Hi-Vis CertificationHigh-visibility clothing is any garment that has highly reflective properties that allow it to be easily seen from any background. As it is a type of Personal Protective Equipment, it comes under many regulations across the globe and many industries require appropriate levels of high-visibility garments for their employees/workers. The main uses of High-Visibility Clothing are in the following industries/catagories: Construction workers, Emergency Response staff (Firefighters/Paramedics/Police), Fisherman, Hunters, Transport (Motor/Railway/Ferry), Motorcyclists, Pedestrians, Equestrians (mounted search). Almost all roles where a person needs to be seen in poor light or weather conditions or when working in an environment where there is moving machinery and worker safety are likely to be regulated in law. Sample Regulations:United States United Kingdom European Drivers In Germany and the Czech Republic only commercial used vehicles have to be equipped with high visibility clothing. Standards:BS EN 471:2003 The British Standard for high visibility clothing. Clothing must comply with the EN471 High Visibility Specifications. There are three levels of protection:
89/686/EEC A European Commission directive which covers high visibility clothing, can be found at the following link: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:31989L0686:EN:HTML ANSI/ISEA 107-1999 The American National Standards Institute published a standard for high-visibility clothing in 1999. The standard defines three classes of successively more-visible garments, to protect workers exposed to successively higher levels of risk from motor vehicles and heavy equipment. Class 1 garments are intended for use in activities that permit the wearer’s full and undivided attention to approaching traffic. There should be ample separation of the worker from traffic, which should be travelling no faster than 25 miles per hour. Examples of workers who use Class 1 apparel:
Class 2 garments are intended for use in activities where greater visibility is necessary during inclement weather conditions or in work environments with risks that exceed those for Class 1. Garments in this class also cover workers who perform tasks that divert their attention from approaching traffic, or that put them in close proximity to passing vehicles travelling at 25 miles per hour or higher. Examples of workers who use Class 2 apparel include:
Class 3 garments provide the highest level of visibility, and are intended for workers who face serious hazards and often have high task loads that require attention away from their work. Garments for these workers should provide enhanced visibility to more of the body, such as the arms and legs. Examples of workers who use Class 3 apparel include:
ANSI/ISEA 107-1999 is a voluntary industry consensus standard; however, Occupational Safety regulations support its implementation by employers whose employees are at risk from motor traffic or heavy equipment. ANSI/ISEA 107-2004 ANSI revised the standard in 2004 ANSI/ISEA 207-2006 In 2006, ANSI released the 207-2006, or American National Standard for High-Visibility Public Safety Jacket/Vest, in response to issues raised by public safety officials with respect to the ANSI 107 vest design. Their concerns were both tactical and influenced by a need to differentiate between law enforcement/emergency personnel and the vests worn by construction workers. The changes have different requirements for fluorescent background material, specifically allowing for a shorter design that allows equipment belt access. It also includes many optional features, such as a 5-point breakaway design for easy removal, panels readily identifying the wearer as an emergency responder, and radio and badge pockets/holders. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recognizes the value of high-visibility apparel to protect workers, and requires employers to outfit employees with “reflectorized and highly visible materials to enhance worker safety.” And the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices specifies high-visibility clothing for flaggers, law enforcement officers and others involved in managing workzone traffic. In its regulation 29 CFR 1926.651(d), OSHA sets forth requirements for workers who are exposed to vehicular traffic. OSHA states that “employees exposed to public vehicular traffic shall be provided with, and shall wear, warning vests or other suitable garments marked with or made of reflectorized or high-visibility material.” OSHA refers to ANSI/ISEA 107-1999 as a way for employers to comply with the requirement to provide enhanced visibility garments. In addition, under the OSHA General Duty Clause (29 CFR 1903.1), OSHA requires that every employer furnish “employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm…” CSA-Z96 The Canadian Standard for high visibility clothing. Employer duties: Advice for employers whose workers must wear high visibility clothing:
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