High-Visibility
Safety Apparel

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN HIGH-VISIBILITY SAFETY APPAREL?

Visibility and Coverage:
Garments in vivid colours stand out more than those in muted tones. Wrapping the body completely (360° coverage) enhances visibility from every angle.
Contrasting colour stripes against the garment’s main colour can boost visibility. Adding stripes to the arms and legs offers cues about the wearer’s movements. Bright or fluorescent base materials can heighten visibility, although they lack retroreflective qualities.
Depending on other present hazards, additional features like flame resistance, thermal insulation, water repellency, durability, comfort, quick-release, breathability, and flexibility might be necessary. Employers are advised to choose a colour and stripe pattern that offers optimal contrast, indicates movement, and shows the direction of motion.

Fit:
For optimal safety and functionality, garments must fit the wearer properly. This includes wearing them as designed and accounting for any layers underneath. The clothing should align well with the body and remain fixed during activities. Comfort is key, with no part of the garment causing irritation or discomfort (for instance, no abrasive materials or sharp edges). The clothing should also be suitably weighted and allow for sufficient stretch and movement. It’s important to wear these garments without other items like backpacks or belts obscuring the high-visibility sections.

Brightness:
In daylight, vibrant colours are more noticeable than subdued ones, making fluorescent materials a good choice. In twilight or dawn, fluorescent colours outshine regular bright colours, and reflective materials are recommended. In darkness, retroreflective materials are superior for visibility compared to bright colours, which are ineffective without natural light.

Design:
According to CSA standards, high-visibility safety clothing must have:
Stripes/bands at least 50 mm wide.
A horizontal band around the waist, and two vertical stripes over the front extending from shoulders to waist.
An “X” shape on the back from shoulders to waist.
For Class 3 garments, additional bands around both arms and legs.

Colour:
The CSA Z96-15 (R2020) Standard outlines the required colours for both the garment’s background and its stripes/bands. For instance, Class 1 garments need at least 0.14 square meters of background material, while Classes 2 and 3 require full coverage. Possible colours include fluorescent yellow-green, fluorescent orange-red, and bright yellow-green or orange-red.

Care and Maintenance:
Maintain the cleanliness and upkeep of high-visibility clothing. Dirtied or tainted retroreflective materials diminish visibility. Discard and replace any apparel showing wear, soiling, or damage as it compromises visibility levels. Buyers should verify that the high-visibility clothing meets CSA Z96-15 Standard requirements, typically indicated on the garment’s tag.                              

CLASSES
The CSA Standard Z96-15, which governs High-Visibility Safety Apparel, outlines criteria related to retroreflective performance (i.e., how effectively material reflects light back to its source), background material colours, and the extent of body coverage required for high-visibility components. Additionally, there are specific provisions for garments that must offer electrical flash and flame protection. Notably, while the apparel class specifications resemble those in ANSI/ISEA 107, CSA classes focus on body coverage rather than minimum surface areas.

CSA defines three classes of garments based on the coverage they provide. Each class addresses the torso (from waist to neck) and limbs, adhering to the minimum coverage areas specified for that class:

• Class 1: Offers the lowest recognized coverage while maintaining good visibility.
• ‍Class 2: Provides moderate body coverage and superior visibility.
• ‍Class 3: Ensures the greatest body coverage, especially crucial under poor light conditions and over long distances.         

For detailed specifications, please consult the Standard. Note that while the Standard doesn’t prescribe high-visibility apparel requirements for specific job roles, it does offer examples of occupations where different classes may be suitable.                              

WHEN TO WEAR HI-VIZ APPAREL

Low-Risk Situations for Workers:
Class 2 and Class 1 (under certain conditions)

These situations are considered low risk.

• Activities Requiring Full Attention: Workers performing tasks that allow them to fully focus on approaching traffic fall into this category.
• Ample Separation: When there is sufficient distance between workers on foot and traffic or other mobile equipment.
• Simple Work Backgrounds: Low-risk scenarios occur when work backgrounds are not complex, ensuring optimal visibility.
• ‍Speed Limit Consideration: Situations where vehicles do not exceed 40 km/h (25 mph) are considered low risk.
• ‍Attention-Diverting Tasks: Workers engaged in tasks that divert their attention from approaching traffic are also in low-risk situations.

‍Examples: Directing vehicle operators to parking or service locations. Retrieving shopping carts in parking areas. Warehouse operations. “Right-of-Way” or sidewalk maintenance workers. Workers involved in shipping or receiving operations.

Medium Risk:
Class 2 or 3 based on certain conditions

Situations of moderate risk might involve:

• Speed Limit Consideration: The movement of vehicles or machinery at speeds ranging from 40-80 km/h (25-50 mph).
• Personnel needing enhanced visibility during adverse weather or in dim lighting.
• Complex Work Backgrounds: Environments where the work backdrop is intricate.
• Activities Requiring Full Attention: Tasks that distract workers from noticing oncoming traffic.
• ‍Operations taking place near or within active traffic lanes.

‍Examples: Individuals working in roadway construction, utilities, forestry, or railways. Workers in manufacturing facilities, plants, or mills. Surveying teams. Individuals serving as school crossing monitors. Employees at parking facilities and toll booths. Ground staff and luggage handlers at airports. First responders. Law enforcement officers. Investigators at accident scenes. Employees working on railways.

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

Situations of moderate risk might involve:

• Speed Limit Consideration: Circumstances where vehicles travel faster than 80 km/h (50 mph).
• Situations where both pedestrians and drivers are engaged in complex tasks that significantly increase the worker’s risk.
• Conditions requiring individuals to be highly visible from at least 390 meters (1,280 feet), across all body movements.
• Work that is conducted during periods of low visibility, such as in the evening or at night.

‍Examples: Workers involved in roadway construction. Employees in the utility sector. Teams conducting surveys. Personnel in mining operations. Professionals in emergency response. Individuals providing roadside assistance or service patrols. Crews responsible for traffic control and flagging. Operators of towing services.