Information on High Visibility Clothing.

Class Ratings

Class 1: Provides the minimum amount of necessary material to differentiate the wearer from the work environment.

Class 2: Provides superior visibility by the additional coverage of the torso, and is more conspicuous than class 1.

Class 3: Intended to offer greater visibility to the wearer in both complex backgrounds and through a full range of body motions.  Class 3 visibility is enhanced beyond Class 2 by the addition of background and retro reflective material to the arms and/or legs. 

Class E: Applies to trousers and shorts that creates a High-Vis ensemble.  When Class E bottoms are worn with a Class 2 or 3 garment, the overall classification is Class 3. 

3M™ Scothlite™ Retro reflective Taping

The 3M™ Scothlite™ taping uses a technology known as retro reflection, which helps the eye perceive light during nighttime and low-light conditions.  Retro reflection occurs when light rays are returned directly to the original light source, such as car headlights.  Because little light is scattered when the light is returned, retro reflective materials appear brightest to motorists and vehicle operators. 

High-Visibility Colors

Workers need a color that will help to differentiate them and make them more conspicuous in their environment.  Bright Lime/Safety Green garments may best differentiate workers from orange colored vehicles, signs, and construction barrels; Bright Orange/Safety Orange garments may best differentiate those who work in predominately green areas.

Visit our BLOG for more information on high visibility clothing and ANSI updates.