Sources
Answer
High-visibility clothing is required for workers in many industries to improve their visibility and safety, especially when working near traffic or heavy machinery. The regulations for high-visibility clothing are based on two main standards:
- OSHA General Duty Clause: Section 5(a)(1) of the OSHA Act states that employers must ensure their workplace is free from hazards that are likely to cause injury or death to their employees. This encompasses the need for high-visibility clothing1.
- ANSI/ISEA 107 Standard: This American National Standard establishes the minimum area that must be covered by fluorescent and reflective material on high-visibility clothing. It categorizes clothing into three classes based on exposure to traffic, with Class 3 providing the greatest visibility14.
- Provide high-visibility clothing free of charge to employees who may be exposed to significant risks
- Maintain the clothing in clean and good working order
- Provide storage facilities for the clothing when not in use
- Provide adequate information, instruction, and training on the proper use of the clothing
References
1. Safety via Compliance: A Look at Standards for Hi-Vis Clothing2. High visibility clothing - Workplace transport - HSE3. CCOHS: High-Visibility Safety Apparel4. High Visibility Clothing Requirements - Fall Protection Blog5. OSHA Requirements for High Visibility Clothing - 2024 Guide - Fonirra
Author: Toolbarn
Key insights
- There are three classes of high visibility clothing defined by the American National Standards Institute, with class one being the lowest class with the least amount of reflective tape.
- Reflective tape on high visibility clothing is crucial for safety in high traffic areas.
- ️ Reflective tape should be wrapped all over your body in dangerous work areas.