For those who spend their working hours sequestered in a cubicle, there are few occupational hazards other than open file cabinet drawers. But if that desk were somehow transported to the side of a freeway filled with onrushing traffic, the real need for a highly visible traffic safety vest would quickly become obvious. For those who work in dangerous maintenance and service professions, those garments can mark the difference between a routine day and one that ends in injury or death.
Not Meant For Fashion
Although these traffic vest will never grace the cover of a fashion magazine, all have unique properties. When first introduced about forty years ago, this type of occupational clothing was not mandatory. Today, most workers are required to wear protective outerwear usually made of a blend of nylon and polyester, and most have reflective stripes for added visibility.
Up To Standards
The responsibility for upholding 21st century worker protective clothing standards falls under the control of the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). These agencies routinely update requirements for safety garments. Today, this clothing must not only be comfortable to wear but must also be highly resistant to water and fire.
Because of these requirements, one size or type of design definitely does not fit all professions. All, however, must meet certain basic conditions, including the background material used. For ANSI compliance, this material must pass tests determining durability, brightness, and resistance to fading. The reflective material must also pass a battery of tests, including objective third party evaluations.
Different ANSI Classes
Today, there are separate types of vests used in differing work environments. Class 1 is worn by low-risk workers such as parking lot attendants and some off-road maintenance workers. The second type, Class 2, is often worn by crossing guards and other control officers in environments where vehicle speed is usually under 25 miles per hour. Class 3 is for the most hazardous jobs where oncoming vehicles are travelling in excess of 50 miles per hour.
Colors
In order to be easily seen at all hours, these outer garments are usually very brightly colored and highly visible from a considerable distance. Fluorescent orange, yellow and lime-green colors are favored but blue is sometimes worn to make emergency personnel easy to spot at an accident site. Employers often have their actual profession imprinted on the exterior include the police, security workers and firefighters.
Which Do You Need?
Purchasing agents for many of these groups check often for changes in the expected governmental standards. New situations create new needs. For example, there are now specialized vests for those who respond to urban terrorist threats. Other regions require special designs able to withstand the weather extremes of hot and cold common in some areas.
Not Meant For Fashion
Although these traffic vest will never grace the cover of a fashion magazine, all have unique properties. When first introduced about forty years ago, this type of occupational clothing was not mandatory. Today, most workers are required to wear protective outerwear usually made of a blend of nylon and polyester, and most have reflective stripes for added visibility.
Up To Standards
The responsibility for upholding 21st century worker protective clothing standards falls under the control of the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). These agencies routinely update requirements for safety garments. Today, this clothing must not only be comfortable to wear but must also be highly resistant to water and fire.
Because of these requirements, one size or type of design definitely does not fit all professions. All, however, must meet certain basic conditions, including the background material used. For ANSI compliance, this material must pass tests determining durability, brightness, and resistance to fading. The reflective material must also pass a battery of tests, including objective third party evaluations.
Different ANSI Classes
Today, there are separate types of vests used in differing work environments. Class 1 is worn by low-risk workers such as parking lot attendants and some off-road maintenance workers. The second type, Class 2, is often worn by crossing guards and other control officers in environments where vehicle speed is usually under 25 miles per hour. Class 3 is for the most hazardous jobs where oncoming vehicles are travelling in excess of 50 miles per hour.
Colors
In order to be easily seen at all hours, these outer garments are usually very brightly colored and highly visible from a considerable distance. Fluorescent orange, yellow and lime-green colors are favored but blue is sometimes worn to make emergency personnel easy to spot at an accident site. Employers often have their actual profession imprinted on the exterior include the police, security workers and firefighters.
Which Do You Need?
Purchasing agents for many of these groups check often for changes in the expected governmental standards. New situations create new needs. For example, there are now specialized vests for those who respond to urban terrorist threats. Other regions require special designs able to withstand the weather extremes of hot and cold common in some areas.
About the Author:
When considering the purchase of a safety vests for personal use outdoors, make sure that it has been ANSI certified for quality. For the best protection and greatest visibility, always wear a traffic safety vests that has been well-tested and proven to work in the real world.
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