January 19, 2010 — An updated national consensus standard for high-visibility safety apparel from
the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) now includes criteria and test requirements
for high-visibility garments marked as flame- or water-resistant.
The American National Standard for High Visibility Safety Apparel and Headwear (ANSI/ISEA
107-2010) is the authoritative document for the design, performance specifications, and use of
high-visibility apparel, including millions of vests, jackets, coveralls, trousers, rainwear and
headwear, worn by workers in thousands of road construction, emergency response, forestry and other
industrial and business settings.
This second update since ISEA published the first edition in 1999 was developed by ISEA’s
High Visibility Products Group and approved by key stakeholders representing utility workers,
safety professionals, transportation safety experts, testing laboratories and government agencies.
Though the revision does not change the long-standing requirements for compliant garments with
respect to classification and color, it does address important issues for the wearer related to
flame-resistance and use during rainfall.
“In the past decade, the acceptance and use of high-visibility garments have become
commonplace in working environments where any kind of vehicular movement is present,” said Jim
Teigen, chairman of the ISEA High-Visibility Products Group and business manager of OK-1
Manufacturing. “Due to this widespread use, garments have evolved to address other needs of
workers, such as flame resistant properties. The inclusion of flame-resistance criteria as an
optional feature is included in direct response to end-user requests.”
Additionally, the update calls attention to the service-life guidelines for high-visibility
garments that have been established by the Federal Highway Administration. “It is important
that the end-user be aware of a high-visibility garment’s capability to offer continued
protection,” Teigen noted. “For this reason, users are encouraged to follow guidelines put forth by
the FHWA and manufacturers to ensure that they are being seen at all times, in all situations.”
The 43-page American National Standard for High-Visibility Safety Apparel and Headwear
(ANSI/ISEA 107-2010) includes examples of apparel configurations known to meet the standard. The
standard can be purchased from ISEA for $62 a copy; discounts are available on bulk orders. For
more information, contact
Cristine Z. Fargo, ISEA membership and standards
programs manager.
Posted on January 26, 2010
Press Release Courtesy of the International Safety Equipment Association
