The Protection Top Features Of ANSI Class 2 Work Garments
For anyone who has passed a road crew, they probably didn’t pay much attention to the clothing but realized they became aware of the presence of the crew because of it. Few people realize that this protective gear is mandated by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and comes in three classes. ANSI Class 2 is the one that governs workers in various high risk industries and contains specifications for various aspects of the gear.
Class 2 includes such things as safety vests, shirts, rainwear and other outerwear that is visible at night and when there is limited daylight. In addition to road construction, this gear is worn by people such as fire fighters, police and emergency personnel and others who are engaged in dangerous work. These people are all involved in high risk occupations.
The colors required by this kind of gear are quite precise. It must have reflective materials that cover a specific number of square inches and usually includes a jacket, its hood and sleeves. Fluorescent color is in the background although it may not be reflective. The colors most used are yellow with green, orange with red or red fluorescent. Colors must counteract the surroundings and vehicles, at the job site, so that workers are easily identified.
A reflective tape is also included in the requirements and must be a measured number of yards in length and width. Wider tape is suggested as it takes less yards. There is also the requirement that reflective bands encircle the torso and separated by a two inch spacing. Arm bands are also required around the arm between the shoulder and elbow and on the cuff of the sleeve.
There are additional requirements regarding the reflectivity of the material used and garments must be tested for various characteristics. These include cold temperature folding, flexibility, reflective nature after washing, resistance to abrasion, and performance in the rain. These are all conditions in which workers may find themselves so ensuring they are safe in various environmental conditions is important.
In addition, even further testing is done by a third party on the basic material of the garments. If they meet the requirements they are then prepared for packaging with labels, instructions and so forth. Companies that manufacture this safety clothing must provide certification that it has passed all required tests.
This type of gear is divided by class according to what kind of occupation the worker is engaged in. For people who work where traffic exceeds 25 mph or there is heavy machinery involved a class 2 vest would be required. A person engaged in working where there is traffic over 50 miles an hour it would be required to wear a class 3 vest.
ANSI Class 2 work gear has long been recognized by workers for its life saving features. One never knows what circumstances will develop on the job and on many occasions it has been the reflective safety vest that has saved someone’s life. It is a definite protection against life threatening events that often occur in high risk occupations.
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