The ANSI standard for high-visibility apparel has begun to mature since it was first written and published in June of 1999. When first conceived this new apparel was expensive and very hot to wear because of its polyester fabric and retro-reflective material construction.
The ANSI standard has detailed specifications for the area of the background fabric and the retro-reflective material as well as defined coverage areas for the garment to pass its compliance inspections. Retro-reflective trim on the garment, whether sewn or laminated, is required for low level light and/or nighttime visibility. It is also needed in increasing amounts of square inches as you increase in the ANSI classes upward.
According to specifications, the ANSI class II standard requires a minimum of (201) square inches of retro-reflective material and (775) square inches of background material. In addition, the ANSI class III standard requires a minimum of (310) square inches of retro-reflective material and (1,240) square inches of fluorescent background material. In 2004, the ANSI standard (107-1999) was modified to what the current specifications is today (107-2004).
In the beginning, ANSI safety apparel was very limited in its availability and the apparel options didn't include much beyond ANSI vests. From the start, apparel manufacturers have been working to develop and expand product offerings to increase comfort and productivity, with moisture management fabric, wicking finishes, breathable ANSI III Bombers, high visibility 3-season jackets, ANSI windbreakers and ANSI III sweatshirts.
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