How to Choose Between an ANSI Class 2 and Class 3 Safety Vest for Your Team |

When it comes to worker safety, one of the most important decisions is ensuring your team wears the best safety vest for the job. Whether you’re in construction, traffic control, or emergency services, choosing the correct ANSI-rated vest is crucial for visibility and protection. The ANSI Class 2 safety vest and a Class 3 safety vest are designed for different levels of visibility and risk, so understanding which one to choose for your team can make all the difference in ensuring compliance with safety standards and keeping your workforce safe.

Understanding the ANSI Class 2 Safety Vest

ANSI Class 2 safety vests are designed for workers who operate in environments where visibility is important but not necessarily in high-risk or high-speed areas. These vests provide a moderate level of visibility with reflective materials and brightly colored fluorescent fabric, typically in colors like orange, yellow-green, or lime. Workers who wear Class 2 vests are often exposed to low-traffic or slower-moving vehicles, such as in construction zones on roads with lower speed limits or during daylight hours.

Key Features of the Safety Vest Class 2

Reflective strips covering at least 360 degrees of the wearer’s body
Minimum of 201 square inches of reflective material
Often worn by workers in areas with medium traffic or non-vehicular operations, such as warehouse staff or flaggers

These vests are perfect for workers who need to be visible but aren’t exposed to high-speed traffic, making them ideal for moderate-risk environments.

Understanding the ANSI Class 3 Safety Vest

ANSI Class 3 safety vests are designed for workers who operate in high-risk environments, particularly those exposed to high-speed traffic or low visibility conditions, such as nighttime or inclement weather. Class 3 vests provide the highest level of visibility, offering more reflective material and a greater surface area of fluorescent fabric. This extra visibility is essential for workers in construction zones on highways, emergency responders, or traffic controllers working at night or in low-light conditions.

Key Features of the Safety Vest Class 3

Maximum visibility with reflective strips that cover the torso, shoulders, and arms
At least 310 square inches of reflective material
Typically worn by workers near fast-moving traffic or in poorly lit environments

Class 3 vests are required for workers exposed to the highest risk, ensuring they are visible from a greater distance, even in challenging conditions.

Choosing the Best Safety Vest for Your Team

When deciding between the ANSI Class 2 safety vest and Class 3 safety vest for your team, consider the following factors:

Work Environment: Determine whether workers are in a moderate-risk or high-risk environment. Class 2 vests are sufficient for low-traffic areas, while Class 3 vests are necessary for high-speed traffic zones or poor visibility conditions.
Traffic Speed and Conditions: If workers are exposed to fast-moving vehicles (50 mph or more), ANSI Class 3 safety vests are the best option. For areas with slower traffic or lower visibility risks, Class 2 may be enough.
Time of Day: If your team works primarily during the day or in well-lit conditions, a Class 2 vest is often sufficient. For nighttime or low-light operations, Class 3 vests offer the visibility needed for safety.
Compliance and Safety Regulations: Ensure that the vest you choose meets the regulatory standards for your industry and complies with ANSI safety guidelines. Many workplaces or job sites require specific classifications based on the nature of the work.

Shop the Best Safety Vest for Your Team: ANSI Class 2 Safety Vest and Class 3 Safety Vest

At Equipment Direct, we understand the importance of worker safety, and we’re here to help you choose the right safety vests for your team. Whether you need ANSI Class 2 or Class 3 safety vests, we offer a wide selection of high-quality products at affordable prices. Our team can help you find the perfect vest to meet your needs, ensuring compliance with safety standards and keeping your workers protected. Because when it comes to safety, we’re here to make sure you’re covered.

Explore our collection today and find the right safety gear for your team!