ANSI/ISEA 107 Standard - 2015 February 20 2016

In February of 2016, ANSI/ISEA has made significant modifications to the ANSI 107 standard.   Commonly referred to as the American National Standard for High Visibility Safety Apparel and Accessories.

Firstly, the most important thing to know is that all 107-2010 garments are still usable under the new rules.  According to ML Kishigo Manufacturing, "The ISEA is seeking an official interpretation from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to determine if the new standard is an equivalent revision and therefore complies with all FHWA requirements.

Secondly, the major updates are centered around four items and those are as follows: Classification, Types, Sizing and Labeling.

Classification

As most people are aware the ANSI 107 standard centered around Performance and Supplemental classes.  Those are Class 1, 2, 3 and the supplemental Class E.  Those still exist and will continue exist in the future. 

The major addition is a classification based on work activities.  Those classifications will be Type O, Type R and Type P.

  • Type O - Off Road - Occupational HVSA for Non-Roadway Use that includes Class 1
  • Type R - Roadway & Temporary Traffic Control - Occupational HVSA for Roadway Use.  Includes Class 2, 3 and supplemental Class E.
  • Type P - Public Safety - Occupational HVSA for Emergency, Incident Responders and Law Enforcement Personnel.  Includes Classes 2 & 3  and combines the ANSI 207 and 107 under the new Type P classification. 

Types

  • Leg Gaiters are now considered Class E as long as they have the appropriate background material and retroreflective material.

Sizing

  • The 2015 standard finally takes into consideration of smaller workers and reduces the amount of background material required for Type R Class 2 and 3 garments.  This will allow for a true to size Small garment instead of simply a garment that is longer.

Labeling

Currently, all ANSI/ISEA 107 & 207 garments have been required to have a pictogram on the label.  The new standard requires three items to be designated on the garment and those are as follows:

  • Type of Garment
  • Class of Garment
  • Flame Resistant or non-Flame Resistant

What This Means

As of February 20, 2016, it means that the current garments you are using are currently fine.  There is no major difference as of this date.  Until the FHWA approves the changes everything is status quo.  

In the mean time, if you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact us at BRW Safety & Supply and we'll answer your questions to the best of our ability and work towards putting your employees in the brightest and most visible gear on the market. 

In the mean time, if there is anything we can help you with at BRW Safety & Supply please let us know.

Sources: ML Kishigo Manufactring, and ANSI.