High-visibility clothing is essential personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers in high-risk jobs such as construction, mining, and traffic control. High-visibility clothing helps workers be seen in low-light conditions or against complex backgrounds, making them safer.
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) lays down standards for high-visibility clothing to ensure their effectiveness. In 2024, ANSI will implement new high-visibility clothing standards to enhance worker safety and comfort. Let's look at the ANSI high-vis clothing standards in 2024.
Reflective Materials
The new ANSI high-visibility clothing standards in 2024 will require reflective materials to be of better quality and durability. The reflective tapes used on high-visibility clothing will have a higher coefficient of retroreflection, reflecting more light to the source. Moreover, reflective tapes must meet a water- and abrasion-resistant test to ensure they remain reflective even when exposed to harsh conditions. These changes will make high-visibility clothing safer and more durable.
Chromaticity
Chromaticity refers to color brightness and intensity. The new ANSI standards will require high-visibility clothing to have brighter and more intense colors, improving visibility. High-visibility garments must meet a chromaticity test, ensuring the colors are consistent within a garment, among the same types of garments, and between different batches. The new chromaticity requirement will provide consistency and safety.
Retroreflective Configurations
The new ANSI standards will provide options for retroreflective configurations. Retroreflective configurations relate to the placement of reflective tapes on high-visibility clothing. The new standards will allow manufacturers to design retroreflective tapes in different configurations, optimizing their visibility and effectiveness. Depending on the job and the environment, workers can choose high-visibility clothing with retroreflective configurations that suit their needs.
Breathability and Comfort
High-visibility clothing can be hot and uncomfortable to wear, especially in summer. The new ANSI standards will require manufacturers to ensure high-visibility clothing is breathable and comfortable. The new standards will require testing for breathability, moisture vapor transmission rate, and heat loss. Manufacturers must comply with these tests to provide workers with comfortable, safe, high-visibility clothing.
Labeling Requirements
The new ANSI standards will require high-visibility clothing to have specific labeling requirements. Labels must include a statement about the garment's compliance with ANSI/ISEA 107, the standard's edition, the garment's class or classes, the type of retroreflective material, the manufacturer's name, and the garment's size. Labels guide the garment's use and care, ensuring they remain effective throughout their usable life.
The ANSI high-visibility clothing standards in 2024 will enhance worker safety and comfort, making high-risk jobs safer. The new standards require reflective materials of better quality and durability, brighter and more intense colors, retroreflective configurations, breathable and comfortable clothing, and specific labeling requirements. If you work in high-risk jobs such as construction, mining, or traffic control, it's time to upgrade your high-visibility clothing to comply with the new ANSI standards in 2024. By doing so, you will ensure your safety and your co-workers' safety.
If you need custom hi-vis vests and jackets that comply with the new ANSI standards, look no further than Hi Vis Safety. We offer a wide range of high-visibility clothing options that meet the latest ANSI standards, ensuring you have the best protection on the job. Contact us today to learn more about our products and how we can help keep you safe.