What makes a vest class 2 or class 3?
Class II safety vests are designed for workers who need greater visibility in poor weather conditions, and who are exposed to roadways with traffic that exceeds 25 miles per hour. Class II vests are ideal for railway workers, school crossing guards, parking and toll gate personnel, airport ground crews and law enforcement personnel directing traffic. According to ANSI standards, class II vests must have 775 square in. of background material, and 201 square in. of reflective material. Class III vests provide the highest level of visibility and are designed for workers exposed to high risk environments and traffic exceeding 50 miles per hour. Class III vests have sleeves and are made for all roadway construction personnel and vehicle operators, utility workers, survey crews, emergency responders, railway workers and accident site investigators. ANSI requirements also state that class III vests have 1240 square in. of background material and 310 square in. of reflective material.