| ays there are many different uses for safety | | | | the size of the reflective striping also is a great |
| vests. Safety vests main purpose of course is to | | | | start whether it be 2” or 3”, the |
| stay visible, and there are many different types | | | | thicker the striping the more visibility you will have. |
| of safety vests for all different occasions. You will | | | | Most safety vest at least the top most quality |
| most often see them at construction sites all | | | | have 100% polyester and you can get them with |
| around town as you are driving by, as well as | | | | a see through mesh, t-shirt style or for the most |
| many bikers have chosen to be more visible to | | | | visibility put on a full suit, especially if you are |
| drivers and are finding that the best way to keep | | | | working at night on dark highways. |
| bright is to purchase a safety vest while they are | | | | You also want to make sure that the ANSI has |
| on the road. | | | | approved the safety vest as well. ANSI is the |
| Now there are many different array of safety | | | | American National Standards Institute is a private |
| vest so where do you start? Well, mainly the | | | | non-profit organisation that administers and |
| choice is yours and yours alone. There are many | | | | co-ordinates the US voluntary standardisation and |
| different styles for the particular needs that you | | | | conformity assessment system. They regulate |
| may have when you are looking for the right | | | | the highest safety standards for all safety |
| vest. Let’s go through some of the styles | | | | product in the US This is a big one so please be |
| options and what they have to offer. | | | | aware of what you are buying. |
| First you must find out what class of vest you | | | | Sept. 15th of this year, the American National |
| will need for the type of industry you are in and | | | | Standards Institute have updated their standards |
| find out if they suit your needs. | | | | for safety apparel, the revised standard is a |
| There are 3 different classes available: | | | | guideline for the design, performance specifications |
| Class 1 safety vests - These are used primarily | | | | and use of high-visibility and reflective apparel |
| used for low traffic areas such as a sidewalk | | | | including vests, jackets, bib/jump-suit coveralls, |
| maintenance or a parking lot attendant. This class | | | | trousers and harnesses. All safety apparel that |
| of safety vest does not need ANSI approval. | | | | meet the standard provide users with a high level |
| Class 2 Safety Vests - The class 2 safety vests | | | | of conspicuity through the use of combined |
| need to go through ANSI approval and are used | | | | fluorescent and retroreflective materials. |
| for speeds that are no more that 25 mph, most | | | | After all that is said and done, you can start |
| likely you would see traffic officers and a school | | | | looking for any extras you may want such as |
| crossing guard sporting these class of safety | | | | pockets on the safety vest whether it inside or |
| vests. | | | | outside, also if you prefer the mesh vest as |
| Class 3 Safety Vests - These safety vests also | | | | opposed to a t-shirt type, the can also come with |
| need ANSI approval required and you would | | | | the tearaway features, pull over or the zipper. |
| typically see these worn by highway construction | | | | Once you make your final decision I know you will |
| workers, road surveyors or anywhere that the | | | | have the ultimate in safety wear and providing a |
| speed exceeds more than 50 mph. | | | | safe work environment for all your patrons |
| The different colours help keep you visible and | | | | employees. |