What is a hi vis shirt?
High visibility clothing is a piece of essential equipment for workers’ visibility at the work site. These safety shirts are worn by road work, construction, warehouse, and logistic teams. These work shirts should also meet the OSHA requirement for safety standards.
Are all high-visibility shirts OSHA-compliant?
No, Not all high-visibility shirts meet OSHA or ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standards. For a high-visibility shirt to be considered compliant, it must adhere to ANSI/ISEA 107 guidelines. These standards classify garments based on performance criteria like color, reflective tape placement, and minimum visibility requirements. Workers in environments with heavy traffic or low-light conditions often need Class 2 or Class 3 high-visibility apparel. Before purchasing, verify the shirt's certification to ensure it meets the safety requirements for your specific job site.
What is the difference between Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 high-visibility shirts?
High-visibility garments are categorized into three classes based on the level of visibility they provide:
Class 1: Suitable for low-risk environments, such as parking lot attendants or delivery drivers in less congested areas. These shirts have minimal reflective material and are often sleeveless.
Class 2: Designed for moderate-risk environments like road construction zones. These shirts include more reflective material and are typically short- or long-sleeved.
Class 3: Ideal for high-risk environments, such as highways or nighttime work. These shirts have the maximum amount of reflective material and cover more of the body, often including long sleeves and pants.Selecting the appropriate class depends on the job's specific hazards and requirements.
How to clean hi vis shirts?
High visibility clothing can be machine washed on a delicate cycle using cold water. Always use a mild detergent or liquid specifically designed for high visibility garments. Manufacturers typically include a note about the recommended maximum number of washes, which usually ranges between 20 and 25 times, before the color may fade or the reflective properties could become damaged. Always handle your high-visibility shirts with care during washing to ensure they remain in good condition.