A Class 2 safety vest is a type of high-visibility garment designed to enhance the visibility of workers in environments with higher traffic speeds or complex backgrounds.
Based on standard requirements, a Class 2 vest is specifically defined by its material coverage and reflective striping to ensure adequate visibility.
Key Requirements of a Class 2 Safety Vest
According to the reference provided, a Class 2 safety vest must meet minimum coverage requirements for both the background material and the reflective elements.
These requirements are crucial for ensuring the vest provides the necessary visibility protection in moderate-risk scenarios.
- Background Material: Must have at least 775 square inches of safety yellow or safety orange material. This fluorescent material makes the wearer highly visible during the daytime.
- Reflective Striping: Must include at least 201 square inches of reflective striping. This material reflects light back to the source, making the wearer visible in low-light conditions or at night when illuminated by headlights or other light sources.
These specifications ensure that the wearer is conspicuous from various angles and in different lighting conditions, improving safety in work zones.
Common Wearers
Class 2 safety vests are commonly worn by individuals working in environments where they are exposed to moving vehicles or equipment, but not in the highest risk categories. The reference lists typical examples of who wears these vests:
- Survey crews
- Airport baggage handlers
- School crossing guards
These roles often involve working near traffic or in busy operational areas where enhanced visibility is necessary for safety. The design and material requirements of the Class 2 vest are specifically tailored to provide adequate protection in these types of work environments.
Understanding ANSI Safety Vest Classifications
ANSI safety vests, like the Class 2 vest, are classified based on the level of visibility they provide, which correlates with the potential risk of the work environment. Class 2 vests represent an intermediate level of visibility, suitable for workers who need to be seen in daylight and at night and who work near traffic traveling between 25 mph and 50 mph.
| Feature | Requirement for Class 2 Vest |
|---|---|
| Background Material | At least 775 sq. in. |
| Material Color | Safety Yellow or Safety Orange |
| Reflective Striping | At least 201 sq. in. |
This classification system, typically governed by standards like ANSI/ISEA 107, helps employers select the appropriate level of high-visibility protection for their workers based on the specific hazards of their job site.
