What is the Difference Between Class 1, 2, and 3 Safety Apparel?
Understanding the Differences Between ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 Class 1, 2, and 3 Safety Apparel
In industries where worker visibility is crucial for safety, high-visibility safety apparel (HVSA) plays a vital role. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) have established the ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 standard to classify HVSA into different categories based on the level of visibility and protection they offer. These categories—Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3—help workers and employers choose the appropriate apparel based on job site hazards and environmental conditions.
Class 1 Safety Apparel
Class 1 safety apparel provides the lowest level of visibility and is designed for workers in low-risk environments where vehicle speeds do not exceed 25 mph. This type of apparel typically consists of a single fluorescent background material with a limited amount of reflective striping.
Common Uses:
Parking lot attendants
Warehouse workers
Delivery personnel working in controlled environments
Key Requirements:
Minimum of 217 square inches of reflective material
Background material in fluorescent yellow-green, orange-red, or red
Reflective tape around the torso
Class 2 Safety Apparel
Class 2 apparel provides a higher level of visibility than Class 1 and is suitable for workers near roadways with traffic speeds of 25–50 mph or in environments with complex backgrounds. These garments have more reflective and background material to enhance visibility.
Common Uses:
Roadway construction workers
Utility workers
Airport ground crews
Railway workers
Key Requirements:
Minimum of 775 square inches of background material
Minimum of 201 square inches of reflective material
Reflective tape around the torso and over the shoulders
Garment options include vests, jackets, or shirts
Class 3 Safety Apparel
Class 3 safety apparel offers the highest level of visibility and is designed for workers in high-risk environments where traffic speeds exceed 50 mph or workers are exposed to extreme weather conditions and hazardous surroundings.
Common Uses:
Roadside emergency responders
Highway construction workers
Tow truck operators
Heavy machinery operators in low-light conditions
Key Requirements:
Minimum of 1240 square inches of background material
Minimum of 310 square inches of reflective material
Full-body coverage, including sleeves and pants with reflective tape
Must have sleeves with reflective material for 360-degree visibility
Choosing the Right Safety Apparel
Selecting the right ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 class of safety apparel depends on several factors, including:
Traffic Speed: Higher-speed environments require Class 3 apparel for maximum visibility.
Job Site Conditions: Complex backgrounds, weather conditions, and lighting impact the level of visibility needed.
Nature of Work: The level of exposure to moving vehicles and machinery dictates which class is required.
Understanding the differences between Class 1, 2, and 3 safety apparel ensures that workers remain visible and protected in hazardous environments. Employers must assess job site risks and provide appropriate high-visibility garments to comply with safety regulations and protect their workforce. By choosing the right safety apparel, businesses can reduce workplace accidents and improve overall job site safety.
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