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Definition of a High Visibility Vest

Neon vests may not be the latest in fashion, but they are a necessity when it comes to working in hazardous areas. To be considered high visibility, a safety vest has to meet certain standards. The American Traffic Safety Services Association guide to high-visibility work apparel outlines those standards while it offers a host of other information about high-visibility vests.

  1. Standards

    • A high-visibility vest has to measure up to the industry standards for safety. Two entities set the standards: The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA). Standards mandate the amount and types of material an item needs and where the material is placed to meet a certain standard. The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) offers guidance for safety vests in the United States.

    Material

    • High-visibility vests feature three types of materials. The first is the background material, which is usually neon orange, but can also be another fluorescent color, like yellow. The second is the retroflective material, which are the white pieces or bands that reflect light. The third is the combined performance material, which is a different fluorescent color than the background and constitutes the background and retroflective material used together.

    Types

    • High-visibility vests come in two types, Performance Class 1 or Performance Class 2. Class 1 vests are less visible than Class 2 vests. Class 1 vests require at least 217 inches of background material and 155 inches of retroreflective or combined performance material. Class 2 vests need at least 755 inches of background material and 201 inches of retroreflective or combined performance material.

    Uses

    • High-visibility vests enhance safety in a number of situations, especially the Performance Class 2 vests. Vests increase the visibility of anyone working along the roadway, from sign installers to surveyors, construction workers to inspection crews, toll booth workers to police. Other situations include landscaping and mowing, utility or train yard work and anyone responding to emergencies. News reporters also often don vests when they are covering a roadway incident or accompanying others on their jobs where high visibility is a priority.

    Warning

    • Performance Class 1 high-visibility vests do not meet federal requirements for working on or around roadways. Class 2 vests do meet daytime requirements, but even further protection is needed for night time work. Further protection consists of an entire high-visibility ensemble, with a long-sleeved shirt, pants and a vest to increase visibility even more.

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