Introduction
High-Visibility Safety Apparel (HVSA) plays a crucial role in safeguarding workers in environments where visibility is compromised. The ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 standard, established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA), offers comprehensive guidelines to enhance worker visibility and safety. This article delves into the detailed aspects of the ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 standard, exploring its history, design requirements, material specifications, and the regulatory context that governs its application. (Note – this article is an overview of ANSI/ISEA Standards, it is recommended that you use the actual ANSI/ISEA document for decision on high visibility work wear. This article is for general information only)
Historical Context and Regulatory Background
The ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 standard marks the fifth edition of the high-visibility safety apparel guidelines, evolving from the original ANSI/ISEA 107-1999 standard. The need for such standards became apparent as industries recognized the risks faced by workers with low visibility, including construction, maintenance, utility, emergency responders, and airport ramp personnel.
In November 2008, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) integrated the ANSI/ISEA 107 standard into federal regulations (23 CFR part 634), mandating HVSA for workers in highway environments. This regulation was later incorporated into the 2009 edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), extending its application to all public access roadways. The 2020 revision continues to refine the “Type” structure introduced in the 2015 edition, categorizing garments based on their intended use: off-road (Type O), roadway (Type R), and public safety (Type P).
Key Definitions and Concepts
Understanding the standard requires familiarity with several key terms:
- Background Material: Fluorescent material designed to be highly conspicuous in daylight, dawn, and dusk conditions.
- Retroreflective Material: Material that reflects light back to its source, enhancing visibility.
- Combined-Performance Material: Material that combines fluorescent and retroreflective properties.
- Single-Use Disposable Coverall: HVSA designed for one-time use, typically worn over other clothing.
- Declaration of Conformity: A statement by the manufacturer or supplier confirming that the garment meets the ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 requirements.
- Photometric Performance: The effectiveness of retroreflective material in returning light to its source, measured by the coefficient of retroreflection (RA).
- Flame Resistance: The property of a material to prevent, terminate, or inhibit flaming combustion when exposed to a source of ignition.
- Non Compliant Material: Material used in an HVSA that does not comply with ANSI/ISEA standards.
Design Requirements
The ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 standard outlines specific design requirements to ensure that HVSA effectively enhances worker visibility:
- Component Colors: The standard permits three fluorescent colors for background and combined-performance materials: yellow-green, orange-red, and red. The choice of color should consider the work environment to maximize contrast and visibility.
- Garment Types and Classes: The standard categorizes garments into three types, each with different classes based on the risk level and visibility requirements:
- Type O (Off-Road): Suitable for workers in environments with minimal traffic, such as warehouses and construction sites. Only Class 1 garments are available for this type.
- Type R (Roadway): Designed for workers exposed to roadway traffic, available in Class 2 and Class 3. Class 2 garments are suitable for workers closer to traffic moving at higher speeds, while Class 3 garments provide the highest level of visibility for high-risk environments.
- Type P (Public Safety): Intended for public safety personnel, such as police officers, firefighters, and EMS workers. These garments, available in Class 2 and Class 3, feature additional design considerations for access to equipment and mobility.
Detailed Garment Specifications
Type O (Off-Road) Type O garments are tailored for workers in environments where visibility is necessary, but exposure to moving traffic is minimal. These garments are typically used in industrial, mining, and warehouse settings. Class 1 garments are the only option for Type O and include the following features:
- Minimum background material of 217 square inches.
- Retroreflective material amounting to at least 155 square inches.
- Designed to ensure visibility in environments with slow-moving equipment and minimal vehicle traffic.
Type R (Roadway) Type R garments cater to workers exposed to roadway traffic. These garments are categorized into Class 2 and Class 3, depending on the level of exposure and risk:
- Class 2: Suitable for workers who operate close to traffic moving at moderate speeds. These garments feature a minimum of 775 square inches of background material and 201 square inches of retroreflective material.
- Class 3: Designed for high-risk environments where workers are exposed to high-speed traffic. These garments include a minimum of 1240 square inches of background material and 310 square inches of retroreflective material. Additional requirements include retroreflective bands on the sleeves and torso to ensure 360-degree visibility.
Type P (Public Safety) Type P garments are specifically designed for public safety personnel, such as police, firefighters, and EMS workers. These garments offer enhanced mobility and access to equipment while ensuring high visibility:
- Class 2: Similar to Type R, Class 2 garments for public safety include a minimum of 450 square inches of background material and 201 square inches of retroreflective material.
- Class 3: These garments offer the highest level of visibility, with a minimum of 775 square inches of background material and 310 square inches of retroreflective material. The design ensures that public safety workers are visible from all angles.
Logos, Panels, and Lettering
The standard specifies the requirements for incorporating logos, panels, and lettering on HVSA. These elements must not compromise the visibility of the garment:
- Logos and Panels: Logos should be placed strategically to avoid covering retroreflective material. Panels can be used to enhance the garment’s design without reducing visibility.
- Lettering: Any lettering on the garment should contrast with the background material to ensure readability. It should be placed in a way that does not obstruct the retroreflective material.
Retroreflective Material Placement
Proper placement of retroreflective material is essential for ensuring visibility:
- Horizontal Bands: These should encircle the torso and be placed at least 2 inches above the bottom of the garment. Horizontal gaps in retroreflective material should not exceed 2 inches.
- Vertical and Shoulder Bands: Garments must have retroreflective material on the shoulders to provide 180-degree visibility. For long-sleeved garments, retroreflective bands should encircle the sleeves, placed at least 2 inches from the bottom of the sleeve.
Material and Performance Specifications
The standard outlines stringent photometric and physical performance requirements for HVSA materials:
- Background and Combined-Performance Materials: These materials must undergo testing for chromaticity, luminance, and durability. Tests include exposure to UV light, laundering, and abrasion to ensure the materials maintain their effectiveness.
- Retroreflective Materials: These materials are tested for their ability to reflect light under various angles and conditions. The standard specifies photometric performance requirements, ensuring that the materials retain their retroreflective properties after exposure to environmental conditions.
Care Labeling and Marking
Proper labeling is crucial to ensure compliance with the ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 standard:
- General Marking: Labels must include the manufacturer’s identification, item number, size, standard name, and year. If the garment is flame-resistant, this must be indicated. For garments that are not flame-resistant, the label must state that they do not meet the flame resistance requirements of ANSI/ISEA 107-2020.
- Single-Use Coveralls: These must be clearly labeled as single-use, emphasizing that they should not be reused. The label should indicate compliance with the single-use disposable coverall requirements specified in Section 11 of the standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
The document addresses several frequently asked questions to provide clarity on the ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 standard:
- Differences Between ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 and ANSI/ISEA 107-2020: The 2020 standard includes several updates, such as the removal of the Accessories category and new requirements for single-use disposable coveralls. The appendices have been updated with additional examples of garment designs and trim patterns.
- Regulatory Requirements for Construction Workers: Section 6D.03 of the 2009 MUTCD mandates the use of HVSA for construction workers in highway work zones.
- Recognition by the FHWA: The FHWA is expected to issue a letter of interpretation recognizing ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 as equivalent to previous editions, ensuring its acceptance for compliance with MUTCD requirements.
- Single-Use Disposable Coveralls: These garments are highlighted separately due to their specific requirements and labeling, making them suitable for extremely dirty tasks where visibility is still crucial.
Conclusion
The ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 standard is an essential tool for ensuring the safety of workers in environments where visibility is critical. By adhering to these guidelines, employers can enhance worker safety, reduce the risk of accidents, and comply with federal regulations. This standard provides comprehensive requirements for the design, performance, and labeling of high-visibility safety apparel, ensuring that workers are visible and protected in various work environments. For more detailed information, refer to the full standard available at safetyequipment.org.
Understanding and implementing the ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 standard is not just about compliance; it’s about prioritizing the safety and well-being of workers in hazardous environments. Employers and safety managers must stay informed about these standards and ensure that all HVSA used in their operations meet or exceed the outlined requirements. This commitment to safety can significantly reduce workplace accidents and enhance the overall safety culture within an organization.