NOTE: I have never managed a facility/workforce where we required Hi-Vis garments, except for Fire Watches and PRCS Entry Attendants, but those requirements were not for the user’s safety, so we did not get into all the ANSI requirements for these vests. However, I do equate this Hi-Vis effectiveness concern to what I dealt with regarding Flame Retardant Clothing (FRC) and its continued effectiveness. Just wearing the PPE is NOT all that matters – wearing PPE that will provide the level of protection we expect is KEY to protecting the user. ALL PPE will lose its effectiveness over time, and it is incumbent upon us to establish this time (with a safety margin included) to ensure the PPE can provide the level of protection we intended when specifying the need for said PPE.
I spent last night and this morning assisting with an industrial accident. The facility requires Hi-Vis clothing/vests and specifies they must be TYPE-R ANSI Class 2. I loved that they DEFINED and QUANTIFIED their requirements using an ANSI standard. I looked at the label in my assortment of Hi-Vis PPE and found a vest meeting this requirement. My Safety Helmet is also “Hi-Vis” with reflective stripping, but I got no credit for my HH.
For the record, a TYPE-R ANSI Class 2 vest must have at least: