Overview of Reflective Vests

Carlos Moreno & Juana Cairo

• Introduced in the 1970s• Several U.S. states require

reflective safety vests• Various types of reflective safety

vests• Materials of reflective safety vests• Effectiveness • Standard piece of equipment

Reflective Vests

Carlos Moreno & Juana Cairo

• When• What• How• Limitations• Proper

Care

Regulations & Standards

• OSHA guidelines for Reflective Safety Vests

– 29 CFR 1926.201 (Subpart G)

– Drafted in 1971 by Office of Construction Standards

– 2000- Adoption of guidelines by DOT

– 2009- New ruling by OSHA

Regulations & Standards

• ANSI (American National Safety Institute)

• ISEA (International Safety Equipment Association)

– ANSI/ISEA 207-2006 Standards

• ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials)

• NFPA (National Fire Protection Association)

ANSI/ISEA 207-2006

• Creation of Standard

– Purpose of high visibility for workers whose jobs require them to be in areas involving vehicle traffic

• Materials & Design

– Polyester/nylon blend with PVC reflective strips

– 3 flourescent colors including orange, lime green and yellow

– Pockets, loop & badge holders, and I.D. panels

ANSI Class 1 Vest

• Traffic does not exceed 25 mph

• Anyone who works on roads

ANSI Class 2 Vests

• Traffic exceeds 25 mph

• Suitable for airport ground crews, toll gate personnel, and crossing guards

Carlos Moreno & Juana Cairo

ANSI Class 3 Vests

• Traffic exceeds 50 mph

• Suitable for construction personnel, vehicle operators, emergency responders and utility workers

Not Rated Safety Vests

• Traffic does not exceed 25 mph

• Worn by shopping cart retrievers, sidewalk maintenance workers, and delivery vehicle drivers

Flame Retardant Vests

• Must fall between 1 of 7 test methods

• Made of Modacrylic

Public Safety Vests

• Worn by:

• Police

• Firefighters

• EMTs

• Security officers

Public Safety Vests