Safety & PPE Reference Library · Technical Reference
Hi-Vis Apparel Classes (ANSI/ISEA 107)
How the ANSI/ISEA 107 garment types and performance classes are organized, what the label tells you, and where federal rules require high-visibility apparel.
Draft, open for review. Check every value against the governing standard and the manufacturer’s data before use.
What it is
High-visibility safety apparel (HVSA) uses fluorescent background material for daytime conspicuity and retroreflective material for night and low light. ANSI/ISEA 107 sets minimum amounts and placement of both, organizes garments by work environment (Type) and level of visibility (Performance Class), and requires a label. Federal rule 23 CFR 634 requires workers on federal-aid highway rights-of-way who are exposed to traffic or construction equipment to wear apparel meeting Performance Class 2 or 3 of ANSI/ISEA 107; the MUTCD (Part 6) repeats the requirement for temporary traffic control.
How to identify
- Read the sewn-in label: standard and edition year, Type, Performance Class, and care instructions.
- Background colors are fluorescent yellow-green, fluorescent orange-red or fluorescent red.
- A garment without a label is not certifiable by appearance alone.
Types and classes
| Designation | Intended environment / meaning | Typical garments |
|---|---|---|
| Type O (Off-road) | Workers not exposed to roadway traffic (warehouses, parking lots, oil and gas sites) | Class 1 vests, shirts |
| Type R (Roadway) | Exposure to traffic on public roads or temporary traffic control zones | Class 2 or 3 vests, jackets, shirts |
| Type P (Public safety) | Emergency responders and law enforcement with tactical needs | Breakaway public-safety vests |
| Performance Class 1 | Least background and retroreflective material | Type O only |
| Performance Class 2 | More material; used for roadway work | Vests, T-shirts |
| Performance Class 3 | Most material, including sleeves; highest-risk, high-speed or night work | Jackets, long-sleeve shirts, coveralls |
| Supplemental Class E | Pants, bibs or shorts | Worn with a Class 2 or 3 top; Class E with Class 2 top is rated Class 3 as an ensemble |
Key points
- The minimum material areas differ by class; this sheet does not list them. Rely on the manufacturer's label and certificate, and check the edition year.
- Fit matters: covering a vest with a jacket, a tool belt or a harness can drop it below its class. Choose harness-compatible vests where fall protection is worn.
- Fluorescent and retroreflective performance falls with washing, fading and soiling. Follow the label's wash-cycle and replacement guidance.
- FR or arc-rated hi-vis must carry both labels; a standard polyester vest can melt.
Common mistakes
- Selling Class 1 for roadway work.
- Assuming any orange vest is compliant.
- Ignoring the Class E rule when a customer asks for a "Class 3 ensemble".
Governing standards: ANSI/ISEA 107; 23 CFR 634; MUTCD Part 6.
Reference only. Verify against the current governing code or standard, the manufacturer's data and the project documents before use. Apps for Distributors disclaims liability arising from reliance on this reference.
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