Whats Different Between a Class 2 and Class 3 ANSI Safety Vest?
In order to receive a rating of a class 2 or class 3 safety vest, it must achieve preset requirements set by the American National Standards Institute, or ANSI. These requirements include the amount of necessary reflect material, the amount of background material, and whether or not the garment has sleeves. Safety vest classes were designed to help regulate the required apparel needed by state workers. ANSI vests are necessary in areas of high speed traffic and if workers are near heavy machinery. If you are purchasing one for yourself personally, there is no law requiring you to wear a certain class. It is always a good idea, however, to consider purchasing one with a rating of class 2 or class 3, as it will provide more visibility than one with an economy rating. Now let’s break down the different classes: Class 2 Safety Vests – These reflective vests are required for workers who are near heavy machinery or near traffic between the speeds of 25 – 50 mph. ANSI designates that all clas
