In November 2006, the ANSI/ISEA 207-2006 voluntary standard was announced for high-visibility safety vests used by fire departments, emergency responders, Department of Transportation officials and law enforcement. The National Traffic Incident Management Coalition, representing the public safety industry, was involved in the development of the standard.

One reason for the new standard was the recognition of the need for public safety employees to be easily identifiable and visible in emergency situations and multi-agency incidents. Another was that these occupations need special garments that can facilitate gear. For example, the design of a compliant vest would allow access to medical equipment or to gear carried on belts, such as radios and guns. Safety Vests made in accordance with the new 207-2006 standard have higher visibility, with checkered color-coded retro-reflective striping. The design may include an identification panel and /or trim on the vest with the following colors: red for fire officials, green for emergency responders, orange for DOT personnel, and blue for law enforcement.

This new standard was pushed through at a rapid speed. One reason it was able to be fast-tracked was because of the well-developed and widely accepted ANSI/ISEA 107-2004 American National Standard for High-Visibility Safety Apparel, which has many of the same guidelines concerning the quality and performance of the materials used to make highly visible garments. For example, both standards specify how to measure the luminance of fluorescent color fabrics before and after being exposed to perspiration and laundering.

These types of recommendations have a tendency to become regulations. At this point in time OSHA does not require that safety vests to be worn, though local authorities and states may. The complete standard can be purchased from ISEA at www.safetyequipment.org.

About the Author

Michelle Rose is currently a consultant for Utility Safeguard. Her main interests are health and safety. For safety vests or more information, go to: http://www.utilitysafeguard.com