When workers are surrounded by vehicles and machinery on the job site, safety vests help make them easily visible to other employees and road users. Also known as hi vis, these vests are available in a wide range of bright colors and reflective materials to help people see each other, even in harsh weather conditions or when it’s dark out. They are often required by health and safety regulations for workers who operate in hazardous environments.
A vest made of retroreflective material, for example, is typically used by flaggers and construction crews working in road traffic. The material bounces light back in the direction it came from, making it easier for other people to spot them and avoid a collision. Other options include vests made of fluorescent material, which glows in the dark and is easier to see in low light. In some cases, both retroreflective and fluorescent materials are used in the same garment to provide maximum visibility for both day and night use.
High-visibility clothing, or hi vis, refers to any type of clothing that has a high luminescence level and bright color that is clearly discernible from the background around it. These clothing items are typically worn on the torso area of the body and can be found in a variety of colors, with yellow and orange being the most common choices as they provide good luminescence for conformity to health and safety standards.
The ANSI standard Z96-15, High-Visibility Safety Apparel, sets out minimum requirements for garments in terms of how much reflectivity is required and the amount of bright material on the fabric. The vests must have 360 degree coverage, and the bright material should be visible from all angles, whether during daylight or in darkness. The standard also includes specifications for the type of reflectivity, how much of the material must be reflective, and how large the reflective tape should be.
Safety vests that meet the requirements of this CSA standard will display either an ANSI mark or a UL label. The ANSI mark signifies that the garment has been tested to the standard, while the UL label indicates that it has been approved by an independent laboratory to meet a particular requirement of the CSA standard.
The PIP ANSI Class R Class 3 Two-Tone Surveyor Vest is an excellent option for anyone who needs to be easily seen in a busy work environment. It features a mesh back and sleeves for breathability and is backed by solid polyester fabric that makes it less prone to dirt and damage. In addition, it has silver reflective tape wrapped in contrasting colored material for optimal visibility, and it meets the ANSI requirements for the Class 3. This high-visibility safety vest is an ideal choice for construction workers, road flaggers, and other professionals who need to be highly visible while on the job site. It is also a great choice for emergency response personnel and first responders.