Understanding the Differences Between ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 Class 1, 2, and 3 Safety Apparel: A Guide for Users

Visibility can mean the difference between safety and danger on a worksite. Workers in fast-moving traffic zones, dim lighting, or hazardous environments need the right high-visibility safety apparel to stay protected. However, not all safety apparel offers the same level of protection, and choosing the wrong one could leave your team exposed to unnecessary risks. This article will walk you through the key differences between ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 Class 1, 2, and 3 safety apparel and provide guidance on selecting the right option for your specific needs.

What is ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 Safety Apparel?

The ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 standard sets clear guidelines to ensure workers remain visible and safe across various industries, regardless of the environment or time of day. The standard emphasizes two key aspects of visibility:

• Daytime visibility: Fluorescent fabrics (typically in safety yellow or safety orange) increase contrast between workers and their surroundings, making them stand out in natural light.
• Nighttime visibility: Retroreflective strips bounce light back toward its source, ensuring workers are clearly visible when illuminated by headlights or other light sources in low-light environments.

Not all high-visibility apparel provides the same level of protection. ANSI divides high-visibility safety apparel into three classes (1, 2, and 3), based on the amount of high-visibility material and the specific risks faced in the work environment. Let’s explore the differences between Class 1, 2, and 3 safety apparel and how to select the right option for your team’s needs.

ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 Class 1 Safety Apparel

Class 1 safety apparel provides the most basic level of visibility, intended for low-risk environments where workers are well-separated from fast-moving traffic or heavy machinery. This class is ideal when the primary risk is being near slow-moving vehicles, such as in parking lots or controlled indoor environments.

According to the American National Standard for High-Visibility Safety Apparel, Performance Class 1 (Type O) is designed for workers in environments with struck-by hazards from moving vehicles, equipment, or machinery. Class 1 enhances visibility both day and night in non-roadway settings where workers are not exposed to public road traffic or temporary traffic control zones.

While Class 1 vests are comfortable and practical for controlled environments, workers in more exposed roles will need Class 2 or 3 safety apparel to remain visible and protected.

ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 Class 2 Safety Apparel

Class 2 safety apparel offers enhanced visibility with larger areas of high-visibility fabric and additional reflective strips. It’s designed for workers who operate closer to moving traffic or require greater visibility over longer distances. This makes it ideal for moderate-risk environments, such as roadsides and public transportation hubs, where workers may encounter higher traffic speeds.

According to the American National Standard for High-Visibility Safety Apparel, Performance Class 2 (Types R and P) requires additional high-visibility materials. This design enhances the human form, potentially allowing for greater detection distances and improved visibility compared to Class 1.

Performance Class 2 is considered the minimum standard for workers in roadway rights-of-way and temporary traffic control zones. It strikes a balance between comfort and visibility, but for workers exposed to higher speeds or hazardous conditions, Class 3 apparel provides the additional protection they need.

ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 Class 3 Safety Apparel

Class 3 safety apparel offers the highest level of visibility, ensuring workers stay safe in high-risk environments. It is specifically required for jobs involving high-speed traffic or severe weather conditions, where the risks are greatest, and every second counts. Full-body visibility is a defining feature of Class 3 gear, as it covers more surface area with fluorescent fabric and reflective strips to maximize visibility from all angles.

According to the American National Standard for High-Visibility Safety Apparel, Performance Class 3 (Types R and P) provides enhanced visibility for wearers in complex backgrounds and during full body movement. This is achieved by requiring background, retroreflective, and combined-performance materials on sleeves and pant legs, if present. A sleeveless garment or vest alone does not meet the standards for Performance Class 3, regardless of the material used.

Class 3 safety apparel is essential for demanding environments where the combination of speed, weather, and proximity to vehicles requires the highest level of protection. For many operations, this gear offers peace of mind, knowing that workers are visible no matter the conditions.

How to Choose the Right ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 Class Based on Your Worksite

Selecting the right ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 class requires evaluating the specific risks, conditions, and operational needs of each job site. Below are some of the key factors to consider when choosing safety apparel.

• Traffic Speed and Proximity: Faster-moving traffic increases the need for high-visibility apparel. Class 3 garments are necessary for highways or zones with speeds exceeding 50 mph, while Class 2 is sufficient for lower-speed roads.
• Lighting Conditions: Reflective materials become more important during night shifts or overcast weather. If the job site has poor lighting, Class 3 apparel provides the best protection.
• Exposure to Vehicles and Machinery: The closer workers are to moving vehicles, the higher the class required. For example, flaggers on roadsides need Class 3 coverage due to their proximity to traffic.
• Controlled vs. Uncontrolled Spaces: Warehouses and parking lots with little public interaction may only need Class 1 garments, while road repair crews benefit from Class 2 or 3 apparel to stay visible to passing drivers.
• Weather Conditions: Weather plays a major role in visibility. Rain, fog, and snow can obscure workers from drivers, making Class 3 rainwear essential in these situations. On hot, sunny days, lightweight Class 2 T-shirts help workers stay cool while remaining compliant.
• Comfort and Compliance: Comfort shouldn’t be an afterthought, it plays a crucial role in ensuring workers wear their safety apparel consistently. If garments are uncomfortable, workers are more likely to remove them during shifts, compromising safety.

By taking into account factors like environment, risks, weather, and comfort, organizations can confidently choose the right ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 class to keep their workers safe and maintain compliance. However, in some cases, even when ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 standards only require a lower class, companies opt for a higher class across all worksites to promote uniform safety. This proactive approach ensures that workers are always equipped for changing conditions, providing consistent protection no matter what challenges arise.

How Kishigo’s Workwear Meets ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 Standards and Keeps Your Team Safe

When it comes to high-visibility workwear, not all products are created equal. Kishigo’s designs go beyond standard compliance to prioritize the safety, comfort, and performance of your workforce.

• Optimal Functionality: Thoughtful details like ergonomic pockets, breathable mesh panels, and adjustable fits ensure workers can move comfortably and stay cool throughout their shifts.
• Reinforced Durability: Our apparel is built to last, with fused seams and reinforced stress points that withstand wear and tear, even in tough environments.
• Tailored for Every Season: From lightweight summer gear to insulated winter wear, Kishigo offers solutions for every climate, ensuring workers remain visible and comfortable no matter the weather.

Choosing the right ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 class isn’t just a regulatory requirement; it’s a commitment to your workers’ safety. With Kishigo’s high-visibility apparel, meeting safety standards is simple, but more importantly, it provides peace of mind knowing your team is protected.

Equip your workers with the best. Contact us today to explore our full range of workwear that meets ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 standards and find the perfect fit for your team’s needs. Your team’s safety starts with the right apparel; let Kishigo help you make the right choice.