Certified high-visibility clothing is required to adhere to garment design requirements established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) under ANSI/ISEA 107 2015. Certified clothing is categorized by type and performance class. The three certified types of apparel are Type O, R, and P. Type O is for off-roadway work, Type R is for roadway work, and Type P is used for public safety workers. Certified performance classes are based on the amount of visible retroreflective materials and design attributes incorporated into the final configuration.

Head injuries can occur from impacts, falling or flying objects, or from electrical shock and burns. Head protection meeting ANSI Z89.1 ensures workers are protected from these hazards. Hard hats are classified by the level of protection they offer. Classes C, E, and G hard hats all offer protection from light impacts and penetration hazards. Class E helmets offer electrical protection of up to 20,000 volts, and Class G helmets offer di-electric protection up to 2,200 volts (phase to ground).

Eye injuries can occur from impacts, heat, dust, chemicals, and optical radiation. Eye protection meeting ANSI Z87.1 ensures workers are protected from these hazards and includes primary protectors such as eye spectacles and safety goggles. Secondary protectors, such as face shields, provide an additional layer of protection to workers’ eyes. Primary eye protection uses lenses, frames, and side shield components to protect workers’ eyes. In contrast, windows, shields, and headgear on secondary protectors guard against eye injuries.

Hand injuries can occur from absorption of harmful substances, severe cuts or lacerations, severe abrasions, punctures, chemical burns, thermal burns, and harmful temperature extremes. ANSI/ISEA 105 applies rigorous testing methods to gloves, ensuring workers are protected adequately. Gloves are classified by the level of protection they offer. Mechanical ratings include cut, puncture, and abrasion resistance. Chemical ratings include permeation and degradation protection. Gloves can also be rated for protection from ignition and vibration hazards and may contain high-vis markings.

Hearing loss can occur when employees are subjected to noises exceeding OSHA’s permissible exposure limits. ANSI S12.6 specifies testing methods used for measuring, analyzing, and reporting noise-reduction ratings (NRR) of hearing protectors and must conform to ANSI S3.19 labeling requirements. Hearing-protection devices include single-use earplugs, pre-formed or molded earplugs, and earmuffs. Workers can wear earplugs and earmuffs together to decrease their level of noise exposure. Hearing protectors are designed to prevent or reduce sound from entering workers’ ear canal.