What ANSI Class Garment is Right for Your Job?

Working in or near traffic can be hazardous. Each year, nearly 1,100 lives are lost in work zones and . But accidents and injuries can be prevented. The first line of defense against such hazards is having the correct ANSI Class garment for your specific job. Exposure to vehicular traffic can entail varying levels of danger for workers performing tasks in traffic zones. To be sure you are getting the most protection from your high-vis wear, see these guidelines below:

Use ANSI Class 1 when:

• a worker's full and undivided attention can be given to approaching traffic
• traffic speeds are under 25mph
• there is ample separation between workers and oncoming traffic
• there is optimum visibility of workers with backgrounds that are not complex

Examples of such jobs include: delivery vehicle workers, crossing patrol in school zones,
sidewalk maintenance workers, workers directing vehicles in a parking area,
law enforcement or emergency medical service/fire personnel.

Use ANSI Class when:

• greater visibility is necessary, such as in wet/foggy/snowy weather conditions
• complex backgrounds obscure and/or diminish worker conspicuity
• tasks to be performed divert attention from approaching traffic
• traffic speeds exceed 25mph
• work takes place in close proximity to oncoming traffic

Some examples of jobs include: road construction workers, flagging crews, school crossing guard, toll gate and high-volume parking personnel, accident sites investigators and law enforcement personnel, railway workers, survey crews, emergency responders in flagging operations

Use ANSI Class 3 when:

• work involves exposure to significantly higher speeds (50mph) and/or sight-distance time for vehicle operators is decreased.
• high task load requires full attention of worker who cannot attend to oncoming traffic
• worker must be visible and identifiable as a person through the full range of motions/duties at a minimum of 1,280 feet.
• inclement weather reduces visibility

Jobs include: roadway construction personnel, flaggers in high traffic areas, flaggers performing operations at night time, utility workers, emergency responders in flagging operations.