OSHA Reflective Trim Requirements

Reflective material is an important part of high-visibility clothing.

The U.S. Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OSHA) follows standards for reflective work clothing under the American National Standard for High-Visibility Safety Apparel (ANSI/ISEA 107-2004). These standards were approved by the American National Standards Institute. The ANSI guidelines govern the type, surface area and photometric performance of reflective trim on high-visibility clothing. The minimum area of colored background material behind the trim is also governed by the ANSI requirements.

Class 1 Garments

Class 1 garments are used when workers are out of direct traffic paths and vehicles are traveling at speeds under 25 mph. Examples of workers who wear class 1 visibility garments include parking attendants, warehouse workers and delivery drivers. To meet class 1 standards, the background material of the garment must have an area of at least 217 square inches. The reflective material of the garment must have an area of at least 155 square inches and a photometric performance at Level 2 or higher.

Class 2 Garments

Class 2 garments are used in situations where the worker's visibility is more important. Workers whose jobs stop them from paying full attention to vehicular traffic are expected to wear class 2 visibility garments. Workers who wear class 2 garments include railway workers, anyone working near traffic traveling between 25 mph and 50 mph, school crossing guards and airport baggage handlers. Class 2 standards require the garment's background material have an area of at least 775 square inches. The reflective material of the garment must have an area of at least 201 square inches, and a Level 2 or higher photometric performance.

Class 3 Garments

Class 3 garments are worn by workers in the most hazardous environments, where traffic speed is higher than 50 mph, weather impairs visibility or other factors create additional danger. Class 3 garments are recommended by OSHA for roadway construction personnel, emergency responders, railway workers and survey crews. Class 3 garments must have a background material of 1,240 square inches and at least 310 square inches of reflective material. The photometric performance of the reflective material must be Level 2 or higher.

References

• Boston Uniform Depot: Garment Certification
• Carolina Safety Sport: What is ANSI?
• American National Standard For High-Visibility Safety Apparel: ANSI/ISEA 107-1999

Resources

• Occupational Health & Safety Administration