The Short Answer: ANSI Class 2 high visibility apparel is designed for work environments with moderate traffic speeds and complex backgrounds. It requires a minimum amount of fluorescent background material and reflective striping to ensure workers are visible from greater distances during the day and at night.
Why High-Visibility Standards Matter
High-visibility apparel plays a critical role in jobsite safety. It helps drivers and equipment operators see workers in time to react, reducing the risk of struck-by incidents.
Many construction workers wear hi-vis gear every day without fully understanding what the classification means. Not all safety vests are the same, and wearing the wrong class for the job can leave workers underprotected.
ANSI Class 2 is one of the most commonly required standards across construction and roadway work. This guide breaks down what ANSI Class 2 is, when it's required and why it matters for workplace safety.
What ANSI Class 2 Means
ANSI Class 2 is part of the ANSI/ISEA 107 standard for high visibility safety apparel. The American National Standards Institute establishes these classifications to help employers select the right level of visibility protection for different work environments.
Designed for Moderate-Risk Environments
Class 2 apparel is intended for jobsites with moderate traffic speeds and complex visual backgrounds. This includes road construction zones, utility work near moving vehicles and construction sites where workers may blend into surrounding equipment or materials.
Greater Visibility at Distance
Compared to Class 1 apparel, Class 2 garments require more fluorescent background material and reflective tape. This combination provides greater visibility from longer distances during the day and improved recognition in low-light or nighttime conditions. The added coverage helps drivers and equipment operators identify workers sooner, giving them more time to react.
When ANSI Class 2 Is Required
ANSI Class 2 is required in work environments where workers need to be visible from greater distances or where visual backgrounds make detection more difficult. Employer safety plans and jobsite hazard assessments typically dictate when Class 2 apparel is necessary.
Common Applications
Class 2 high-visibility garments are often required for:
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Road construction and maintenance activities
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Utility workers near moving vehicles or equipment
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Construction sites with moderate traffic speeds
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School crossing guards and parking attendants
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Emergency responders directing traffic
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Warehouse and loading dock operations with vehicle traffic
Task Complexity and Exposure
Beyond traffic speed, task complexity also plays an important role. Workers who are frequently bending, turning or moving through congested areas may need the additional coverage that Class 2 provides. Any situation where a worker's attention is divided between the task and surrounding hazards typically calls for enhanced visibility.
Key Requirements of ANSI Class 2 Apparel
ANSI Class 2 apparel must meet specific requirements for background material, reflective striping and garment design. Understanding these requirements helps ensure the gear you select actually meets the standard.
Background Material
Class 2 garments require a minimum of 775 square inches of fluorescent background material. This bright background color, typically safety orange or fluorescent yellow-green, provides daytime visibility by contrasting with the surrounding work environment.
Reflective Material
A minimum of 201 square inches of retroreflective material is required for nighttime visibility. The reflective strips must be placed to provide 360-degree visibility, usually around the torso and over the shoulders. This placement ensures workers are recognizable from all angles.
Color and Design
Approved background colors include fluorescent yellow-green, fluorescent orange-red and fluorescent red. The garment design must allow full coverage even when worn over other clothing or personal protective equipment like a safety harness.
Compliance Labeling
Every ANSI Class 2 garment must include a label confirming compliance with the ANSI/ISEA 107 standard. This label identifies the garment type, class and performance level so workers and safety managers can verify the apparel meets requirements.
Common Misconceptions About ANSI Class 2
Not all high visibility clothing meets ANSI Class 2 requirements.
Any Bright Vest Is Compliant
A bright color alone doesn't make a safety vest compliant. The garment must have the required square inches of background material and reflective tape in the correct placement to meet all the conditions.
Reflective Striping Is Enough
Reflective stripes help with nighttime visibility but don't replace the need for fluorescent background material. Both elements work together to provide maximum visibility in varying light conditions.
Size and Fit Don't Matter
An oversized or undersized garment can reduce the visible surface area and compromise compliance. Proper fit ensures the required material remains visible and doesn't bunch or fold during movement.
Worn Gear Still Counts
Faded, torn or heavily soiled high visibility garments may no longer meet ANSI standards. Damaged reflective material loses its effectiveness and should be replaced before use on the jobsite.
Choosing the Right ANSI Class 2 Gear for the Job
Selecting the right high-visibility apparel means matching the garment to the work environment. Jobsite conditions, weather and equipment all play a role in choosing gear that keeps workers visible and compliant.
Jobsite Conditions
Consider traffic speed, background complexity and lighting when selecting Class 2 apparel. A road construction site with high-speed traffic may call for more specialized Type R Class 2 garments, while a construction site with slower-moving equipment may allow more flexibility in garment style.
Weather and Lighting
Inclement weather conditions reduce visibility for everyone on and around the jobsite. In rain, fog or low-light situations, high visibility garments with quality retroreflective material become even more critical.
PPE Compatibility
ANSI Class 2 apparel must work with other protective equipment. Safety vests should fit comfortably over harnesses without covering D-Rings or adjustment points. Outerwear and rain gear should also maintain the required coverage and reflective placement.
Inspection, Use and Replacement
High-visibility apparel requires regular inspection and maintenance to remain effective. A garment that met ANSI Class 2 standards when new may no longer be compliant after extended use.
Regular Inspection
Inspect hi-vis garments before each use. Look for fading, stains, tears or damage to reflective striping. If the fluorescent background material has lost its brightness or the reflective tape is peeling or cracked, the garment should be removed from service immediately.
Laundering and Care
Frequent washing can degrade reflective material over time. Follow the manufacturer's care instructions to extend garment life. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners, which can reduce retroreflective performance.
Replacement
Remove non-compliant garments from service immediately. Continuing to use worn or damaged high-visibility clothing puts workers at risk and may violate jobsite safety requirements. Establish a replacement schedule based on wear patterns and exposure to ensure crews always have compliant apparel available.
Key Takeaways for Crews and Safety Managers
Understanding ANSI Class 2 requirements helps crews stay visible and compliant on the jobsite. Keep these points in mind:
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ANSI Class 2 is designed for moderate-risk visibility environments with complex backgrounds or moderate traffic speeds
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Compliance requires both fluorescent background material and reflective striping in specific amounts and placement
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Proper fit and garment condition directly impact whether apparel meets the standard
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Visibility is a critical layer of workplace safety, not an afterthought
Whether you're selecting gear or enforcing standards, knowing what ANSI Class 2 actually requires leads to better decisions and safer outcomes.
Making Visibility Part of the Safety Plan
High-visibility apparel supports awareness, recognition and reaction time. When drivers and equipment operators can see workers sooner, they have more time to adjust speed and maintain a safe distance.
ANSI Class 2 helps reduce struck-by risks when used correctly. Understanding the standard leads to better gear selection, proper use and consistent compliance across the crew.
At Malta Dynamics, we design safety apparel and personal protective equipment built for real jobsite conditions. From high-visibility garments to fall protection systems, our gear is field tested and ready to perform.
Explore our full line of safety products or contact our team to find the right solutions for your crew.
