What Is Class 3 High Visibility Clothing?

When it comes to safety on the job, visibility is key, and that’s where Class 3 high visibility clothing comes in. This type of clothing is made for the most dangerous jobs. It is important for workers in the construction, road work, and railway industries. 

Class 3 high visibility clothing has wide reflective strips and bright, fluorescent colors. This makes workers see clearly in low-light and dangerous conditions. In this article, we'll talk about the rules, materials, and industries that use this important safety gear. We'll also talk about the benefits and tips for keeping it in good shape.

Read on to learn how this simple piece of gear can make a big difference in worker safety.

Understanding Class 3 high visibility clothing standards

To make sure workers can be seen in the most difficult places, the rules for Class 3 high visibility clothing are strict and important. These clothes are made to let you see the most. This is important in dangerous situations where seeing can make the difference between safety and serious injury. Class 3 high visibility clothing is meant to make workers easily seen by others, even in dark or busy areas.

The criteria for Class 3 high visibility clothing, established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) in the ANSI/ISEA 107 standard, are exacting. These guidelines require the use of fluorescent colors—yellow, orange, or red—and reflective strips. 

The reflective strips are placed in a way that makes it easier to see during both day and night. The bright colors make it easy for workers to be seen in any place. Following these rules is not just a suggestion but a must in many industries, especially those where workers face big risks.

These standards also require that a specific amount of reflective striping be used for each garment. The reflective strips contain a retroreflective material that reflects light back to it's original source. That is a valuable part of high visibility clothing and their use in low-light conditions. For more reading on reflective and retroreflective tape for high visibility clothing, read our other article.

Due to strict safety requirements, high visibility clothing that starts to wear out should be replaced quickly. Waiting too long could result in serious injury on a job site.

Materials and design of Class 3 high visibility gear

Class 3 high visibility clothing is made to be the most visible and durable. More reflective striping is also added. This makes it different from lower classes. 

These clothes are made from very reflective materials that catch and reflect light. This makes the wearer more visible in low-light conditions. The reflective strips are placed in wide bands across the body, arms, and legs. This gives you full visibility, which is important for safety in dangerous places. 

The background material is usually a bright, bright color, like yellow or orange. This makes it easier to see during the day.

Class 3 high visibility clothes are made with strong materials that are made to withstand the tough conditions of hard work. These materials are often treated to resist rubbing, tears, and environmental factors like UV radiation and moisture. This makes sure that the garments stay useful and last a long time. 

The combination of these materials not only improves safety but also ensures that the clothing can be relied upon in various conditions, from construction sites to roadwork and beyond.

Comfort is another critical consideration for Class 3 high visibility apparel. Workers often wear these clothes for long hours in hard conditions. It is important that the clothes can breathe and let air in to stop them from getting too hot and uncomfortable. Many manufacturers use advanced fabrics that wick moisture away from the skin, helping to keep the wearer dry and comfortable throughout the day. 

Additionally, the design often includes adjustable features such as waistbands, cuffs, and straps, which allow for a secure and personalized fit. This ability to adjust helps to make sure the clothing stays in place and does not move. This is especially important in busy work environments where people move a lot.

The market for high visibility clothing is also seeing more eco-friendly options, because people are paying more attention to the environment. These eco-friendly Class 3 high visibility clothing items are made from recycled materials or durable fibers. They reduce environmental impact without affecting safety or performance. This transition to more sustainable options is a positive one, allowing workers to safeguard both themselves and the environment.

Industries requiring class 3 high visibility clothing

From construction sites to roadside maintenance, various industries require their workers to wear Class 3 high visibility clothing to stay safe and compliant. Construction workers work in places where it's important to see, especially in the early morning or late evening. Class 3 high visibility clothing has reflective strips and bright colors. This makes it easy for machine operators and other workers on the site to see construction workers, which makes accidents less likely.

Roadside emergency workers, like tow truck drivers and highway maintenance workers, are at risk because they are close to fast-moving traffic. Often working at night or in low-light conditions, these workers are required to wear Class 3 high visibility clothing. The enhanced visibility of this gear is essential to prevent collisions and ensure their safety while carrying out their duties. Read our article here for the differences between enhanced visibility clothing and high visibility clothing.

Railway maintenance workers must also wear Class 3 bright clothes to be seen near active tracks. The fast trains and the dark work environment mean workers need to be seen all the time to stay safe. This attire not only safeguards them from potential accidents but also ensures clear visibility for their colleagues and train operators.

At airports, ground staff working on the tarmac and runways are required to wear Class 3 high visibility clothing to ensure their safety. The busy and often chaotic environment of an airport means that workers need to be highly visible to pilots, ground crew, and other airport personnel. This clothing helps to prevent accidents and ensures that operations run smoothly, even in challenging conditions.

Utility workers, who often work near roadways or in low-light conditions , require Class 3 high visibility clothing to maintain their safety. Whether they are fixing power lines, taking care of water systems, or working on gas pipelines, these workers need to be seen by passing cars and other workers. The reflective parts of this clothing make them see clearly to avoid accidents and make them feel safe doing their jobs.

Benefits of wearing class 3 high visibility clothing

We've already touched on the benefits involved in each environment. Now, let's look at other general benefits to companies.

Class 3 high visibility clothing has many benefits. The main benefit is that it can prevent accidents and save lives. In conditions of poor visibility, such as darkness or inclement weather, these garments are indispensable. They make wearers visible to their friends and anyone nearby, which makes it less likely that they will get hurt.

Employee safety, especially in all of the industries we've mentioned, is taken extremely seriously. Mixing low-light conditions with dangerous work environments heightens the need for safety awareness. Without Class 3 clothing, employee safety compromises quickly.

Imagine having to deal with the serious injury or loss of an employee due to misuse of Class 3 clothing. Add insurance claims, potential lawsuits, and having to explain to family members how the injury occurred and you can see how important this clothing can be. 

We're not fans of using scare tactics to force good behavior. But there are significant consequences to not taking high visibility clothing seriously. Use Class 3 high visibility clothing properly and keep your team safe. 

Tips for choosing and maintaining high visibility clothing

The correct selection and maintenance of high visibility clothing can significantly impact your safety and comfort on the job. When choosing Class 3 high visibility clothing, it is most important to select garments that meet the ANSI/ISEA 107 standards. 

These standards ensure that the clothing provides the highest level of visibility in high-risk environments. Look for clothing with reflective strips at key points of movement, such as the shoulders, torso, and legs. This placement will increase your visibility during movement, making it easier for others to see you, especially in low-light conditions.

The requirements for the amount of reflective striping will vary by work environment/industry. But selecting the right workwear is made easier by selecting the right class level. The basic guidelines for each class are as follows:

Class 1: Substantial separation from traffic where vehicle speeds do not exceed 25mph and incorporate 155 square inches of reflective tape.

Class 2: Close proximity to roadways, more inclement weather, and traffic speeds that exceed 25mph. Also include 201 square inches of reflective tape. 

Class 3: Near areas of fast-moving traffic or in areas with poor visibility conditions. Also include 310 square inches of reflective tape.

It's just as important to take care of your high visibility clothing to make sure it keeps protecting you. Always wash high visibility garments in cold water to help maintain the reflective properties and prevent color degradation. Do not use fabric softeners or bleach, as these can damage the reflective materials. 

It is also important to inspect high visibility clothing regularly for signs of fading or damage. If you notice any issues, replace the garments immediately to avoid compromising your safety. Store your high visibility clothing in a dry, cool place. This will help keep the color and material from getting worse.

By following these rules, you can be sure that your high visibility clothing meets the rules and protects you at work. The investment in quality class 3 high visibility clothing, along with proper maintenance, is a small yet pivotal measure in upholding a safe and prominent presence in any work setting.