What Is ANSI/ISEA 107-2020? High-Visibility Apparel Explained
ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 High-Visibility Apparel: Performance Classes, Types, and OSHA Requirements Explained
Every year, roadway construction workers and utility crews are struck by vehicles in work zones — and a significant portion of those incidents involve workers wearing inadequate or non-compliant high-visibility apparel. The American National Standard ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 eliminates that ambiguity by specifying exactly how much fluorescent material and retroreflective striping a garment must provide at each hazard level. If you are a safety manager specifying PPE for a road crew, a procurement team sourcing vests for warehouse personnel, or a contractor complying with FHWA MUTCD requirements, this guide gives you the complete technical and regulatory framework for selecting, verifying, and maintaining compliant hi-vis apparel.
High-visibility apparel works through two independent mechanisms: fluorescent background material provides daytime conspicuity by absorbing UV and re-emitting visible light at intensities that exceed natural reflectance; retroreflective striping returns vehicle headlight beams directly to the driver during low-light and nighttime conditions. ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 quantifies the minimum acceptable performance of both mechanisms across three protection classes and three performance types, with specific photometric thresholds tested under laboratory conditions. Browse our full safety vests collection for garments meeting current ANSI 107-2020 requirements.
What Is ANSI/ISEA 107-2020?
ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 is the current edition of the American National Standard for High-Visibility Safety Apparel and Accessories, published by the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) and approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). It supersedes ANSI/ISEA 107-2015 and prior editions dating to the original ANSI 107-1999. The 2020 edition is the version currently referenced in FHWA procurement guidance, most state DOT specifications, and OSHA enforcement correspondence.
The standard covers: vests, jackets, coveralls, pants, shirts, and shorts; accessories including hard hat covers, gloves, headwear, and sleeves; background material performance (fluorescence, luminance factor); retroreflective material performance (coefficient of retroreflection Ra per ASTM E810); combined-performance (CP) material specifications; 25-cycle wash durability testing; and labeling requirements including class, type, and standard year.
ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 is a voluntary consensus standard — ANSI does not enforce it. Enforcement authority rests with OSHA (General Duty Clause and specific PPE standards), FHWA (MUTCD for Federal-aid highway projects), and state DOTs. Products claiming 107-2020 compliance that do not meet photometric thresholds expose employers to General Duty Clause citations and product liability risk.
The Three Performance Classes: Minimum Material Areas
| Class | Min Background Area | Min Retroreflective Area | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | 217 sq in (1,400 cm²) | 155 sq in (1,000 cm²) | Off-road, vehicle speeds <25 mph, low traffic volume |
| Class 2 | 775 sq in (5,000 cm²) | 201 sq in (1,295 cm²) | Roadway work zones, parking facilities, airport tarmac, forklift areas |
| Class 3 | 1,240 sq in (8,000 cm²) | 310 sq in (2,000 cm²) | High-speed roadways, low-visibility conditions, flaggers, night work |
Class 1 is appropriate only where workers are separated from vehicle traffic by barriers or vehicle speeds are very low. Parking lot attendants on private property, warehouse workers in non-forklift zones, and survey crews working entirely off the road shoulder may use Class 1. It is not acceptable for any Federal-aid highway right-of-way environment.
Class 2 is the most frequently specified class in U.S. work zones and the FHWA MUTCD minimum for most roadway workers. OSHA General Duty Clause enforcement for roadway-adjacent work typically targets Class 2 as the minimum acceptable level. Class 2 vests are the standard procurement choice for the vast majority of construction and road maintenance applications.
Class 3 is required for the highest-risk environments: flaggers directing traffic at highway speeds, workers in poor-visibility conditions (fog, rain, darkness), and workers needing to be seen from greater distances. A vest alone generally cannot meet Class 3 minimums because the background area requirement of 1,240 square inches typically requires a jacket combined with pants or full coveralls.
Performance Types: O, R, and P Defined
Overlaid on the class system, ANSI 107-2020 defines three performance types describing the intended work environment:
- Type O (Off-Road): For environments without public road vehicle traffic — warehouses, construction sites without adjacent roadways, parking facilities, sports venues. Type O garments must meet Class 1 minimums but Class 2 Type O is common in forklift-active facilities.
- Type R (Roadway): The standard for workers in public road right-of-way. All FHWA-required hi-vis apparel must be Type R. Highway construction crews, utility workers, and flaggers wear Class 2 or 3 Type R.
- Type P (Public Safety): For law enforcement, fire, and EMS personnel who need high visibility but may need to rapidly remove the garment. Type P uses breakaway or hook-and-loop closures and must meet Class 2 or 3 requirements.
Always specify both class and type when procuring roadway apparel. "Class 2 Type R" is a complete specification. "Class 2" alone does not confirm roadway suitability for MUTCD enforcement purposes.
Allowed Colors and Photometric Performance
ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 allows three background material colors, each with defined photometric thresholds measured per ASTM E1925 and CIE 15:
- Fluorescent Yellow-Green: Highest daytime conspicuity under photopic conditions. Preferred by many DOTs and safety programs for consistent contrast against diverse backgrounds year-round.
- Fluorescent Orange-Red: Traditional roadway and construction color. Strong contrast in low-vegetation environments; may blend with autumn foliage.
- Fluorescent Red: Permitted but less common. Used in some public safety and emergency response contexts.
Retroreflective material must achieve a minimum coefficient of retroreflection (Ra) of at least 330 cd·lx−¹·m−² at 0° observation angle (per ASTM E810) and must maintain those values after 25 wash cycles per ANSI 107 Annex B. This wash-durability requirement eliminates inexpensive iron-on tape that peels after a few laundry cycles.
OSHA, FHWA, and MUTCD Enforcement Framework
| Authority | Standard | Minimum Required Class |
|---|---|---|
| FHWA | MUTCD Section 6D.03 | Class 2 Type R (flaggers: 2 or 3) |
| OSHA Construction | 29 CFR 1926.201 (flaggers) | Class 2 or 3 |
| OSHA General Industry | 29 CFR 1910.132 + General Duty | Per hazard assessment |
| State DOT | State MUTCD adoptions | Class 2 minimum, Class 3 for flaggers |
OSHA does not have a dedicated general industry hi-vis standard. Employers must conduct a written PPE hazard assessment under 29 CFR 1910.132, document hazards requiring hi-vis protection, and select garments matching the applicable ANSI 107-2020 class. Failing to complete the written assessment is itself citable under 1910.132(d).
Garment Selection Decision Table
| Work Environment | Vehicle Speed | Required Class | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warehouse / forklift area | <10 mph | Class 2 | O or R |
| Airport tarmac | <25 mph | Class 2 | O or R |
| Urban road work zone | 25–45 mph | Class 2 | R |
| Highway work zone | 45–65 mph | Class 2 or 3 | R |
| Flagger on highway | 45–65 mph | Class 3 | R |
| Night road work | Any | Class 3 | R |
| Police / Fire / EMS | Variable | Class 2 or 3 | P |
| Survey crew, off-road | <25 mph adjacent | Class 1 or 2 | O |
Label Verification Requirements Under ANSI 107-2020 Section 11
Every compliant garment must carry a permanent label stating: (1) ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 standard designation; (2) performance class (Class 1, 2, or 3); (3) performance type (O, R, or P); (4) manufacturer name or trademark; (5) garment size; and (6) care and maintenance instructions. Labels referencing only earlier editions (107-2004, 107-2010, 107-2015) should be replaced with 2020-compliant garments on new procurements. FHWA contracting officers and OSHA compliance officers verify label year during inspections.
Flame-Resistant Hi-Vis Garments: When Both Standards Apply
Workers in petrochemical, electrical utility, and pipeline environments may be simultaneously exposed to arc flash or flash fire hazards and vehicle traffic. They need garments satisfying both ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 and either NFPA 2112 (flash fire) or ASTM F1506 (arc flash). FR hi-vis garments must pass wash-durability testing for both flame-resistance and retroreflective properties independently. A standard non-FR vest worn over an FR base layer does not create a compliant FR hi-vis ensemble — the outer garment controls visibility class compliance and must independently be FR-rated.
Inspection and Replacement Criteria
ANSI 107-2020 mandates 25-cycle wash durability, but field use degrades materials faster. Establish these inspection intervals:
- Before each use: Check for soiling on fluorescent panels, peeling retroreflective tape, and tears reducing visible area.
- Monthly: Assess fluorescent fading against a new reference garment. Notably faded garments must be replaced.
- After 25 wash cycles or 6 months of regular use: Replace retroreflective tape showing crazing, peeling, or delamination. Replace whole garment if background cannot be cleaned to near-original luminance.
- Immediately: Remove any garment with fully non-adhered retroreflective tape or background panels that appear gray or beige rather than vivid fluorescent.
For replacement options, browse ANSI 107 Class 2 vests on Amazon Check Price on Amazon → or Class 3 hi-vis jackets on Amazon Check Price on Amazon →.
Related PPE for Complete Work Zone Programs
Hi-vis apparel addresses conspicuity but does not address the full range of roadway hazards. Pair appropriate ANSI 107-2020 garments with:
- Hard hats — ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 Type I or II, Class E for sites with electrical hazards
- Safety glasses — ANSI Z87.1 rated for impact and UV exposure
- Hearing protection — required where equipment noise exceeds 85 dBA TWA per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95
- Safety gloves — appropriate for material handling and cut hazards
- Disposable N95 respirators — for silica dust and general construction particulates
- Face shields — for grinding, chipping, and concrete operations
- Cut-resistant gloves — for utility and construction material handling tasks
See our guide on understanding NIOSH respirator safety standards for respiratory protection decisions in roadway work environments, and our ANSI/ISEA 105 cut resistance guide for glove selection.
Frequently Asked Questions: ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 High-Visibility Apparel
Q: What is ANSI/ISEA 107-2020?
A: ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 is the American National Standard for High-Visibility Safety Apparel and Accessories. It defines three performance classes (1, 2, 3) and three performance types (O, R, P), specifying minimum fluorescent background and retroreflective material areas and photometric performance thresholds for garments worn where workers face vehicle traffic hazards.
Q: What class hi-vis vest is required for highway road work?
A: FHWA MUTCD Section 6D.03 requires Class 2 Type R as the minimum for all workers within the right-of-way of Federal-aid highways. Flaggers must wear Class 2 or 3. Night work and high-speed highways above 55 mph typically require Class 3 per state DOT and OSHA guidance.
Q: What do Performance Types O, R, and P mean?
A: Type O (off-road) is for non-roadway environments such as warehouses. Type R (roadway) is for public road right-of-way work as required by FHWA MUTCD. Type P (public safety) is for emergency responders who may need to rapidly remove the garment via breakaway closures.
Q: Is fluorescent yellow or orange better for hi-vis visibility?
A: Both are ANSI 107-approved. Research shows fluorescent yellow-green achieves higher daytime conspicuity across diverse backgrounds year-round. Fluorescent orange-red is traditional for construction and provides strong contrast in low-vegetation environments. Either meets ANSI 107 unless your jurisdiction or contract specifies a preferred color.
Q: How often must hi-vis garments be replaced?
A: ANSI 107-2020 does not mandate a specific replacement interval, but garments must be replaced when retroreflective tape delaminates, fluorescent panels fade visibly, or material areas fall below class minimums. Inspect before each use and assess fluorescent fading monthly.
Q: Can a Class 2 vest be worn for warehouse forklift operations?
A: Yes. Class 2 Type O is the consensus recommendation in OSHA guidance for powered industrial truck environments. OSHA does not mandate a specific class but enforces hi-vis through the General Duty Clause and 29 CFR 1910.132 hazard assessments when forklifts and pedestrians share the same space.
Q: What is combined-performance material in ANSI 107?
A: Combined-performance (CP) material integrates fluorescent background color and retroreflective properties into one fabric layer. It must simultaneously meet photometric minimums for daytime luminance factor and nighttime retroreflectivity. CP material is common in high-end Class 3 and FR hi-vis garments where minimizing layers matters.
Q: What does a compliant ANSI 107-2020 label include?
A: Per ANSI 107-2020 Section 11, compliant garments must show: the standard designation (ANSI/ISEA 107-2020), performance class (1, 2, or 3), performance type (O, R, or P), manufacturer name, garment size, and care instructions. Labels showing only “ANSI 107” without a year, or showing a year before 2020, are from older editions.
Q: Does ANSI 107-2020 cover hard hat covers and gloves?
A: Yes. The 2020 standard includes performance requirements for accessories including hard hat covers, headwear, gloves, and sleeves. These accessories must independently meet photometric standards for the class they claim but are not credited toward the main garment's minimum area requirements.
Q: How do I wash a hi-vis vest without damaging retroreflective tape?
A: Use warm (not hot) water, gentle cycle, inside out. Do not bleach or dry-clean. Tumble dry on low or hang to dry. Do not fold retroreflective stripes in storage. ANSI 107 mandates retroreflective material survive 25 standardized wash cycles per Annex B procedures.
Q: When did FHWA make hi-vis apparel mandatory for Federal-aid highway workers?
A: November 24, 2008, when the 2009 MUTCD took effect. All Federal-aid highway construction and maintenance contracts since that date must include and enforce ANSI 107 Class 2 Type R as the minimum standard for all workers in the right-of-way.
Q: Can a Class 3 vest be achieved with just a vest garment?
A: Generally no. Class 3 requires 1,240 square inches of background material and 310 square inches of retroreflective material. Most vest designs cannot achieve these totals. Class 3 typically requires a full jacket combined with compliant pants or coveralls to reach the minimum background area.
Q: What is OSHA 29 CFR 1926.201 and how does it relate to ANSI 107?
A: 29 CFR 1926.201 is the OSHA construction standard for flaggers. It explicitly requires flaggers to wear ANSI/ISEA 107-compliant high-visibility vests, shirts, or jackets at Performance Class 2 or 3. It is one of the few OSHA standards that directly mandates ANSI 107 compliance by name.
Q: What is the minimum retroreflective coefficient required by ANSI 107?
A: Per ASTM E810, Class 1 retroreflective material must achieve a minimum Ra of 330 cd·lx−¹·m−² at 0° observation angle and −4° entrance angle. Class 2 and 3 require higher minimums. Values must be maintained after 25 wash cycles per ANSI 107 Annex B.
Q: Do FR hi-vis garments need to meet both ANSI 107 and NFPA 2112?
A: Yes. Workers in petrochemical or utility environments with both traffic exposure and flash fire or arc flash hazards need garments independently certified to ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 for visibility and to NFPA 2112 or ASTM F1506 for flame resistance. A standard hi-vis vest worn over an FR base layer does not create a compliant FR hi-vis ensemble.
Q: Are school crossing guards required to wear Class 2 or Class 3?
A: FHWA guidance and most state DOT standards require crossing guards to wear at minimum ANSI 107 Class 2 Type R. Many jurisdictions require Class 3 given low-speed but high-pedestrian-traffic environments and frequently poor lighting conditions at school start and dismissal times.
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WC Safety participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Outbound Amazon links are affiliate links. We accept no manufacturer payment, sponsorship, or product samples. This content is not medical, legal, or regulatory advice. Safety equipment selection is governed by applicable OSHA standards and your facility's safety program.