ABC Safety Glasses Posting Page
Monday, April 30, 2007
Safety vests are an essential piece of protective equipment for any individual that works outside. Requirements for safety vests are actually set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and there are standards that must be met for safety vests and other safety apparel that insures the workers that wear them are getting adequate protection for the job they are doing and lower the risk of on the job injuries. ** Safety Vests

The two key values of a safety vest come in the visibility the safety vest offers as well as protection of hazards on the job. This is done without compromising motion or any binding that would restrict the wearer and possibly create an unsafe working environment.

You will see two classes of safety vests and the work you do when you wear a vest will determine which class of safety vest you need. Class II vests are for occupational activities where risk levels require that you be visible, other workers are performing duties that may distract oncoming traffic and you need greater visibility because of this. Anytime there are vehicles present or you're going to be working in close proximity to approaching vehicles. The Class III safety vests are for people who need a little more protection. A brief overview of Class III would entail jobs where workers will be exposed to significantly higher vehicle speeds and/or reduced sight-distances; the worker and vehicle operator have high task loads, clearly placing the worker in danger or the wearer must be conspicuous through the full range of body motions at a minimum of 390 meters (1280 feet), and the wearer must be able to be identified as a person from a distance.

Hunters can also use safety vests. The bright colors and reflective tape will ensure that they are easily seen by other hunters. Making yourself visible is of the utmost importance especially when you're hunting larger game such as deer. Prime visibility will negate a tragic accident from happening. A Class II vest will normally be sufficient for hunters.

Another option for safety on the work site is to use t-shirts. They are more comfortable to wear than even safety vests and come in bright colors and the same flame retardant fabric as many of the vests. The t-shirts offer more all around protection as they are visible from any angle and if you have employees that will be working where there is moving traffic, t-shirts may make them even more visible to motorists.

Choosing your safety vest is as important as wearing it on the job site. Use these tips to get the best vest for your industry and work with confidence that you're working safely.