Performance Clothing USA

The ABC’s of a GOOD Safety Vest

American National Standard for High Visibility (ANSI)
Safety Apparel ANSI 107/2004

Who is ANSI?
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a private, non-profit organization (501C3) that administers and coordinates the U.S. voluntary consensus standardization and conformity assessment system.

The Institute’s mission is to enhance both the global competitiveness of U.S. business and the U.S. quality of life by promoting and facilitating voluntary consensus standards and conformity assessment systems, and safeguarding their integrity.

What is ANSI 107/2004?
ANSI 107/2004 is a voluntary industry consensus standard that specifies the requirements for PPE (personal protective equipment) that is capable of visually signaling the user’s presence and represents a revision to ANSI 107/1999.

Before the first publication of this standard in 1999 there was no regulation or guideline for the design, performance or materials for high-visibility apparel in the United States.

Since 1999, the standard has been recognized by various federal, state and local authorities as well as private industry entities. The PPE covered by this standard are deemed to be effective at mitigating struck-by hazards.

Significant changes to the first edition (ANSI 107/1999) include recognition of headwear as high-visibility products, the distinction between woven and knitted fabrics as background material, and removal of previous test criteria that added no value. The appendices have been expanded to include additional examples of garment designs and now include standard test reports and an apparel and headwear compliance certificate.

The ANSI 107/2004 standard was developed with the understanding that competing hazards exists for workers that need high-visibility PPE. Other competing hazards such as severe heat/flame exposures require the use of protective garments designed to mitigate heat/flame levels that are addressed in such standards as NFPA 1951, NFPA 1971, NFPA 1977 and NFPA 1999.

The use of high-temperature flame and heat-resistant shell materials may not be compatible with fluorescent pigments. Garments used for protection from high-temperature flame and heat, such as first responder protective garments or garments for utility workers, can enhance visibility by incorporating both fluorescent and retro reflective trim to garments worn by workers exposed to the hazards of “low-light conditions” and moving traffic or rescue equipment.

ANSI 107/2004 sets performance criteria and guidelines for the selection, design, and wearing of high visibility safety clothing. The standard defines three protective classes based on the amount of fluorescent background material and retro-reflective material used and various design and usage requirements. ANSI 107/2004 also outlines criteria that will help users choose the appropriate garment based on an assessment of roadway hazards and work tasks, complexity of the work environment or background, and vehicular traffic and speed. The classes of protection are summarized as follows:

CLASS I GARMENTS
are intended for use in activities that permit the wearer’s full and undivided attention to approaching traffic. They also permit optimum conspicuity in backgrounds that are not complex. There should be ample separation of the worker from vehicle traffic, which should be traveling no faster than 25 miles per hour.

Examples of workers who use Class I garments:
• People retrieving shopping carts from parking lots
• Workers exposed to warehouse equipment traffic
• Roadside “right of way” or sidewalk maintenance workers
• Delivery drivers

CLASS II GARMENTS
are intended for use in activities where greater visibility is necessary during inclement weather conditions or in work environments with risks that exceed those for Class I. Garments in this class also cover workers who perform tasks that divert their attention from approaching traffic, or that put them in close proximity to passing vehicles traveling at 25 miles per hour or reduced sight-distances or when complex backgrounds are present.
Examples of workers who use Class II garments:
• Forestry operations
• Ship cargo loading operations
• Roadway construction, utility and railway workers
• School crossing guards
• Airport baggage handlers/ground crew
• Emergency response and law enforcement personnel
• Trash collection and recycling operations
• Survey Crews
• Parking lot attendants/shopping cart retrievers/and / or toll booth personnel
• Accident site investigators

CLASS III GARMENTS
provide the highest level of visibility, and are intended for workers who face serious hazards and often have high task loads that require attention away from their surroundings. Garments for these workers should provide enhanced visibility to more of the body, such as the arms and legs. where risks exceed those in Class 2. workers are exposed to traffic exceeding 50 mph; the wearer must be conspicuous through the full range of body motions at a minimum of 390 m (1280 feet), and must be identifiable as a person.

Examples of workers who use Class III garments include:
• Roadway construction personnel and flag persons
• Utility workers
• Survey crews
• Emergency response personnel

ANSI 107/2004 Garment Class Requirements

Requirement Class 1 Garment Class 2 Garment Class 3 Garment
Background Material Minimum Area 217 square inches (0.14m2) 775 square inches (0.50m2) 1,240 square inches (0.80m2)

Retro-reflective or
combined material used without
background material 155 square inches(0.10m2) 201 square inches (0.13m2) 310 square inches (0.20m2)

Combined-performance material
used without background material 310 square inches (0.20m2) Not Applicable Not Applicable

Minimum width of retro-reflective 1 inch (25mm) 1 inch (25mm) 1 inch (25mm)
bands 2 inch (50mm) 2 inch (50mm) 2 inch (50mm)

Minimum number of yards per 4.3 yards of 1 inch (3.94 mtrs) 5.59 yards of 1 inch(5.11 mtrs) 8.61 yards of 1 inch (7.88 mtrs)
retro-reflective band width 2.15 yards of 2 inch (1.97 mtrs) 2.8 yards of 2 inch (2.56 mtrs) 4.3 yards of 2 inch (3.94 mtrs)

Fluorescent Background Fabric
The ANSI 107/20 04 standard requires certification of the fluorescent background fabric to specific chromaticity minimums. Chromaticity is the measurement of the brightness and purity of color of fluorescent fabrics. Several different colors are available and may be able to meet the chromaticity minimums of the standard. However, the most popular safety colors in use are yellow and orange.

Fluorescent fabrics are brighter to the human eye than non-fluorescent fabrics. What makes them so effective is the combination of high luminescence contrast and high color contrast with the surrounding environment.

Improvements in the durability (colorfastness) of the special pigments used to dye the fabrics over the last 10 years allow the modern versions of these fabrics to maintain their vivid coloration longer.

It is commonly and mistakenly believed that fluorescent fabrics “glow in the dark”. Fluorescent photo pigments in the fabrics contain molecules that absorb short wavelengths of light, especially ultra-violet light waves that are re-emitted as low energy, longer wavelengths. This is why fluorescent fabrics are especially vivid on cloudy days or as dawn and dusk when UV light waves are in abundance. Since fluorescent emission only occurs while the fabrics are being irradiated by the light of day, fluorescent fabrics will not glow in the dark.

Which color is safest?
A 1990 survey conducted by the Minnesota DOT displayed four mannequins in fluorescent jumpsuits. State fair attendees were asked to choose the most visible mannequin. The results were

Fluorescent Yellow 5,796
Fluorescent Green 2,706
Fluorescent Orange 2,231
Fluorescent Pink 2,107

Fluorescent Yellow was clearly the most visible color. Not very scientific, however it echoes the millions of dollars and years of research conducted in Europe.

Of the 119 color-impaired attendees surveyed, 97% selected fluorescent yellow. 10% of the male population cannot distinguish colors well.

Fabric Type & Colorfastness
The type of fabric that must be used is specified in the ANSI 107 Standard. Fabric must be tightly knit or woven for background coverage. Thus, open mesh fabrics are not approved as they do not provide the brightness and background coverage to meet the standard. In addition there is a requirement for the fabric to be stain and water-repellant treated as dirty or wet fabrics may not appear to be bright.

Almost all certified garments in use are made from synthetic fabrics such as acrylic, polyester, or polypropylene background fabrics as these are more colorfast to daylight. That is, they hold their fluorescent dye pigments and retain their chromaticity values the longest when exposed to the degrading effects of sunlight. For this reason ANSI 107 requires re-testing the chromaticity of fabrics after a laboratory light exposure test. All fabrics chosen for use in our garments exceed BOTH US (ANSI 107/2004) and European (EN471/2003) standards for colorfastness to light exposure.

Burst strength, Weft Strength, Warp Strength, wearing, Abrasion, Results when Wet..
All of these issues are created, measured and tested. To qualify, the fabric has to equal or exceed the levels set out in ANSI 107/2004 in order to pass.

Retro-Reflective Materials.
Fluorescent fabrics do well to provide protection and visibility during daylight hours. Retro-reflective fabrics are necessary to extend the same level of protective visibility at night. Retro-reflective fabrics are available in two broad classes, enclosed and exposed lens types.

Enclosed lens fabrics or stripes are characterized by their silver glass beads, which are mounted on an aluminum layer, and bonded to a heat-activated adhesive or fabric backing. It is commonly and mistakenly believed that retro-reflective fabrics “light up at night”.

They actually work like a mirror reflecting the light back to its source. Without a light source like automobile headlamps directly in front or behind the sightline these materials will not show.

When the eyes are inline with a light source, the retro-reflective material will reflect an average of 500 candle powers of light back to the source. The reflected color of most bright (500 candle power or better) retro-reflective fabrics is white.

Retro-reflective fabrics can be seen from greater distances on the roadways than dark or fluorescent colored fabrics. In night time testing, drivers recognized road workers in dark or fluorescent fabric from distances of about 100 feet, obviously too close to stop when going more than 15-20mph. White clothing was seen from a distance of 300 feet, still too close for stopping at higher speeds. Bright retro-reflective adorned apparel could be seen from over 650 feet, allowing more time for drivers to react and reduce speed.

ANSI 107/2004 measures the coefficient of retro-reflection using the test procedures found in the American Society for Test and Materials E809 and E810. An independent testing laboratory must first certify that retro-reflective meet ANSI 107/2004 requirements before being used on certified safety apparel. Documentation and certificates of our materials can be found at or by contacting us.

In a Nut shell
For a garment to be labeled ANSI Class 1, 2 or 3, it is required to be ANSI 107/2004 certified. This certification requires many tests by an accredited laboratory to make sure that the garment lives up to the requirements of the standard. Some tests/requirements include:

1. Minimum widths of Retro-reflective or combined-performance materials.
2. Spacing between multiple bands.
3. Distance from bottom edge of garment.
4. Placement of materials on sleeves.
5. Gaps to enable fastening.
6. Contiguous 360 visibility
7. Placement of material on legs.
8. Ergonomics
9. Luminance factor of background material
10. Luminance of retro-reflective and combined performance material.
11. Colorfastness of materials to perspiration, laundering and other exposure.
12. Dimensional changes in materials
13. Mechanical properties of materials: Bursting strength, tear resistance water repellency etc.
14. Measurement of color.
15. Performance after varied temperature exposures.
16. Proper product labeling including care and usage instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions about ANSI 107/2004

When are ANSI certified garments Recommended?
ANSI 107-2004 is such a reliable standard that most governing agencies including OSHA will require the use of ANSI 107-2004 certified hi-vis garments. When in doubt. check with your local OSHA office or governing agency.

What class of reflectivity is right for my agency?
For most public safety end users, class2 is recommended. The exceptions are users who spend most or all of their time exposed to high speed traffic on poorly lit roadways.

Do entire safety garments need to be certified to ANSI 107/2004 by a laboratory?
No, only for the background materials and retro-reflective components. Some manufacturers choose to “self-certify” that their garments meet all design requirements of ANSI 107/2004.

My current coat or vest has reflective on it, how do I know if it meets ANSI 107/2004?
It will be labeled ANIS 107/2004 certified on a garment label. If it does not carry the certification label, it probably does not comply with the standard.

Can my vest be washed?
Yes, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically our vests are certified to 50 machine washes and 5 dry clean cycles, and you can iron them if you so wish.

How do I know if my vest is still effective?
The retro-reflective striping should last almost indefinitely in normal use. Worn, or peeling reflective surfaces, changes of color, faded background material indicate vest failure. Hi-vis yellow tends to turn white and fluorescent orange turns a pale orange/yellow.

Are there vests that breakaway when caught or snagged?
Yes, our new vests have a copyrighted breakaway design which will separate at strategic places if caught or snagged, for example on a car mirror.

How do we know what ANSI class garment we need?
Note: Figuring out what class garment you need for any given situation is NOT an exact science. In fact, the new 107-2004 seems to be deliberately more vague than the 107-1999 it replaced. When in doubt, go with the next higher class. It is always better to err on the side of safety.

Warranty?
Yes we include a limited one-year warranty from the date of manufacture. This covers faulty snaps and any sewn seam that may come undone. Contact the manufacturer for an RMA number and subject to inspection by us, we will repair or replace that panel at our discretion. Our decision is final. We cover NO shipping costs.

Badges & Logos?
Yes badges and logos can e created to adorn your vest. That can be your corporate logo, dept, crests, or labels for job descriptions or ranks. HOWEVER, you must consider that any logo may takeaway visible areas of background fabric and may compromise the ANSI status of that garment. We carefully measure badges and logos to eliminate this possible issue.

Pocket Options?
Pockets can be fitted on our vests. Whether for radios, telephones, gloves or other uses we have a wide variety of options available that can be added to our garments to enhance their practicality.

LEDs, Bells and Whistles?
You may have seen LED equipped vests. Be very careful about them as typically they do not pass the ANSI specs, and therefore maybe novel and pretty, BUT buyer beware. However we have added safety whistles to some vests in the past, that way the wearer had an audible safety device to warn their colleagues of hazards as they approached, far superior to shouting.

Grants?
YES, there are grants available and we are always exploring new contacts for our customers for them. We supply a list of them in our links.

Custom Designs? Out Sizes?
We are a manufacturer, so as such we start with a roll of fabric, what we do with that is up to you. Shape, style, design, features and sizes is all determined by our customers. We try to fit almost everyone, Men, Women, Tall, Short, Petite through to huge.

My Garment has an ANSI label in it, but how can check it complies?
Step 1. Use a measure and calculate the areas as per the table listed above. You have to ADD the background fabric area to the reflective area and ensure that the table requirements are met or exceeded.

Step 2. Ask for the certificates for the background fabric and the reflective. Call the testing houses to ensure they actually issued them.

Step 3. If steps 1 & 2 check out then look at the basic design, it should “look” normal, with no major gaps.

Step 4. After all of that passes muster, you probably have a vest that complies. REMEMBER ASNI themselves do NOT “certify” ANYTHING! The vest may comply with the standard IF all the above falls into place.

I can get a vest cheaper down the road. Why should I buy yours?
You get what you buy. You want cheap! That’s not us; You want good quality, good pricing and security in the knowledge that you have the best, that’s us.

My old vest “lucky” has done me proud for years, why should I change now?
Frankly, it probably doesn’t comply with the new standards and it is probably covered in dirt that won’t wash off. The DOT considers that IF you wear you vest every day for work, its useful life is about 6 months. If you wear your vest as and when needed, more infrequently, then it may last up to 3 yrs. Are you willing to trust your life on an old filthy vest?

Who cares and who’s going to check me? The Gambler! The Shylock! The Cowboy!
Well, no-one! Of course until something happens, then OSHA and a whole raft of Government, Federal and State officials will come out of the woodwork and give you a once over.

The Gambler; Why take chances with safety? Yes, you can gamble on nothing happening, no accidents, no incidents, do you feel lucky?

The Shylock: Yes you do have to spend money to stay safe, but what price is injury or death? By paying less, exactly what are you saving? Money or your life?

The Cowboy: Who cares? Exactly, if you don’t care about your life, then why should anyone else? Apart from your close family, kids, pets, your work colleagues and the medics and doctors and nurses of course. You still don’t value your life? Everybody else does!

Zips, Snaps, Buttons or hook and loop?
Zip fittings are available, We normally use metal snaps. Hook and loop generates static electricity and wears out by getting full of fluff, so we prefer not to recommend it, as well as hook and loop damaging other parts of your clothing if not closed correctly.

NFPA 701? Flame Retardant?
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT! Over time we have tested many vests from across the country. MOST, by far are HIGHLY flammable. One match and the vest propagates flames quickly and easily. AS STANDARD our vest are made from a fabric that is inherently flame retardant to NFPA 701 small flame standard. AT NO EXTRA COST. This does NOT wash out, fade or reduce. So why are you even considering a “safety” vest that is flammable?

Dipped, Coated or inherently FR, which is best?
Fabrics can be made flame retardant in a few ways. It can be dipped in a bath or it can be sprayed. Either way, as it is a surface treatment it can and does wash and wear off. It is far superior to make the fabric “inherently” flame retardant using new high tech proprietary methods whereby the FR features cannot be washed out or worn off. The fabrics we use standard is INHERRANTLY flame retardant and have been independently tested and certified to NFPA 701 small flame test.

Bulk packed or individually packed?
Whichever way our customer prefers.

Labels, Hanging Loops, Radio Loops.
As a quality manufacturer it is crucial to extend the knowledge and guidelines of garment use to the end user. As such our labels carry extended details so that the information gets right down to the frontline. We include a strong hanging loop on each garment as standard. Radio loops for the actual radio and/or the microphone can be included on our vests.

High Contrast/High Definition Edging.
Florescent yellows and oranges are extremely good and being seen over distances, however we have pioneered the use of high contrast/high definition vests. These vests are edged with dark bias edging which makes them REALLY stand out. Especially in high movement, busy places, like public events, mass transit, and busy freeways in poor lighting or poor weather conditions. Our new designs have been thoroughly tested and are copyrighted and patented.

Quantity Orders, Large or Small
We are not a huge scale production manufacturer. We prefer to understand our customers’ needs and requirements and cater to directly to that. As such whether you need large volumes or small orders we cater to both markets.

Like this design but with…
If you would like certain features or designs incorporated into a vest we can work with you directly in order to focus on an idea and deliver you the garment you desire.

Terms & Conditions and Payment
Our terms are simple. We will work closely with you in order to ensure we can or cannot build the garment of your choice. We ask for your formal purchase order and pre-payment. We build your garments and ship them out to you with a receipt and our thanks for your business.

Our Background, Experience, Knowledge,
Europe has had extremely powerful legislation in place with regard to hi-vis for years. They spent years doing the scientific research, millions of dollars and now lead the world in quality, materials and enforcement. The team here led that pioneering field in Europe from the early nineties and as such has not only years of experience but knows the best way to deliver the right product at the right price for you. Dealing with governments, emergency services, multi-nationals and small firms along the way, new materials were developed, new techniques were tested and the net result is what we have to offer here today. We bring you, experience, knowledge, understanding and will to make it happen for you.

Shipping & Packaging
We pride ourselves in our work therefore we want it to get to you in one piece, but not at extortionate rates of some carriers. We pack the product and then ship to you the way you prefer, either because of speed or cost, your choice. We invoice you the shipping at cost and packaging at competitive rates.

Bar Coding
Yes, we can bar code each panel or a single vest. We work with our customers to integrate that data to ensure a smooth through put as our products get delivered. Bar coding can assist in stock control, usage, tracking and personnel identification should the need arise.

Sequential Numbering
Yes, we can sequentially each panel or a single vest. We work with our customers to integrate that data to ensure a smooth through put as our products get delivered. Sequential numbering can assist in stock control, usage, tracking and personnel identification should the need arise.

Panel Purchase instead of Whole Vest Program
We are unique in many ways, but one innovative way to help you save costs is by using our simple yet very effective panel replacement program (PRP). Under contract, certain levels are established of garments issued to your staff for a roll-out period. After that period with other manufacturers you would have to buy a new vest should the need arise. However, we appreciate your business and want to keep it, so we can sell you an exact replacement for one panel of a garment if that is all you needed. That way you can control the costs on an ongoing basis and the savings for this type of program can be considerable. Our vests are copyrighted and patented and therefore cannot be supplied by any other party.

Corporate Design within ANSI
You spent a small fortune on your corporate uniform and now you have to cover it up with a safety vest that may look like everyone else out there? Wrong, we can work with you and bring our extensive experience to the table to design a garment that reflects the time and money you have already invested in your corporate uniform.

Patenting and Copyrighting
As manufacturers we pride ourselves on our work, this includes our designs and the materials we invest in. As such it may be a complement to others to have their ideas and creations copied, but we do not appreciate it. Therefore we copyright and patent our design, ideas and creations where possible in order to protect them, our workforce and customers. We have several security sensitive customers as have created “special” designs and security features for them. So it was a natural decision to add to that security that we employ these and other methods to secure these products and knowledge.

Corporate Staff Training
As with all large corporates, or governmental groups, to get the detailed information right down to guys in the frontline requires training and communication. We can assist our customers on the detailed information that helps the end-user benefit from wearing these garments in the best and most appropriate way.

Roll-Out
With large corporate or Federal or State organizations there is almost always a roll-out of new products. As such we can work with our customers to ensure a smooth

Sampling
If you are not sure what your design will look like we can make up a sample for your consideration at competitive rates.

Ergonomics and Fit
Our most popular design is a one size fits most. Unlike most other expandable vests which are more like before dinner, after dinner. Our design is good fit for a 44 inch chest all the way through to a very generous 68 inch chest. All neatly stowed for use. Whether it’s a hot sunny day and you’re wearing a polo shirt or the depths of a hard winter snow, when you are cocooned in many layers and even a fire-fighters turnout coat on top. One vest fits most.

Fabric Options
Our STANDARD fabric is inherently flame retardant to NFPA 701 small flame test and also complies and exceeds both ANSI 107/2004 and EN471/2003. We carry two colors in stock, Florescent yellow and florescent orange. There are other fabrics made, but we feel this fabric sets its own standards of comfort, breathable, light, yet strong and fully compliant.

Stripe Options
ANSI 107/2004 sets out minimum areas of reflective and background fabric. It “suggests’ different layouts for the reflective, however these layouts are not set in stone and there is some flexibility in laying out the stripes.

Law Enforcement
We are asked many times, should law enforcement wear a safety vest? YES! Law enforcement is a difficult job; more and more officers are being killed or seriously injured during traffic stops simply because they could not be seen. It is clean and simple. You NEED to be seen! So when on traffic duty, PLEASE, wear at least a class 2, break-away vest.

Fire Fighters
We are asked many times, should fire-fighters wear a safety vest? YES! Fire-fighters should. Rescue work is a difficult job; more and more officers are being killed or seriously injured during roadside rescues simply because they could not be seen. You NEED to be seen! So when attending a roadside incident, PLEASE, wear at least a class 2, break-away vest.

EMT’s
Again similar to firefighters and law enforcement, think safe, keep safe.

CERT
Should members of CERT wear hi-vis? Simple, YES! Because they are called upon in times of emergencies, flood, fires, hurricanes, earthquakes and the like. Members of the public need to feel safe, as such they look for leadership, guidance etc A yellow vest in a field of devastation shows them you there, help is there, but also if YOU get into trouble, it is way easier find YOU if you need help. It’s a two way street.

Search & Rescue Teams
Again, YES! Much like CERT teams above.

Coast Guard
Typically any seaborne activities require a buoyancy aid to be worn. Those are normally orange. Those devices normally carry reflective on them which have to conform to another standard called Safety of Life at sea (SOLAS). Our vests do NOT conform to SOLAS, however if you have nothing else available then one of our vests would be extremely useful in locating you should you not have a reflective flotation device.

Stadiums and Major Public Events
Any stadium or major public event has one thing in common, people! They are everywhere. So in order to assist the massing crowds people help guide the traffic, extend security patrols, and attend to any first aid needs the crowds may have. That can be at a ball game or an air display. Either way the confusing background of faces, bodies, movement and general malaise has an insidious cloaking effect. Therefore should you have people that the public may need to ask or turn to for information or emergencies, then they should be wearing a class two vest which will assist them to stand out from the huddled masses?

School Bus Drivers/Bus Drivers
We trust these drivers with our precious gifts, our kids. What if the bus breaks down, where, when, how will that responsible person handle the situation? Can they safely evacuate the kids/passengers in an orderly fashion amid high speed passing traffic on a rainy Friday night? We cannot be there to help them ourselves but we can at least ensure their safety which in turn will help our kids. So yes they need a good class 2 vest for emergency use.

Military Users
Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines need safety just as much as everybody else does. Sometimes even more. For example; A section of guys go out for a training run, all dressed in camouflage, it’s dusk, a quite isolated road, the clouds move in and what chance does a car have of spotting them, so at least the guys at the front and the back should be wearing a class 2 vest. Also in times of emergencies they may be called upon to conduct traffic duties, and finally in training and search and rescue missions a member might become isolated. Much easier to find them if they are wearing one of our vests.

Career Person, Volunteer, or Part-Timer
It does not matter which of the above you are, there is NO distinction when it comes to hi vis regulations and recommendations. If your risk assessment says that job needs a vest, you need a vest.

What does the Law say?
New Law up for voting. background word is that it will pass with a few minor adjustments. The new Law coming in will affect YOU! Check out the Federal register.http://www.safetyequipment.org/fr042406.pdf

SUMMARY.
Ensure you check the quality, design and specifications of your vests. If in doubt what to where ALWAYS move up a class if possible and piratical. When to wear, If you work in or near a road (within 10 feet of the kerb), a railway, a seaport or an airport, or a public event, or you may cause a hazard to others road users by your presence, then where the correct class of vest for the risk, hazard or exposure concerned. As a general guideline you won’t go far wrong with this as a general policy. If in doubt wear a vest!

Disclaimer Notice: It is the intention of these Performance Class Guidelines and Scenarios to serve as an advice and assessment tool only. Certain, specific conditions such as atmospherics, sight/stop-distances, training, regulations, proximity, etc. must be taken into account in any final hazard safety assessment. Vehicle speed should not be considered in isolation to these variables. Extreme conditions might exist which require performance levels in excess of Class 3. PPE should be selected to optimize color conspicuity between the wearer and the work environment

Thank you for your time and consideration. Should you feel we can be of further assistance please feel free to contact us at sales@performanceclothingusa.com.

Links and References:

The Federal Register http://www.safetyequipment.org/fr042406.pdf

Here is a copy directly from the Federal Register of the proposed changes in the law. Please note the DOT would like to consider ALL public roads and not just major highways.

Responder Knowledge Base http://www.rkb.mipt.org/
This Knowledge Base has been built specifically to serve the needs of Emergency Responders. It contains information on currently available products, along with a wealth of related information such as standards, training, and grants. All vendor information is screened before posting. Click here for more information about the Responder Knowledge Base Program.

SATRA http://www.satra.co.uk/
SATRA was founded in 1919 by a visionary group of industrialists and continues to be a not-for-profit organization. SATRA operates from multi-million pound testing and research facilities on two sites in Kettering, Northamptonshire, United Kingdom. SATRA employs more than 180 staff, including the most eminent consumer product technologists and scientists. With more than 1,500 member companies in 70 countries, SATRA prides itself on modern service delivery, coupled with traditional customer care values.
SATRA’s laboratories are accredited for a wide range of tests and procedures.

With 85 years of experience, SATRA stands head and shoulders above other commercial laboratories, particularly in its problem-solving abilities and specialist knowledge where the consumer product boundaries merge. SATRA is a non-bureaucratic and user-friendly establishment. We welcome many visitors from around the world every year, as well as traveling hundreds of thousands of miles to deliver SATRA’s services.

ANSI http://www.ansi.org/
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) coordinates the development and use of voluntary consensus standards in the United States and represents the needs and views of U.S. stakeholders in standardization forums around the globe.

The Institute oversees the creation, promulgation and use of thousands of norms and guidelines that directly impact businesses in nearly every sector: from acoustical devices to construction equipment, from dairy and livestock production to energy distribution, and many more. ANSI is also actively engaged in accrediting programs that assess conformance to standards – including globally-recognized cross-sector programs such as the ISO 9000 (quality) and ISO 14000 (environmental) management systems.

NFPA http://www.nfpa.org/
The authority on fire, electrical, and building safety.
The mission of the international nonprofit NFPA is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education. NFPA membership totals more than 79,000 individuals from around the world and more than 80 national trade and professional organizations.

Established in 1896, NFPA serves as the world’s leading advocate of fire prevention and is an authoritative source on public safety. In fact, NFPA’s 300 codes and standards influence every building, process, service, design, and installation in the United States, as well as many of those used in other countries. NFPA’s focus on true consensus has helped the association’s code-development process earn accreditation from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

CFDA http://www.cfda.gov
The online Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance gives you access to a database of all Federal programs available to State and local governments (including the District of Columbia); federally -recognized Indian tribal governments; Territories (and possessions) of the United States; domestic public, quasi-public, and private profit and nonprofit organizations and institutions; specialized groups; and individuals. After you find the program you want, contact the office that administers the program and find out how to apply.

Department of Homeland Security. DHS http://www.dhs.gov/xres/grants/
Open For Business centralizes information to let every business in America know how to work with the Department of Homeland Security. Designed to assist the business community, we include links to contracts, grants, small business opportunities, research and development and contacts.

The Office of Grants and Training. DHS http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/odp/training.htm
The goal of G&T grant program is to provide funding to enhance the capacity of state and local jurisdictions to prevent, respond to, and recover from incidents of terrorism involving chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or explosive (CBRNE) weapons and cyber attacks. G&T’s grant programs were initiated in 1998, and currently provide funds to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Firefighters Grant Program. DHS http://www.firegrantsupport.com/
A program of the Preparedness Directorate’s Office of Grants and Training in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, grants are awarded to fire departments to enhance their ability to protect the public and fire service personnel from fire and related hazards. Three types of grants are available: Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S), and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER). This Website provides a description of the three types of grants available and offers resources to help fire departments prepare and submit grant requests.

AGP Overview. DHS http://www.firegrantsupport.com/afg/
The primary goal of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical services organizations. Since 2001, AFG has helped firefighters and other first responders to obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards. The Office of Grants and Training in the Department of Homeland Security administers the grants in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration. For fiscal year 2005, Congress reauthorized the Assistance to Firefighters Grants for an additional 5 years through 2010.

Grant Writing Training http://www.grantwritingusa.com/
Whether you’re a beginning grant writer who’s just getting started or a seasoned pro ready to move to your next level of performance, Grant Writing USA can help you get there.

They deliver training programs and workshops across America that dramatically enhance performance in the areas of grant writing, grant maker research and relations, program planning, and personal and organizational excellence. Each element plays an important role in grant writing success and all are covered in our signature two-day workshop.

They are solely focused on delivering a learning experience that absolutely sizzles – the kind of experience that gets people excited about the limitless possibilities of their work and imparts significant information in a way that’s firmly retained, easily recalled, and immediately applicable. And they accomplish this in a setting that’s 100% professional and as inspiring as it is educational.

USFA Grants and Funding http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/grants/
This page contains information on financial assistance available from the U.S. Fire Administration and other Federal agencies for fire departments and other first responders. Highlighted information includes the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance and ideas for funding alternatives.

FEMA http://www.fema.gov/
DISASTER. It strikes anytime, anywhere. It takes many forms — a hurricane, an earthquake, a tornado, a flood, a fire or a hazardous spill, an act of nature or an act of terrorism. It builds over days or weeks, or hits suddenly, without warning. Every year, millions of Americans face disaster, and its terrifying consequences.

On March 1, 2003, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). FEMA’s continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program.

DOJ http://www.usdoj.gov/10grants/index.html
The Department offers funding opportunities to conduct research, to support law enforcement activities in state and local jurisdictions, to provide training and technical assistance, and to implement programs that improve the criminal justice system.

The Office of Justice Programs offers federal financial assistance to scholars, practitioners, experts, and state and local governments and agencies. Many of the program bureaus and offices award formula grants to state agencies, which, in turn, subgrant funds to units of state and local government. Discretionary grant funds are announced in the Federal Register or through program solicitations that can also be found through bureau and OJP Websites. Funding Opportunities at OJP provides links to application kits, current funding opportunities listed by source, the Grants Management System (GMS), and the GMS Application Procedures Handbook, a step-by-step guide to applying for grants online.

OJP http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/funding/
Our agency, as well as all Federal grant-making agencies have partnered with Grants.gov, the Federal Governments free, single and secure Internet source for all Federal grants to expand postings of grant announcements. Now you can Find and Apply for our Federal grant programs on Grants.gov. Plus, at Grants.gov you can Find and Apply for more than $400 billion in annual grants from all Federal grant-making agencies.

State Administering Agencies. OJP http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/saa/
Many OJP formula grants are awarded directly to state governments, which then set priorities and allocate funds within that state. For more information on how a state intends to distribute formula grant funds, contact the administering state agency. For each state, a list of formula grant points of contact is available by clicking on that state in the map below, or choosing from the drop menu at the bottom of the page. If you are using grant monies for Information Technology, you can comply with the special condition by contacting the IT Point-of-Contact from your state.

Inter Agency Board. IAB http://iab.gov/
The InterAgency Board (IAB) for Equipment Standardization and Interoperability is designed to establish and coordinate local, state, and federal standardization, interoperability, compatibility, and responder health and safety to prepare for, train and respond to, mitigate, and recover from any incident by identifying requirements for an all-hazards incident response with a special emphasis on Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear or Explosive (CBRNE) issues. “Out of many, ONE”

Families for Roadside Safety, Inc. www.f-o-r-s.com OR www.familiesforroadsidesafety.org
Our law enforcement officers and rescue workers risk their lives everyday to ensure the safety of the public. It is due time that the public does something to ensure the safety of these very people. With that in mind, F.O.R.S. Inc. was developed. F.O.R.S.’s proposals were gathered from the input of concerned citizens, law enforcement officers and their families

Fire Grants USFA Fire Grants information http://firegrants.info/
2006 ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANTS ARE OPEN
The US Fire Administration (USFA) of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has begun conducting technical assistance workshops for potential applicants. The program is expected to be similar in scope to last year.

In fiscal year 2006, Congress reauthorized the AFG and appropriated a total of $665,000,000 to the Department of Homeland Security’s Office for Domestic Preparedness (ODP) to carry out the activities of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. Of that amount, $65,000,000 of the total appropriation will be used for the relatively recent SAFER grants.

This site will provide you with information, tips, and updates to help make you more successful at obtaining funds for your fire department through the 2006 Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program.

The Assistance to Firefighters grant program has become a prominent component of federal support for first responders. These direct federal-to-local grants are further distinguished by the fact that each fire department is allowed to submit only one application, spreading out the funding to as many departments across the country as possible.

The program’s structure enables fire departments to fund multiple activities within a broad category. Now administered under the Department of Homeland Security, the federal government acknowledges the role of America’s firefighters and emergency medical services personnel as valued first responders and as integral to domestic security across the country.

This Web site is dedicated to providing you with information, tools, and tips to help make you more successful at obtaining funds from the Assistance to Firefighters grant program.

This is not the official Assistance to Firefighters grant program website. Please refer to USFA’s (US Fire Administration) website to complete the application process.