what is class 2 safety vest?

A Class 2 safety vest is a type of high-visibility (hi-vis) garment designed to make workers more visible in environments where there’s a higher risk of accidents from moving vehicles or machinery. These vests are regulated under the ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 standard and are commonly worn by construction workers, surveyors, utility crews, and emergency responders.

Why Class 2 Vests Matter

Unlike general-purpose reflective vests, Class 2 vests are intended for workers exposed to roadways where traffic exceeds 25 mph, or job sites where visibility is reduced. They provide significantly more visibility than Class 1 garments through increased coverage of fluorescent background fabric and retroreflective tape.

According to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) guidelines and federal regulations (such as 23 CFR 634), workers near vehicular traffic must wear hi-vis clothing that meets ANSI standards. A Class 2 vest helps workers comply with this requirement.

Key Features of Class 2 Safety Vests

To qualify as Class 2, a safety vest must meet strict design and performance criteria set by ANSI:

• Minimum background fabric area:
  At least 775 square inches of fluorescent material (e.g., yellow-green or orange-red).
  For smaller-sized vests, this can be reduced to 540 square inches.

• Reflective tape:
  A minimum of 201 square inches of retroreflective material.
  The tape must be at least 1.375 inches wide and placed around the torso and shoulders to ensure 360° visibility.

• Design requirements:
  Class 2 vests are sleeveless and must be easily adjustable or close-fitting. They often come with additional features like pockets, mic tabs, and ID holders to serve professionals working in demanding environments.

Who Needs a Class 2 Vest?

Here are some examples of workers and scenarios where Class 2 vests are required or strongly recommended:

• Road construction crews

• Surveyors near active roadways

• Airport ground crews

• Towing and recovery personnel

• Utility and telecom workers

• Warehouse workers operating near forklifts or vehicles

If your job places you near fast-moving vehicles, low-light conditions, or complex surroundings where it’s crucial to be seen, then a Class 2 safety vest is likely the right choice. If you're looking to purchase a high-quality ANSI Class 2 vest, check out our safety vests collection for a range of compliant and durable options.

Materials and Colors

Most Class 2 vests are made from lightweight, breathable polyester mesh or solid fabric, available in hi-vis lime or hi-vis orange. These colors are proven to be the most visible during both daytime and nighttime, and they contrast strongly against typical background environments.

Conclusion

A Class 2 safety vest is not just a uniform—it's a compliance tool and a life-saving layer of protection. Whether you’re working on highways, around heavy machinery, or in dim lighting, wearing the correct safety gear helps reduce the risk of accidents and ensures compliance with ANSI and OSHA safety standards.