High Vis
General Electric High-Visibility Clothing
High-visibility clothing is an essential component of any workplace safety program. It is designed to make workers more visible to other workers, machines, and vehicles in order to help prevent accidents. High-visibility clothing typically consists of a bright, fluorescent-colored outer garment, usually a vest or jacket, and reflective stripes or material that can be seen from a distance and in dark areas.Â
All classes and types of high-visibility clothing have their own unique design and purpose and should be chosen based on the specific work environment. High visibility clothing is an important part of any workplace safety plan and can help to prevent accidents and injuries in the workplace.
High-Visibility Safety Clothing StandardsÂ
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) certifies that specific criteria are met when designing, selecting, and using high-visibility apparel for their intended purpose.
Type-0 clothing is designed for work environments without heavy machinery, complex viewing environments, or locations close to high-speed roads. These provide a moderate level of visibility.
Class-1 apparel is designed for employees who work in low-risk areas, away from roads and complex work environments.
Class-2 apparel offers 360-degree high visibility for workers in areas that are prone to accidents, such as on roads with speeds below 50 mph.
Class-3 clothing provides the highest level of visibility for workers who are in areas that are prone to accidents, such as on high-speed roads (traveling at speeds over 50 mph). It offers maximum body coverage, long-range visibility, as well as visibility in low light.
Type-R clothing is designed for use in both day and night time environments, in visually complex workplaces, and is ideal for close-by high-speed machinery and road work. This class offers high visibility.
Class E consists of additional clothing to increase worker visibility, such as reflective pants, high visibility jackets, or rain pants, and does not fit into the numbering system. When a Class E garment is added to a worker wearing a Class 2 safety vest, it will be deemed Class 3 attire. If the worker is wearing a Class 1 safety vest and a Class E garment is added, it will be deemed Class 2 attire.
What colors are considered high visibility? Yellow, Orange & GreenÂ
High visibility colors typically include bright, fluorescent shades of yellow, orange, and green, also including reflective stripes or material that can be seen from a distance. It is important to note that these colors are not meant to be fashionable, but rather to ensure maximum visibility.
How to wash high-vis jackets, vests, t-shirts, or other high-vis workwear?
High visibility jackets should be washed separately from other clothing, using a mild detergent, and should not be exposed to bleach or fabric softener. It is recommended to wash the jacket inside out in cold or warm water and air-dry it on a low setting or hang it to dry. To ensure the best results, it is recommended to follow the care instructions provided on the specific garment.
