other similar workwear. But, there are a few ways to get the same look without breaking the bank.
Buy ANSI-Compliant Products Online
One way is to find a fabric mill that makes hi-vis clothing. Those mills charge a premium for the fabric because it is difficult to dye it with hi-vis dyes. Luckily, there are some companies that make high-vis clothing with recycled fibers. However, many of these companies charge a higher price for hi-vis colors than standard fabrics.
Another way to save money on hi-vis clothing is to buy ANSI-compliant products online. Many sites have a carousel that showcases the wide variety of high-vis clothing they offer. These websites also offer useful articles on high-vis safety clothing.
