Construction sites are inherently high-risk environments, where the capacity to maintain optimal visibility is paramount, as it can mean the difference between life and injury. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) frequently cites a lack of visibility as a contributing factor in incidents of "struck-by" accidents. To address this issue, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Illuminating Engineering Society of America (IESA) have established the standard ANSI/ISEA 107-2020, which delineates various categories of high-visibility apparel specifically designed for distinct construction scenarios. For instance, a construction vest worn by a flagger or roadway worker is typically designated as Class 3, representing the highest level of visibility. This vest is characterized by its prominent fluorescent background and reflective striping, which enhance the individual's visibility in traffic. Class 2 vests, which require less reflective area, might suffice for off-road equipment operators or warehouse crews.
Regardless of class, all construction vests must utilize approved materials. According to the standards established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the distribution of fluorescent and retroreflective components is to be positioned "around the torso and shoulders" to ensure optimal 360° conspicuity. In practice, this means that any approved safety vest must possess two horizontal stripes encircling the vest, in addition to vertical or over-the-shoulder stripes. During nocturnal hours, the aforementioned stripes emit a luminous glow when exposed to headlights, thereby ensuring the visibility of each worker well in advance of any potential collision.
In the context of projects conducted in high-temperature environments, numerous vests have been crafted with high-breathability mesh fabric, a development that promises to enhance the user experience by facilitating effective heat dissipation. These mesh vests have been shown to meet the same ANSI standards as solid polyester versions. However, they have been designed to allow airflow, thus enabling workers to maintain cooler body temperatures in high-temperature environments. Depending on the potential hazards, other construction vests may be designed with flame-resistant or waterproof properties to mitigate specific risks. Despite the inclusion of these specialized elements, the garments are equipped with reflective tape and fluorescent bases that adhere to the ANSI guidelines. For instance, high-vis vests with a FR rating must still contain the minimum amount of fluorescent material stipulated for that particular class.
To illustrate this point, consider the following real-world example: A highway maintenance crew engaged in the installation of signage will be outfitted with Class 3 vests and reflective hard hats. The vivid hue of the vest serves to attract attention during daylight hours. Concurrently, the retroreflective bands serve to ensure the safety of the wearer at dawn and dusk. In the context of subterranean or interior construction, laborers may be required to don Class 2 vests, given the consistent ambient lighting and the relatively diminished velocities of the vehicles. Notwithstanding, the vests in question are still required to contain the requisite reflective stripes as stipulated by the prevailing standard.
When procuring custom-built vests for construction purposes, it is imperative to ensure that the supplier adheres to the established guidelines set forth by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). At CustomTok, each vest is meticulously cut and sewn to ensure precise alignment of the reflective tape in accordance with the established standard. Additionally, branding is permitted, as illustrated by the option to apply a company logo through the process of heat-transfer to the rear of a Class 3 vest without the necessity of covering any tape. This approach ensures comprehensive adherence to professional standards while achieving a customized aesthetic. The utilization of appropriate vest classes and fabrics is imperative for ensuring enhanced safety and regulatory compliance on construction sites.
