FAQ - Safety Clothing

High Visibility Clothing (Hi-Vis)

What is High Visibility Clothing?

High visibility clothing is designed to make workers more visible in various lighting conditions, reducing the risk of accidents. It typically features fluorescent colors and retroreflective materials.

What are the ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 Standards?

The ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 standard classifies high visibility apparel into:

• Types:
  • Type O (Off-Road): For workers not exposed to roadway traffic.
  • Type R (Roadway): For workers exposed to roadway traffic.
  • Type P (Public Safety): For emergency responders and law enforcement.
• Classes:
  • Class 1: Lowest visibility; suitable for low-risk environments.
  • Class 2: Medium visibility; for higher-risk environments.
  • Class 3: Highest visibility; for high-risk environments.

Each class specifies minimum areas for background and retroreflective materials to ensure adequate visibility.

Are There Federal Requirements for Hi-Vis Apparel?

Yes. The Federal Highway Administration mandates that workers on or near federal-aid highways wear high visibility safety apparel meeting ANSI/ISEA 107 standards.

Flame Resistant (FR) Clothing

What is FR Clothing?

Flame-resistant clothing is designed to resist ignition and prevent the spread of flames, protecting workers from thermal hazards.

What Standards Govern FR Clothing?

• NFPA 2112: Specifies minimum performance requirements for FR garments to protect against short-duration thermal exposures from fire.
• ASTM F1506: Covers FR clothing for workers exposed to electric arcs and related thermal hazards.

What Are OSHA's Requirements for FR Clothing?

OSHA's standard 1910.269 mandates that employers:

• Assess workplace hazards related to flames and electric arcs.
• Ensure workers wear FR clothing appropriate for the level of risk.
• Prohibit clothing that can melt or ignite under exposure to such hazards.

Employers must provide suitable FR clothing at no cost to employees.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

What is PPE?

Personal Protective Equipment includes garments and gear designed to protect workers from various hazards, such as chemical exposure, physical injuries, or environmental conditions.

How Does OSHA Regulate PPE?

OSHA requires employers to:

• Conduct hazard assessments to determine necessary PPE.
• Provide appropriate PPE to employees at no cost.
• Train employees on proper use and maintenance of PPE.

Specific standards apply to different types of PPE, ensuring they meet safety requirements for various workplace hazards.

Workwear

What Constitutes Protective Workwear?

Protective workwear includes clothing designed to safeguard workers from specific workplace hazards. This can encompass high visibility vests, FR garments, and other specialized apparel.

Are There Standards for General Workwear?

While general workwear may not have specific standards, when it serves as PPE, it must comply with relevant OSHA regulations and industry standards. For instance, workwear intended for high visibility must meet ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 standards.

Compliance and Best Practices

How Can Employers Ensure Compliance?

Employers should:

• Conduct thorough hazard assessments.
• Select appropriate safety clothing that meets relevant standards.
• Provide training on the proper use and care of safety apparel.
• Regularly review and update safety protocols to align with current regulations.

By adhering to these practices, employers can maintain a safe work environment and comply with OSHA requirements.