CCOHS: High-Visibility Safety Apparel

What is High-Visibility Safety Apparel (HVSA)?

High-visibility safety apparel (HVSA) comprises clothing (e.g., vests, bibs, or coveralls) designed to enhance the visibility of workers. This clothing is particularly important for alerting drivers and other vehicle operators to a worker's presence, especially in low light or dark conditions. High-visibility headwear may also be used to increase the wearer's visibility when parts of their body may be obscured by items such as trees, traffic barriers, or construction materials.

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Design requirements for high-visibility safety clothing are specified in the CSA Standard Z96-15 (R), High-Visibility Safety Apparel, while in the United States, ANSI/ISEA 107 outlines the necessary design standards for high-visibility safety apparel and accessories.

Why do I need High-Visibility Safety Apparel?

High-visibility safety apparel (HVSA) is essential for those working in low light or poor visibility conditions, especially near moving vehicles like cars, trucks, or machinery (e.g., forklifts, backhoes). Such items enable drivers to see workers from a greater distance, enhancing workplace safety. The human eye is naturally drawn to large, contrasting, bright, or moving objects. Thus, high-visibility clothing must contrast significantly with the work environment to enhance visibility.

When do I need High-Visibility Safety Apparel?

Before selecting high-visibility safety apparel, it’s crucial to verify the legislative requirements specific to your jurisdiction, as certain tasks may mandate specific types of apparel. The CSA Standard recommends conducting a hazard assessment at each job site to identify known or potential hazards that workers might face while performing their tasks. Such assessments help to ascertain the risks associated with moving vehicles and the environmental conditions impacting safety. For more on risk assessments, please refer to the OSH Answers document on Risk Assessment.

When assessing hazards where HVSA might be necessary, consider the following:

• The type and nature of the work:
  • Do workers and mobile equipment interact?
  • Are workers controlling traffic or engaging with the public?
  • Do workers need to be visually distinguishable from others?
  • Are industry specifications or best practices in place?
• Potential exposure to heat or flames.
• Work conditions, including whether the work is indoors or outdoors, temperature, traffic flow, visibility, etc.
• The workplace environment and its complexity (e.g., urban, rural, cluttered).
• Duration of exposure to traffic hazards, including vehicle speeds.
• Lighting conditions and how natural light is affected by weather changes (e.g., sunlight, fog, rain).
• Factors impacting visibility due to traffic volume or vehicle size and speeds.
• Existing controls (e.g., barricades or training).
• Distractions that might divert attention away from hazards.
• Visibility from mobile equipment and vehicle operators, particularly with reversing vehicles.

Once hazards are identified, employers can implement appropriate controls. It is essential to eliminate or minimize risks through engineering solutions (e.g., physical barriers) and administrative measures (e.g., working during daylight). High-visibility apparel is considered personal protective equipment and can complement other control measures.

Can I add a logo or name tag to the High-Visibility Apparel?

It depends. According to the CSA Standard, a non-retroreflective ID badge must be smaller than 105 cm² and, if applied to the front, can only cover a maximum of 25 cm² of the vertical striping. When located on the back, it should not cover any of the striping. If the ID badge consists of retroreflective material that adheres to standard requirements, it may measure up to 500 cm² and can be placed anywhere, provided it doesn't obscure the retroreflective striping pattern.

If legislation in your jurisdiction does not specifically refer to the CSA Standard, it's advisable to consult the appropriate government department responsible for occupational health and safety to confirm whether modifications are permissible.

What is the difference between fluorescent and retroreflective materials?

Fluorescent material captures some invisible ultraviolet light from sunlight and, through specialized pigments, returns it as more visible light. This material only works when there’s a natural sunlight source. Fluorescent materials appear brighter than non-fluorescent counterparts, especially in low light conditions (e.g., cloudy weather, fog). They enhance visibility during the day, particularly at dawn and dusk.

Retroreflective material is designed to return light to its source, allowing drivers to see the light reflected from clothing made of this material, provided the person is within the light beam. Retroreflective materials excel under low-light conditions but do not stand out in bright daylight.

Conversely, reflective materials are those that bounce light off their surfaces. Although the CSA standard does not specifically define "reflective," it typically refers to materials that can "throw back" light.

Combined-performance retroreflective material combines both retroreflective and fluorescent properties, but not all retroreflective materials are fluorescent, and vice versa.

What should I look for in High-Visibility Safety Apparel?

Coverage/Visibility:

• Brighter garments offer higher visibility than dull ones. Full-body coverage (360°) enhances visibility from all directions.
• Contrasting stripes enhance visibility and can indicate the motion of the person wearing them.
• Bright or fluorescent backgrounds increase visibility but do not provide retroreflective properties.
• Additional features such as flame resistance, thermal performance, comfort, and durability may be necessary based on specific hazards.

Employers should choose color and stripe combinations that maximize contrast, movement indication, and direction visibility.

Fit:

• Garments should fit well for optimal safety and performance. The fit includes wearing them as intended and considering any clothing worn underneath.
• Clothing should be comfortable, with no seams or materials causing discomfort or irritation.
• Garments must be worn so that no other items conceal the high-visibility materials.

Brightness:

• In daylight, bright colors are more visible than dull ones (e.g., fluorescent materials work best).
• In low light, fluorescent colors are most effective, supplemented by reflective materials.
• In darkness, retroreflective materials enhance visibility significantly more than bright colors alone.

Design:

The CSA Standard mandates that high-visibility safety apparel must have the following stripe/band specifications:

1. A minimum width of 50 mm.
2. A horizontal stripe at waist level, which completely encircles the body.
3. Two vertical stripes on the front, from shoulders to waist.
4. A symmetrical "X" on the back spanning from shoulders to waist.
5. Class 3 apparel must feature stripes encircling both arms and legs.

Color:

The CSA Z96-15 (R) standard specifies color requirements for both background and stripes for all classes. For instance, Class 1 apparel must have at least 0.14 meters squared of background material, while Class 2 and Class 3 require full coverage. Acceptable background colors include fluorescent yellow-green, fluorescent orange-red, fluorescent red, and bright orange-red.

Care/Maintenance:

• Maintain high-visibility apparel in a clean condition to ensure effectiveness; dirty retroreflective materials reduce visibility.
• Replace worn or soiled garments, as they will no longer provide adequate visibility.

Purchasers of high-visibility apparel should verify that the materials and design conform to the CSA Z96-15 Standard, typically indicated on the garment tag.

To learn more, please visit our site for more details on Reflective Yellow Fabric for Safety Gear.

What are the different classes of safety apparel?

The CSA Standard Z96-15 outlines classes of safety apparel based on retroreflective performance, color specifications, and body coverage requirements. Special conditions apply for garments that provide electrical flash and flame protection. Although the specifications for clothing classes are similar to those in ANSI/ISEA 107, CSA classes focus on body coverage instead of minimum area criteria.

The CSA identifies three garment classes, each offering varying degrees of body coverage:

• Class 1 offers the least coverage and provides good visibility.
• Class 2 affords moderate coverage and superior visibility.
• Class 3 ensures maximum body coverage and visibility in poor lighting and at distance.

For further details on class specifications, please refer to the Standard. It’s important to note that while the Standard does not define requirements for specific jobs, it includes examples of jobs that may suit different classes of apparel.

When would I wear the different classes of High-Visibility Safety Apparel?

Low Risk: Class 2, Class 1 under certain conditions

Low-risk situations may involve:

• Workers capable of maintaining full attention on approaching traffic.
• Ample separation between workers and moving equipment.
• Work environments that are not complex, optimizing visibility.
• Vehicles traveling below 40 km/h (25 mph).
• Workers engaged in tasks that distract from traffic awareness.

Examples of relevant jobs include:

• Workers guiding vehicle operators to designated areas.
• Employees gathering shopping carts in parking lots.
• Warehouse workers.
• Sidewalk maintenance personnel.
• Shipping and receiving staff.

Figure 1
Example of Class 1 Apparel
Harness or Color/Retroreflective Stripes on Other Clothing

NOTE: Other combinations are possible, including non-high-visibility materials featuring high-visibility or retroreflective accents.

Medium Risk: Class 2 or 3 based on conditions

Medium-risk circumstances might consist of:

• Vehicles traveling at speeds between 40-80 km/h (25-50 mph).
• Workers needing greater visibility in low-light or adverse weather.
• Complex work environments.
• Workers engaged in distracting tasks near traffic.
• Proximity to moving vehicles.

Examples of applicable jobs include:

• Construction workers, utility professionals, forestry or railway staff.
• Plant or mill operators.
• Survey teams.
• School crossing guards.
• Parking and toll gate personnel.
• Airport ground crew and baggage handlers.
• Emergency response workers.
• Law enforcement officers.
• Accident investigators.
• Railway employees.

Figure 2
Examples of Class 2 Apparel
Vests, Jackets, and Bib Overalls

NOTE: These examples are not exhaustive; they are provided for illustrative purposes.

High Risk: Class 2 for daytime, Class 3 for low-light conditions

High-risk scenarios may involve:

• Vehicles exceeding speeds of 80 km/h (50 mph).
• Situations where both workers and vehicle operators have high demands that elevate danger levels.
• Need for visibility across the full range of body motions at distances of at least 390 m (1,280 ft).
• Work undertaken in low-light or nighttime conditions.

Examples of such jobs include:

• Roadwork laborers.
• Utility employees.
• Survey crews.
• Mining staff.
• Emergency responders.
• Road assistance or courtesy patrol workers.
• Flaggers.
• Tow truck operators.

Figure 3
Examples of Class 3 Apparel
Jackets and Overalls

NOTE: These examples serve solely for illustrative purposes.

Based on CSA Standard Z96-15.

What should worker training include?

Similar to any personal protective equipment, workers must receive proper training on the use and maintenance of high-visibility apparel. Those wearing such clothing should understand the following:

1. When to use high-visibility apparel.
2. Fitting instructions, including how to properly don and doff the apparel.
3. The importance of using and wearing the apparel correctly.
4. Limitations regarding its use.
5. Proper storage and maintenance practices.
6. How to inspect for wear and damage.
7. Correct cleaning and decontamination procedures, including washing or dry-cleaning guidelines.

• Fact sheet last revised: -12-17