Understanding the Different Classes of Safety Vests

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In alone there were 799 work zone fatalities in the United States. Even more devastating is that this number increased by 2% from the previous year. 

With the emergence of new technology comes new distractions for drivers. Now more than ever every worker must be protected in low light conditions. 

Certain positions need specific classes of safety vests as required by law. Narrowing down the options on your own will take hours, so we've simplified the process.

Read on to understand the differences in high visibility clothing and our top picks for the best safety vests. 

Class 1 Safety Vests

The first class belongs to low-impact workers in lightly populated areas. We reserve these vests for traffic attendants, delivery drivers, or roadside assistance personnel. 

Workers in this class should be off-road and away from heavy-flowing traffic. The greatest speed should not exceed 25mph in these areas. 

For Class 1 safety vests, federal law requires at least 155 square inches of reflective material and 217 square inches of background material. 

These bright yellow or orange vests should have one 360° stripe around the chest and one stripe going over each shoulder. The minimum width of this tape is one inch. 

Class 2 Safety Vests

Workers in Class 2 areas find themselves in low-visibility conditions, perhaps due to weather or landscape, and in heavier traffic. Construction workers, airport attendants, or those working in tollbooths often require a class 2 safety vest. Certain first responders also fall under this category. 

The reflective tape must cover a minimum of 201 square inches. Widths of either 1.38in or 2in are required, depending on your profession. Background material should cover a minimum of 775 square inches (or 540 square inches for smaller workers). 

These safety vests should have one (or two) 360° stripe(s) of tape around the chest and one singular stripe over each shoulder. 

Class 3 Safety Vests

Vests in this category have the highest restrictions because they are used in areas where traffic exceeds 50mph and in extremely dark conditions. Police and firemen may need a class 3 safety vest, as well as roadway workers and rail workers. 

These workers need to be seen very clearly, so the law requires at least 310 square inches of reflective material. Background material should cover at least square inches. 

Not only does this reflective tape need to be on the chest and shoulders, but also along the arms and legs of the wearer. 

Our Top Picks

If you're in the market for high visibility clothing, check out Hi-Viz clothing. Not only do they carry each class of safety vest, but also pants, shirts, and jackets so your employees can stay protected in any climate. 

Plus, your company will stay professional with Hi-Viz's option to customize your order. Add your stunning logo to any safety vest for added marketing while out in the field!

Where To Now? 

Now that you understand the differences between the classes of safety vests, find your match.

Spring is right around the corner, so grab a reflective t-shirt from Hi-Viz. They meet federal law while being lightweight and comfortable during the warm afternoons and cool evenings. 

While you're at it, grab a Hi-Viz jacket and pant set to go along with your vests. We know safety is your priority, so get covered by a company that puts you first. 

By Elizabeth     /     Posted Friday, November 19,

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Customized safety vests, shirts, sweatshirts, and jackets use bright colors and reflective tape to make employees visible in outdoor and low-light conditions. The visibility requirements for hi-viz gear change depending on the work environment. Most worksites require either Class 2 or Class 3 safety apparel. 

What is PPE?

PPE stands for personal protective equipment and includes all equipment designed to protect the wearer from harm. PPE includes items as diverse as safety jackets, helmets, goggles, electricians gloves, welders helmets, personal ventilation systems, and harnesses &#; any physical items worn on the body that reduce the risk of employee injury while improving safety in the workplace.

Who Regulates PPE Equipment?

In the United States, OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Administration) oversees the regulation and enforcement of PPE equipment. OSHA has adopted standards for safety clothing set by ANSI (the American National Standards Institute). Failure to abide by OSHA regulations concerning PPE can result in fines.

Class 2 Safety Apparel

Class 2 safety apparel describes safety sweatshirts, jackets, vests, and shirts designed for work near heavy traffic driving over 25 mph and in low visibility areas. Workers wearing Class 2 safety gear should still be at a safe distance from traffic. Examples of jobs requiring Class 2 safety apparel include airport workers, forestry workers, employees of high-volume parking lots, and toll booth operators. 

To be considered Class 2, safety shirts and other garments must include a minimum of 201 square inches of reflective tape with a tape width of 1? inches to 2 inches. In addition, reflective stripes must reach over the shoulders and around the middle of the garment.

Examples of customized safety vests and clothing that meet Class 2 requirements include

Class 3 Safety

Personnel working close to high-traffic areas must wear Class 3 safety apparel. Traffic in such locations may reach speeds of 50 mph or higher. Occupations requiring Class 3 safety jackets include emergency responders, utility crews, and railway workers who work next to or on roads or in similar hazardous locations such as construction sites. 

Class 3 customized safety vests require a minimum of 310 square inches of two-inch wide reflective tape. The clothing should give the worker a complete silhouette outline to indicate to drivers that they are approaching someone. In addition to reflective tape over the shoulders and around the middle, Class 3 garments must have reflective material on the arms and legs (where applicable).

The following are examples of typical class 3 safety sweatshirts, shirts, and other garments:

Customized Safety Vests

Customized safety vests stand out and keep your employees safe. Customize high-visibility vests and safety jackets to include your logo, resulting in brand impressions as traffic and pedestrians pass by. After all, the intent of customized safety vests is to increase your employees&#; visibility, so why not take advantage of that to promote your brand? A set of customized safety jackets looks smart, encourages a sense of teamwork among employees, and demonstrates to everyone that you care about employee safety.