Staying safe on the job benefits not only the worker, but also directly influences the safety of pedestrians, drivers, and others. When low visibility is a problem, a need for better standards arose. Until 1999, there was no one particular standard assuring safety and protection for those needing the benefits of hi visibility work wear. In 1999, the American National Standard for High Visibility Safety Apparel was implemented providing a more universe code of acceptance for those working in less than perfect circumstances.

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) agreed something had to be done to implement needed changes assuring the safety and security of those involved.

Whether you have a career in road construction, law enforcement, airport ground support, or are a utility worker, emergency response personnel, the American National Standard for High Visibility Safety Apparel insures whether you choose a vest, jacket, or a nice set of coveralls, you are going to remain visible to people or vehicles you may come into contact with insuring safety day or night.

This authoritative guide deals with the performance specifications, the basic design, and the usage of this new breed of working apparel. These garments are good 24-hours a day where levels of conspicuity are needed and would not otherwise be available. Combining the technological beauty of retroreflective and fluorescent materials will prove a superior opportunity for you and those you encounter to remain safe.

Within this American National Standard for High Visibility Safety Apparel policy are three classes: Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3. Each promotes safety at various levels. Investigating the levels of protection provided promotes your own knowledge at what will work best for you with high visibility apparel is necessary.

Class 1 are garments more suited to minimal levels of protection. These are for individuals not directly in the line of traffic and where the speeds will not exceed 25 mph. These are perfect for activities such as those found with parking lot attendants, shopping cart retrievers, sidewalk maintainers, and delivery drivers. As long as the above guidelines are met, you will find Class 1 protection is perfect for you. These often include reflective harnesses and vests.

Class 2 is a middle level of protection intended for individuals needing a greater level of visibility whether to environment conditions, individuals who cannot keep their full attention on oncoming traffic, where speeds often exceed 25 mph but do not exceed 50 mph, and the requirements for Class 1 are exceeded. This can be crosswalk guards, railroad workers, toll gate personnel, baggage handlers, garbage collectors, or even some law enforcement professionals or emergency response teams. When you need more protection, these garments endorsed Class 2 will be sufficient for your needs if the above criteria are met.

Class 3 is the highest level of protection promoted by the American National Standard for High Visibility Safety Apparel. This is intended for those individuals not fitting into Class 1 or Class 2. Often, the speeds encountered are well over 50 mph, and these are perfect for professionals facing hazardous conditions where visibility is impaired.

When you need protection, ANSI and ISEA are working at keeping you safe one garment at a time.