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Hi-Vis Class Chart

A wall chart of ANSI/ISEA 107 garment Types and Performance Classes with example garments for each, so customers can match a garment to the work environment.

Ref SP-0206ANSI/ISEA 107

Draft, open for review. Check every value against the governing standard and the manufacturer’s data before use.

What it is

ANSI/ISEA 107 groups high-visibility safety apparel by Type, which is the work environment, and Performance Class, which is the amount and placement of fluorescent background and retroreflective material. Each certified garment carries a label stating the Type and Class. Federal rule 23 CFR 634 requires Class 2 or 3 for workers on federal-aid highway rights-of-way exposed to traffic.

How to use it

Ask where the work happens: off-road, on or near public roads, or public safety response.
Pick the Type for that environment.
Pick the Class: more traffic, higher speed, poor light and complex backgrounds call for a higher class.
Confirm the label on the garment matches.

Class chart

Type and Class	Work environment	Example garments
Type O, Class 1	Off-road, low traffic speed, worker well separated from vehicles	Basic vest, hi-vis T-shirt, cap with trim
Type R, Class 2	Roadways and temporary traffic control zones	Mesh or solid vest, short-sleeve shirt, harness-compatible vest
Type R, Class 3	Roadways with high speed traffic, night work, complex backgrounds	Jacket, long-sleeve shirt, sweatshirt, rain gear, coverall
Type P, Class 2	Emergency and law enforcement response	Public-safety vest, often breakaway with badge and radio access
Type P, Class 3	Public safety where higher visibility is needed	Public-safety jacket or vest with sleeves
Class E (supplemental)	Lower-body item, not compliant alone	Pants, bib overalls, shorts, gaiters
Class E plus Class 2 top	Worn together as an ensemble	Rated as Class 3

Key points

Class 3 requires material on the arms (sleeves or equivalent) so the full body outline shows.
Fluorescent yellow-green, orange-red and red are the background colors. Choose the color that contrasts best with the site.
Breakaway vests reduce entanglement risk around moving equipment and vehicles.
FR or arc-rated work needs a garment labeled for both hi-vis and the flame or arc standard.
Minimum material areas live in the standard. Rely on the label and certificate.

Common mistakes

Treating any orange vest as Class 2.
Covering a Class 2 vest with an unrated jacket or harness straps.
Selling Class E pants as a stand-alone solution.
Keeping faded, soiled garments in service past the label guidance.

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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