subject: Material Relating To ANSI Class 2 [print this page] Material Relating To ANSI Class 2 Material Relating To ANSI Class 2
The standards and guidelines of the ANSI Class 2 deal primarily with safe visibility of emergency, fire, construction, police and airport employees. It deals with rain gear, outer gear, head wear, shirts and safety vests. The aim is to make these employees as evident as possible in any conditions be it day, night or any low light environment.
The ANSI, or American National Standards Institute, has been the administrating and coordinating standard bearer in the United States since its founding more than ninety years ago. The Institute was founded by engineering societies and government agencies. It remains a private, non-profit organization based on membership and supported by a constituency that is both public and private based.
The organization accredits other organizations that are in the business of developing standards and regulatory guidance on products such as safety vest. The standard developing organizations or SDO's work mutually with the institute to develop voluntary regulations and principles that are agreed upon by consensus. The SDO's are continuously held to a high standard of performance to remain qualified by the institute.
Garments in the class 2 field should be full jacket with full sleeves and a hood. The background material must be fluorescent and have reflective material. The fluorescent color schemes suggested are red, red/orange, and green/yellow. The aim is to have the color be different from the environment that is being worked in order to maximize visibility.
As far as the reflective material is concerned, a band that completely encircles the torso should be present so that it can be seen from all angles. There should be an additional strip on the arm from shoulder to elbow. Yet another reflective strip at the wrist area, two inches above the cuff line. This many areas of reflective material insures maximum visibility.
Prior to being approved the reflective, as well as that of the secondary material is put through a series of tests. This battery includes testing for how well it folds in colder environments and flexibility. It is also tested for how well the reflectivity holds up after numerous laundering and its performance in rainfall and resiliency to abrasion.
People who wear ANSI compliant material are less likely to be killed or injured by motor vehicles and moving equipment. Organizations, companies and professions that make a requirement of their employees to abide by these standards do so with safety in mind and as their paramount concern. This allows for a more relaxed employee who can concentrate on his or her job knowing that they are adequately protected.
Independent, third party laboratories test all the garments prior to being certified by the ANSI. Specific guidelines for the kind of tests that should be conducted are given to these laboratories. A pictogram must also be provided that shows the class and level of the garments. ANSI continues to try to improve these standards and the class 2 has been revised once since their creation.
