Imagine working beside a busy highway, in a construction zone, or on an airport runway where vehicles and heavy machinery constantly move around you. In these environments, visibility can mean the difference between safety and serious injury. Workers in these settings often rely on ANSI-compliant custom hi-vis shirts and durable industrial workwear solutions designed to improve visibility and workplace protection.

This is exactly why ANSI 107-2020, the latest high visibility safety clothing standard, plays such a crucial role in workplace safety.

ANSI 107-2020 sets the official requirements for high visibility safety apparel used in industries where workers must remain clearly visible in both daylight and low light conditions.

Industries affected include:

• Construction
• Roadwork
• Utilities
• Warehouses
• Airport operations
• Emergency response

Industries affected include construction, roadwork, utilities, warehouses, airport operations, and emergency response. Many organizations purchasing safety apparel in volume follow best practices outlined in buying workwear in bulk to ensure compliance, durability, and cost efficiency.

In this guide you will learn everything about ANSI 107 safety standard, garment classes, reflective materials, labeling rules, and how to select compliant safety clothing.

What is ANSI 107-2020?

ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 is the latest version of the high visibility safety clothing standard developed to protect workers operating near traffic, heavy equipment, or hazardous environments.

The standard was created by:

• American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
• International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA)

These organizations define guidelines for safety gear used in high risk workplaces.

The standard regulates:

• Fabric color requirements
• Reflective material performance
• Garment design
• Minimum reflective coverage
• Labeling rules

The purpose is simple: ensure workers remain visible in all lighting conditions.

Why ANSI 107 Compliance Matters

Compliance with the ANSI 107 standard helps reduce workplace accidents caused by low visibility. Employers seeking to upgrade their safety programs often invest in high-visibility workwear manufacturing services that meet industry-specific visibility requirements.

Benefits include:

Improved worker visibility
Fluorescent fabrics increase daytime visibility while reflective tape enhances nighttime visibility.

Accident prevention
Drivers and equipment operators can detect workers earlier.

Employer responsibility
Companies must provide protective equipment that meets workplace safety requirements.

Alignment with OSHA
OSHA frequently references ANSI standards when enforcing visibility safety rules.

ANSI 107-2020 Garment Classes Explained

Class 1 Safety Apparel

Class 1 garments offer the lowest visibility protection level.

They are designed for low risk environments where workers are far from traffic.

Typical workers include:

• Parking lot attendants
• Warehouse staff
• Maintenance personnel

These garments usually include lightweight reflective vests.

Class 2 Safety Apparel

Class 2 apparel provides moderate visibility protection.

It is used in environments where workers are exposed to traffic or moving equipment.

Examples include:

• Road construction crews
• Utility workers
• Airport ground personnel
• Surveyors

These garments provide greater reflective coverage and brighter background materials.

Class 3 Safety Apparel

Class 3 garments provide the highest level of visibility protection.

They are required for high risk environments with fast moving traffic.

Typical users include:

• Highway construction workers
• Emergency responders
• Traffic enforcement officers

These garments include:

• Reflective jackets
• Full body coverage
• Long sleeve high visibility clothing

Types of High Visibility Materials Used in ANSI 107-2020

Fluorescent Background Materials

Fluorescent fabrics enhance visibility during daylight conditions. Understanding how fabric performance affects worker protection is easier when comparing factors such as material durability and fabric weight classifications explained.

ANSI-approved colors include:

• Fluorescent yellow green
• Fluorescent orange red
• Fluorescent red

These colors help workers stand out against natural backgrounds.

Retroreflective Tape

Retroreflective materials improve visibility at night.

When light from vehicle headlights hits reflective tape, it reflects directly back toward the driver. Additional technical guidance on reflective material performance can be found through the International Safety Equipment Association, one of the organizations responsible for ANSI visibility standards.

This makes workers appear illuminated in dark environments.

ANSI 107-2020 Labeling Requirements

Every ANSI-compliant garment must contain a certification label.

This label typically includes:

• Manufacturer name
• Garment class
• Performance level
• ANSI standard reference

These labels help safety managers verify compliance quickly.

How to Choose ANSI 107-2020 Compliant Safety Apparel

Choosing the right ANSI safety vest depends on workplace risk levels.

Consider the following factors:

• Traffic speed
• Worker exposure to vehicles
• Lighting conditions
• Weather conditions

Higher risk environments require higher garment classes.

Comfort is also important. Look for breathable fabrics, adjustable sizing, and durable stitching. Companies evaluating suppliers can benefit from reviewing this guide on how to choose a clothing manufacturer for specialized apparel before placing large safety garment orders.

Maintenance and Care for ANSI 107 Safety Apparel

High-visibility clothing must be properly maintained to remain effective. Following recommendations from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) can help employers establish proper inspection and replacement procedures for workplace safety garments.

Washing Guidelines

Follow manufacturer instructions and avoid bleach or harsh detergents.

Reflective Tape Inspection

Check regularly for:

• Cracking
• Peeling
• Fading

When to Replace Garments

Replace garments when reflective materials become dull or damaged.

FAQ

1. What is ANSI 107-2020?

ANSI 107-2020 is the latest version of the American National Standard that defines the requirements for high visibility safety apparel. It was developed to ensure workers are easily seen in hazardous environments such as construction sites, roadways, and industrial areas. The standard specifies guidelines for garment design, reflective materials, colors, and performance levels to improve worker visibility and reduce accidents.

2. What changed in the ANSI 107-2020 standard?

ANSI 107-2020 introduced several updates compared to the previous ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 version. One major change is the separation of garments into two types: Type R for roadway workers and Type P for public safety workers. The standard also updated requirements for reflective strip placement, expanded accessory classifications, and refined visibility performance criteria to improve worker protection.

3. What are the three ANSI visibility classes?

ANSI 107-2020 defines three performance classes based on the level of visibility required:

Class 1: Provides the lowest level of visibility and is typically used in low risk environments with minimal traffic.
Class 2: Offers higher visibility and is commonly used by construction workers, utility workers, and survey crews.
Class 3: Provides the highest visibility with maximum reflective coverage and is required for workers in high speed traffic areas or complex backgrounds.

4. What is the difference between Type R and Type P garments?

Type R garments are designed for workers exposed to roadway traffic such as construction crews and highway maintenance workers. They prioritize high visibility in environments with moving vehicles.
Type P garments are designed for public safety professionals such as police officers, firefighters, and emergency responders. These garments allow greater flexibility and access to equipment while still maintaining visibility standards.

5. Who needs to wear ANSI-compliant safety clothing?

Workers who operate in environments with moving vehicles, heavy equipment, or low visibility conditions typically need ANSI-compliant high-visibility apparel. This includes construction workers, traffic control personnel, airport ground crews, utility workers, surveyors, and emergency responders.

6. What colors are allowed for ANSI 107-2020 safety apparel?

ANSI-compliant safety garments must use fluorescent background materials in specific colors to maximize visibility. The approved colors include fluorescent yellow green, fluorescent orange red, and fluorescent red. These colors improve visibility during daylight and low light conditions.