ALL ABOUT ANSI 107 

Who is ANSI? The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a private, non-profit organization (501(c)3) that administers and coordinates the U.S. voluntary standardization and conformity assessment system. The Institute's mission is to enhance both the global competitiveness of U.S. business and the U.S. quality of life by promoting and facilitating voluntary consensus standards and conformity assessment systems, and safeguarding their integrity. What is ANSI 107-2004 AKA ANSI/ISEA 107-2004? ANSI/ISEA 107-2004 is a voluntary industry consensus standard that specifies the requirements for PPE (personal protective equipment) that is capable of visually signaling the user's presence and represents a revision to the 1999 version. Before the first publication of this standard in 1999 there was no regulation or guideline for the design, performance or materials for high-visibility apparel in the United States. Since 1999, the standard has been recognized by various federal, state and local authorities as well as private industry entities. The PPE covered by this standard are deemed to be effective at mitigating struck-by hazards. Significant changes to the first edition (ANSI/ISEA 107-1999) include recognition of headwear as high-visibility products, the distinction between woven and knitted fabrics as background material, and removal of previous test criteria that added no value. The appendices have been expanded to include additional examples of garment designs and now include standard test reports and an apparel and headwear compliance certificate. The ANSI/ISEA 107-2004 standard was developed with the understanding that competing hazards exists for workers that need high-visibility PPE. Other competing hazards such as severe heat/flame exposures require the use of protective garments designed to mitigate heat/flame levels that are addressed in such standards as NFPA 1951, NFPA 1971, NFPA 1977 and NFPA 1999. The use of high-temperature flame and heat-resistant shell materials may not be compatible with fluorescent pigments. Garments used for protection from high-temperature flame and heat, such as first responder protective garments or garments for utility workers, can enhance visibility by incorporating both fluorescent and retro reflective trim to garments worn by workers exposed to the hazards of “low-light conditions” and moving traffic or rescue equipment. "In a Nut shell" ... For a garment to be labeled ANSI Class 1, 2 or 3 or E it is required to first be ANSI/ISEA 107-2004 certified. This certification requires many tests by an accredited laboratory to make sure that the garment lives up to the requirements of the standard. Some tests/requirements include: Minimum widths of Retroflective or combined-performance materials. Spacing between multiple bands. Distance from bottom edge of garment. Placement of materials on sleeves. Gaps to enable fastening. Contiguous 360 visibility Placement of material on legs. Ergonomics Luminance factor of background material Luminance of retroflective and combined performance material. Colorfastness of materials to perspiration, laundering and other exposure. Dimentional changes in materials Mechanical properties of materials: Bursting strength, Tear resistance water repellency etc. Measurement of color. Performance after varied temperature exposures. Proper product labeling including care and usage instructions. How do we know what ANSI class garment we need? Note: Figuring out what class garment you need for any given situation is NOT an exact science. In fact, the new 107-2004 seems to be deliberately more vague than the 107-1999 it replaced. When in doubt, go with the next higher class. It is always better to err on the side of safety. Appendix B Suggested Performance Class Guidelines and Scenarios (Appendix B is not part of ANSI/ISEA 107-2004, but is included for information only) Scenario A: For occupational activities which: 1. permit full and undivided attention to approaching traffic; 2. provide ample separation of the pedestrian worker from conflicting vehicle traffic; 3. permit optimum conspicuity in backgrounds that are not complex; and where 4. vehicle and moving equipment speeds not exceeding 25 mph. Examples of pedestrian workers who could work in this class may include: 1. workers directing vehicle operators to parking/service locations; 2. workers retrieving shopping carts from parking areas; 3. those exposed to the hazards of warehouse equipment traffic; 4. roadside "right-of-way" or sidewalk maintenance workers; and 5. delivery vehicle drivers. Suggested Performance Class: 1 typical, 2 under certain conditions Scenario B: For occupational activities where risk levels exceed those in Scenario A, such as where: 1. greater visibility is desired during inclement weather conditions; 2. complex backgrounds are present; 3. employees are performing tasks which divert attention from approaching vehicle traffic; 4. vehicle or moving equipment speeds exceed those in Scenario A; or 5. work activities take place in closer proximity to vehicle traffic. Examples of pedestrian workers in this class may include: 1. roadway construction workers; 2. utility workers; 3. survey crews; 4. railway workers; 5. forestry workers; 6. school crossing guards; 7. parking and/or toll gate personnel; 8. airport baggage handlers/ground crew; 9. emergency response personnel; 10. law enforcement personnel; and 11. accident site investigators. Suggested Performance Class: 2 typical, 1 or 3 based upon certain conditions Scenario C: For occupational activities where risk levels exceed those in Scenario B, such as where: 1. workers are exposed to significantly higher vehicle speeds and/or reduced sight-distances; 2. the worker and vehicle operator have high task loads, clearly placing the worker in danger; or 3. the wearer must be conspicuous through the full range of body motions at a minimum of 390 m (1280 feet), and must be identifiable as a person. Examples of workers in this class may include: 1. roadway construction personnel; 2. utility workers; 3. survey crews; 4. emergency response personnel; and 5. flagging crews. Suggested Performance Class: 2 or 3 typical based upon certain conditions. NOTE It is the intention of these Performance Class Guidelines and Scenarios to serve as an assessment tool only. Certain, specific conditions such as atmospherics, sight/stop-distances, training, regulations, proximity, etc. must be taken into account in any final hazard safety assessment. Vehicle speed should not be considered in isolation to these variables. Extreme conditions might exist which require performance levels in excess of Class 3. PPE should be selected to optimize color conspicuity between the wearer and the work environment. End Appendix B When are ANSI certified garments REQUIRED? ANSI 107 is such a reliable standard that most governing agencies including OSHA will require the use of ANSI 107 certified, hi-viz garments. When in doubt. check with your local OSHA office or governing agency.

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