The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring the safety, quality, and consistency of various products and industries. Amongst the products, ANSI establishes standards for safety vests, which comply with their regulations to provide high visibility in areas of low light or high traffic. These safety vests are typically mandatory for individuals engaged in high-risk work; this informative piece will highlight the varying levels of ANSI compliance safety vests, their intended uses, and the industries which require specific levels of compliance.
The Three Classes of ANSI Compliance Safety Vests
In order to ensure safety, ANSI has established three separate classes of safety vests that depend on the level of protection offered by the vest, measured by the reflection. These vests are commonly referred to as either Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3 safety vests, and we will highlight each category further below.
Class 1 Safety Vests
Class 1 safety vests are typically worn when there is a lower level of risk to workers, with the sufficient separation distance between workers and moving vehicles. These vests are ideally suited in areas where traffic speeds are at or below 25 miles per hour and well-lit workspaces. Industries that may require Class 1 safety vests include sidewalk maintenance crews, parking lot attendants, and warehouse workers.
For these types of environments, Class 1 safety vests should consist of at least 155 square inches of reflective tape around the waist, as well as the front and back of the vest. The vest should also be brightly colored in high-visibility hues such as lime green, fluorescent orange, or yellow.
Class 2 Safety Vests
Class 2 safety vests are worn in scenarios where there is a moderate level of risk posed to workers, especially when the traffic speed exceeds 50 miles per hour. Industries that require Class 2 safety vests include road crews and construction sites.
To comply with Class 2 specifications, the vest should have at least 201 square inches of reflective tape, with an additional reflective band around the waist, as well as reflecting tapes on the shoulder. This vest should also be brightly colored to promote visibility.
Class 3 Safety Vests
Class 3 safety vests offer the highest level of protection and visibility, generally used in high-risk environments where workers are exposed to traffic exceeding 50 miles per hour. Industries that require Class 3 safety vests include emergency response teams, highway construction crews, and other similar roles.
Class 3 safety vests should have a reflective band around the waist and reflective tape exceeding 310 square inches on the front and back. The reflective bands should also extend to the shoulder for increased visibility. As with the previous classes, Class 3 safety vests should come brightly colored for optimal visibility.
Choosing the Appropriate Safety Vest
When selecting an ANSI-compliant safety vest, it's essential to consider the work environment and the levels of risk associated with the work. Employers must provide the appropriate safety gear to their workforce, including ANSI-compliant safety vests, based on the specific work conditions. Hazard assessments must also be conducted to decide on the appropriate class of safety vest suitable for their employees. Without exception, workers must keep the vests on during work hours, irrespective of the light conditions or time of day.
Professional organizations must prioritize their workers' safety, and that responsibility includes providing ANSI-compliant safety vests to mitigate the hazards and risks encountered in high-risk industries. The three classes of ANSI safety vest standards indicate various degrees of visibility and protection, with Class 1 for low-risk environments, Class 2 for moderate-risk environments, and Class 3 for high-risk environments.
What Really Are The Different Levels Of ANSI Compliance Safety Vest?
