When it comes to workplace safety, especially in environments with moving vehicles or machinery, it's really important to have a good view of what's going on. Hey, I totally get it, reflective safety vests can be a bit confusing. But don't worry, I'm here to help you understand the ANSI classification system so you can pick the perfect vest for your job.
What is ANSI?
ANSI stands for the American National Standards Institute, which works with the ISEA (International Safety Equipment Association) to set safety standards for high-visibility apparel in the U.S.
The ANSI/ISEA 107 standard classifies safety garments into three main classes—Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3—based on the amount of reflective material and background fabric they have, and the intended working environment.
Class 1 Reflective Vests: Minimal Risk Environments
Best for:
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Parking lot attendants
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Warehouse workers (with slow-moving equipment)
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Delivery drivers in off-road areas
Features:
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Minimum 217 in² of reflective material
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At least 540 in² of background material
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Typically sleeveless vests with limited striping
Why choose Class 1?
If your team works in environments where the traffic is low, like 25 mph or less, and you don't have a lot of visibility issues, then Class 1 is a great choice! It's affordable and makes sure you're following all the rules.
Class 2 Reflective Vests: Moderate Risk Work Zones
Best for:
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Road construction workers
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Airport baggage handlers
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Survey crews
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School crossing guards
Key features:
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Minimum 310 in² of reflective material
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At least 775 in² of background fabric
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More reflective striping for better visibility at longer distances
Why choose Class 2?
These vests are perfect for jobs where you need to be seen, especially at night or in the day when there is a lot of traffic.
Class 3 Reflective Vests: High-Risk, High-Speed Areas
Best for:
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Highway construction crews
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Emergency responders
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Utility workers
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Tow truck operators
Key features:
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Minimum 1,240 in² of background material
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Minimum 1,240 in² of reflective striping
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Often includes sleeves and full-body coverage
Why choose Class 3?
Class 3 provides the best visibility, so it is an essential choice in areas where there is a lot of traffic or poor lighting, and workers are at high risk.
Which Class Do You Need?
Choosing the right ANSI class isn’t just about compliance—it’s about safety and peace of mind. Here are a few questions to ask:
✅ How fast is the traffic or equipment in the work zone?
✅ How close are workers to moving vehicles?
✅ What are the lighting conditions?
✅ Do your employees need enhanced visibility from all angles?
Shop ANSI-Compliant Reflective Vests with Confidence
At Safetyin, we carry a wide selection of ANSI Class 1, 2, and 3 reflective vests designed to meet the highest safety standards while keeping your team comfortable and visible.
Whether you need custom-printed vests with your company logo or bulk orders for your crew, we’ve got you covered.
👉 [Browse our collection of safety vests]
👉 [Request a custom quote]
Stay safe. Stay seen. Choose the right vest for the job.