Avoiding a Strike: Changes Are in Store for High-Visibility Safety Apparel

On June 1, 1999, the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) published ANSI/ISEA 107-1999 American National Standard for High Visibility Apparel. This was the first industry consensus standard that specified the requirements for apparel designed to enhance the visibility of the wearer in hazardous “struck by” situations under any light conditions by day and under illumination by vehicle headlights in the dark. It is anticipated that the standard will be revised in 2004 and will include advances in sight distance recognition that affect worker apparel. The revised edition is now expected also to require third-party or self-certification of the garment design. The revision will also set criteria for head wear and knit fabrics.