The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approved the American National Standard for High-Visibility Safety Apparel (ANSI/ISEA 107-1999) in June 1999.  This standard provides consistent, authoritative guidelines for the selection and use of high-visibility apparel in the United States.

ANSI/ISEA 107-1999 is a voluntary standard that offers performance specifications for reflective materials, including minimum amounts, placement, background material, test methods and care labeling.  In simplest terms, the ANSI/ISEA 107-1999 standard provides for a high degree of reflective material incorporated into garments...thus improving visibility...and safety. 

ANSI/ISEA 107-1999 specifies three classes of garments based on work environment:

Class III Safety Wear

Class III garments provide the highest level of visibility to workers in high-risk environments that involve the following:

·        High task loads

·        A wide range of weather conditions and traffic exceeding 50 mph

·        Workers in situations who need to be visible through a full range of body motions from a minimum distance of 1,280 feet

Class III garments  provide coverage to the following:

·        Arms and/or legs as well as the torso

·        Can include pants, jackets, coveralls or rain wear

The standard recommends these garments for the following:

·        All roadway construction personnel and vehicle operators

·        Utility workers

·        Survey crews

·        Emergency response teams

·        Railway workers and accident site investigators

Class II Safety Wear
Class II garments are recommended for medium visibility in the following situations:

·        Greater visibility in poor weather conditions

·        Activities occurring near roadways where traffic speeds are 25-50 mph

·        Railway workers

·        School crossing guards

·        Parking and toll gate personnel

·        Airport ground crews

·        Law Enforcement personnel directing traffic

Need more information? 
Contact the ISEA at (703) 525-1695.