Updated High-visibility Apparel Standard Includes Flame-resistance Criteria, Service-life guidelines

Apr 1, 2010 12:00 PM, By Cristine Z. Fargo International Safety Equipment Association

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An updated national consensus standard for high-visibility safety apparel from the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) now provides criteria and test requirements for garments marked as flame- or water-resistant, and includes service-life guidelines.

The American National Standard for High Visibility Safety Apparel and Headwear (ANSI/ISEA 107-2010) is the authoritative document for the design, performance specifications, and use of high-visibility apparel, including millions of vests, jackets, coveralls, trousers, rainwear and headwear, worn by workers in thousands of road construction, emergency response, forestry and other industrial and business settings.

This second update since ISEA published the first edition in 1999 was developed by ISEA's High Visibility Products Group and approved by key stakeholders. Though the revision does not change the long-standing requirements for compliant garments with respect to classification and color, it does address important issues for the wearer related to flame-resistance and performance of background materials used in the construction of rainwear.

“Due to their widespread use, high-visibility garments have evolved to address other needs of workers, such as flame-resistant properties,” said Jim Teigen, chairman of the ISEA High-Visibility Products Group and business manager of OK-1 Manufacturing, Altus, Okla. “The inclusion of flame-resistance criteria as an optional feature is in direct response to end-user requests.”

Additionally, the update calls attention to the service-life guidelines for high-visibility garments that have been established by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). “For this reason, users are encouraged to follow guidelines put forth by the FHWA and manufacturers to ensure that workers are being seen at all times, in all situations,” Teigen noted.

In December 2009, the FHWA put in place regulations that require all workers to wear high-visibility apparel whenever they are exposed to moving traffic, work vehicles or construction equipment. The apparel must meet performance requirements spelled out in the ANSI/ISEA standard for high-visibility apparel and the ANSI/ISEA standard for high-visibility public safety vests.

The 43-page revised standard can be purchased from ISEA for $62 a copy; discounts are available on bulk orders. For more information, visit www.safetyequipment.org.

ABOUR THE AUTHOR

Cristine Z. Fargo is manager of membership and standards services for the International Safety Equipment Association. ISEA is accredited as a standards-developing organization by the American National Standards Institute. Reach her at cfargo@safetyequipment.org or 703-525-1695.

Look for High-Visibility Apparel from ISEA Members

Protection Update readers are encouraged to specify high-visibility apparel that conforms to the American National Standard for High-Visibility Safety Apparel and Headwear (ANSI/ISEA 107-2010) from the following ISEA members:

ABOUR THE AUTHOR

Cristine Z. Fargo is manager of membership and standards services for the International Safety Equipment Association. ISEA is accredited as a standards-developing organization by the American National Standards Institute. Reach her at cfargo@safetyequipment.org or 703-525-1695.

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