In countless work environments, from bustling highway construction sites to remote utility areas, a worker's visibility is their first line of defense against being struck by vehicles or moving machinery. The cornerstone of this critical safety measure in the United States is the ANSI/ISEA 107 Standard for High-Visibility Safety Apparel (HVSA).
This guide will demystify the standard—including the latest revision, ANSI/ISEA 107-2020—by breaking down its Garment Types and Performance Classes, and explaining how federal mandates from OSHA and the MUTCD enforce its use.
The Foundational Standard: ANSI/ISEA 107
The ANSI/ISEA 107 standard is the national guideline for the design, performance, and use of high-visibility apparel. It establishes the criteria for both fluorescent background material (for daytime visibility) and retroreflective material (for nighttime and low-light visibility), ensuring the wearer is seen as a human shape from all angles and at a safe distance.
The latest revision, ANSI/ISEA 107-2020, supersedes the 2015 version and introduces minor changes, primarily concerning testing, single-use coveralls, and labeling, but the core structure of Types and Classes remains the same. If your current apparel is compliant with the 2015 standard, it generally still provides acceptable protection, but staying updated with the 2020 standard is best practice.
Garment Types: Defining the Work Environment
The ANSI/ISEA 107 standard organizes high-visibility garments into three distinct Types based on the worker's exposure to vehicular traffic and their operating environment. This is the first decision you make when selecting compliant apparel.
| Garment Type | Work Environment | Example Occupations |
|
Type O (Off-Road) |
Non-roadway environments where workers are not exposed to traffic on public access roadways or temporary traffic control (TTC) zones. |
Warehouse workers, parking lot attendants, machinery operators within a controlled site. |
|
Type R (Roadway |
Environments that include exposure to roadway traffic, right-of-ways, or TTC zones. These are the most common garments for construction and road maintenance. |
Flaggers, utility workers, road construction crews, survey crews. |
|
Type P (Public Safety) |
Environments for emergency and incident responders who need high visibility but also require special access to their duty gear. These garments offer a smaller background material area than Type R in the same class to allow for more equipment access. |
Law enforcement, fire, and EMS personnel on scene. |
Performance Classes: Quantifying Visibility
Once the correct Type is determined, the required Performance Class dictates the minimum amounts of high-visibility material. The class selection is crucial and should be based on a site-specific risk assessment considering traffic speed, proximity to vehicles, and weather/lighting conditions.
| Performance Class | Risk Level/Traffic Speed |
Minimum Background Material (in²) |
Minimum Retroreflective Material (in²) |
Key Requirements |
|
Class 1 |
Lowest visibility/low risk. Traffic speed typically under 25 mph and work is separated from traffic. |
217 in² |
155 in² |
Minimum coverage, often a basic vest. Only available as Type O. |
|
Class 2 |
Moderate visibility/higher risk. Traffic speed typically exceeds 25 mph. Worker's attention may be diverted from traffic. |
775 in² |
201 in² |
Mandatory minimum for many roadway work zones (Type R). Provides enhanced conspicuity. |
|
Class 3 |
Highest visibility/highest risk. Traffic speed exceeds 50 mph or work must be performed in very poor visibility conditions. |
1240 in² |
310 in² |
Must fully encircle the torso and include sleeves or pants (as an ensemble). Required for maximum conspicuity and identification as a person. |
Note on Ensembles and Class E
Class E is a supplemental classification for high-visibility pants, bib overalls, or shorts. A Class E garment cannot be worn alone for compliance. When a Class E garment is paired with a Class 2 (Type R or P) upper-body garment, the entire ensemble is rated as Class 3.
OSHA and MUTCD Mandates: Where Compliance Becomes Law
While ANSI/ISEA 107 is a voluntary consensus standard, its requirements are often made mandatory through references in federal regulations, most notably from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) via the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
OSHA's General Duty Clause & Struck-By Hazards
OSHA's mission is to ensure safe and healthful working conditions. In situations involving the recognized hazard of being struck by vehicles or equipment, the General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act) requires employers to provide a safe workplace. High-visibility apparel is considered a feasible means of reducing this risk in environments like road construction.
The MUTCD: The Direct Mandate
The most direct and enforceable requirement for high-visibility apparel stems from the FHWA's Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). The MUTCD dictates the standards for signs, signals, and markings on all public roads.
According to the latest MUTCD (referencing the Worker Visibility Final Rule, 23 CFR Part 634):
- All workers within the right-of-way of a Federal-aid highway who are exposed to vehicular traffic or construction equipment within the work area shall wear high-visibility safety apparel.
- This apparel must meet the performance requirements of ANSI/ISEA 107, Performance Class 2 or 3, or an equivalent revision.
- The MUTCD specifically allows emergency and incident responders to use apparel meeting the less restrictive Type P, Class 2 or 3 standards.
Summary of Federal Requirements
In virtually every scenario involving workers on or near public roadways, the legal minimum requirement is to wear a high-visibility garment that is at least ANSI/ISEA 107 Type R, Class 2. For high-speed roadways (over 50 mph) or reduced visibility, Type R, Class 3 is required.
Staying Safe and Compliant
The ANSI/ISEA 107 standard is a critical tool for mitigating "struck-by" hazards. By correctly identifying the appropriate Type based on the work environment and the necessary Class based on the risk and visibility conditions, employers can ensure they are not only compliant with federal mandates but, most importantly, are maximizing the safety of their personnel. Always consult the garment's label to confirm its compliance, and remember: if a garment is excessively soiled or faded, its visibility is compromised, and it should be replaced.
For more information on High Visibility garments, CLICK HERE.
goSafe offers a wide variety of High Visibility Apparel that is customizable on-site by our Customization Department. We also maintain a constant, ready-to-ship supply of FR Clothing and Safety Footwear in our 'Core FR' department. For more information on these products or any of our other safety and PPE products, please contact us at sales@gosafe.com.
goSafe: Your Partner in Safety
At goSafe, Safety is our ONLY focus - and we'll partner with you to keep you and your teams safe. We're small enough to handle your local projects, yet large enough to serve national accounts. If safety is your mission, it starts with us.
Watch the video below for more information about goSafe's capabilities.
