A Green Safety Vest vs. Orange: Which Color Is Best for Your Class 2 Vests?

When it comes to high-visibility safety gear, the color of your safety vest plays an important role in ensuring visibility and compliance with safety standards. Among the most commonly used colors are an orange and lime green safety vest. Both of these colors are often chosen for Class 2 vests, but which one is the best option for your specific needs?

What Are Class 2 Vests?

ANSI (American National Standards Institute) Class 2 vests are designed for workers in environments where traffic is moving at speeds between 25-50 mph, such as on highways, construction sites, or around heavy machinery. According to ANSI/ISEA 107 standards, these vests offer a higher level of visibility than Class 1 vests, featuring both high-visibility fluorescent colors and reflective materials. The primary goal is to ensure that workers are clearly seen, even in low-light conditions or busy work environments.

A Lime Green Safety Vest: Bright, Bold, and Highly Visible

Lime-colored safety vests are a popular choice due to their bright, eye-catching color. The fluorescent green hue offers excellent contrast against a variety of backgrounds, including grass, concrete, or asphalt. The color is especially effective in daylight, making it a great option for daytime work on busy roadways or construction sites.

One of the major benefits of lime green is its superior visibility in natural light. Workers wearing lime green safety vests are more easily spotted from a distance, which is crucial for preventing accidents in high-traffic areas. The bright green also works well in conjunction with the reflective strips required for Class 2 vests, improving visibility in low-light conditions like dusk or during nighttime work.

Orange Safety Vests: Traditional and Effective

Orange safety vests have been a staple in high-visibility gear for years. The fluorescent orange color is known for its visibility and is often associated with traffic control and construction zones. Like lime green, orange is highly visible during the day and works effectively with reflective materials to meet Class 2 vest standards.

While orange safety vests are a classic choice, they tend to blend in more in environments with a lot of brown or earthy tones (such as dirt, sand, or fall foliage). However, their high visibility against vehicles and machinery, especially in traffic-heavy areas, makes them a trusted color for Class 2 vests, particularly in situations where workers need to stand out among a sea of traffic cones and signs.

Class 2 Vests: Should I Choose an Orange or Green Safety Vest?

Both lime green and orange safety vests meet the ANSI Class 2 standards, ensuring that workers are visible and safe in high-risk environments. The decision between the two colors often comes down to environmental factors and personal preferences:

• Lime Green: If your worksite involves a lot of natural surroundings, such as greenery, or if visibility in daylight is a key concern, a lime green safety vest might be the better option. It stands out sharply against both natural and urban backgrounds, making it ideal for outdoor jobs where workers need to be seen from a distance in daylight.
• Orange: If your worksite is dominated by neutral or earth tones, or if your environment already uses orange for signage and traffic control, an orange safety vest can be the perfect choice. It’s a traditional color that’s known to be effective in both daylight and under artificial light.

Shop Our Collection of Class 2 Safety Vests

At Equipment Direct, we understand the importance of safety and visibility on the job. Whether you need Class 2 vests in lime green, orange, or other safety gear, we offer a wide selection of high-quality, ANSI-compliant products to meet your needs. Our team can help you choose the right safety gear for your specific requirements, ensuring that your workers stay protected and visible, no matter the job.

Shop our entire collection of class 2 safety vests.