The first ever US Criteria for high visibility apparel establishes three categories of worksite visibility. Garments including vests, jackets, bib overalls, jumpsuits, trousers and harnesses that meet this standard must be able to be worn 24 hours a day, in all conditions, and provide a high level of conspicuity through the use of fluorescent and retro-reflective materials. (American National Standards from ISEA)

This new standard specifies certain performance levels for high visibility garments. The standard is almost identical to EN 471, a European standard, adopted in 1994 and used extensively in Europe. Law in some countries such as England mandates its use.

ANSI 107 is the first national standard published on this subject. The requirements of this standard render as obsolete most high visibility garments used today. While only a voluntary standard at this time (7/2000), its adoption by much of government and industry is anticipated in the future.

ANSI 107 specifies that only certain colors are acceptable for high visibility garments and they must be on a certain minimum brightness and be used on a certain minimum square inches of background materials and there mare also provision for combinations of background and reflective materials.

Garments meeting only the minimum requirements of the standard, Conspicuity Class 1, may be suitable for workers not directly in vehicle traffic paths and where vehicle speeds are less than 25 mph. Class 2 covers workers in inclement weather, workers closer to moving traffic than in Class 1 or near traffic above 25 mph but less than 50 mph. The highest level of protection, Class 3, covers high-risk work environments and situations where weather, work or other factors impair visibility or where traffic exceeds 50 mph.

Reliable offers the S19 and S20 that meet EN471 and ANSI 107-1999.