Apparel Affiliate Program
Best and easy website builder software. 230-P4
ANSI Class 2 Attire Ensures Protection For Staff
There are different types of apparel that must be worn by workers in various industries, such as road construction crews. This protective gear is mandated by the American National Standards Institute and is divided into three different classes. The ones worn by workers in high risk industries must wear the ANSI Class 2 garments.
These garments are worn by personnel in a wide range of industries. Airport ramp workers, road workers, police and emergency personnel, firefighters, construction workers, and utility workers are all included in this class. These are individuals who are in high-risk occupations and are identified by their reflexive gear that includes outerwear, safety vests, rain wear, shirts, and safety vests. This makes them more visible at night as well as in low-light and daylight conditions.
Garments must have reflective materials that cover 775 square inches. It generally has a full jacket with hood and long sleeves. The background materials are fluorescent in color so they stand out conspicuously, although they are not necessarily reflective. Generally they will be found in yellow and green, orange and red, or just fluorescent red. It’s important that the color selected contrast sharply with the color in the work environment as well as the colors of the vehicles used at the work site. This is so workers can be easily distinguished from the background.
A reflective tape is also included in the requirements and must be a measured number of yards in length and width. Wider tape is suggested as it takes less yards. There is also the requirement that reflective bands encircle the torso and separated by a two inch spacing. Arm bands are also required around the arm between the shoulder and elbow and on the cuff of the sleeve.
Knowing that workers wearing these garments are subject to various elements, vigorous testing is conducted before a garment is offered for sale. Such things as how the reflection works after the garment is washed, its resistance to abrasion, folding the garment under cold conditions, resistance to rain and so forth. These are conditions that can be expected under different types of jobs that require these garments.
Even more testing is then done by a third party regarding the basic material used in the garment. If it passes all testing, it is labeled, instructions included and packaged. The manufacturers who produce this kind of safety gear must provide certification that they meet all required standards.
This gear comes in different classes and, therefore, selection will depend primarily on the worker’s occupation. For example, class 2 vests are required for those who work near heavy machinery or where traffic exceeds speeds of 25 mph. Class 3, on the other hand, have a higher visibility and are required for those who work where traffic exceeds 50 mph.
Compared to OSHA, ANSI standards are somewhat different but ANSI Class 2 work gear is recognized by workers regarding their safety qualifications. Designed to provide protection against external forces that can sometimes become very dangerous, they meet all the requirements. This safety vest has been found to be especially effective when a worker has been in a dangerous situation and only rescued because of the reflective construction of his or her clothing.