ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 Class 1 vs Class 2 vs Class 3
ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 sorts high visibility safety apparel into three classes. Class 1 is for off road, low speed work away from traffic. Class 2 covers roadway and moderate traffic work. Class 3 is the highest visibility class for high speed and night work. Compare the three below and shop Kiwi Class 2 and Class 3 gear.
Safety Ratings
Class 1 vs Class 2 vs Class 3
Three visibility classes, one standard. What each class covers and which one your job requires.
Three Classes, One Standard
The entry visibility class, for off road and low speed work away from moving traffic. Kiwi focuses on Class 2 and Class 3 for roadway and high risk jobs.
Torso coverage for moderate speed and moderate risk. Roadside, parking, warehouse, utility, and survey work in daylight or low light.
Full torso and arm coverage for high speed, night, and poor weather. Highway, tow, emergency, and airport ground work where maximum visibility is the requirement.
| Class 1 | Class 2 | Class 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | ANSI/ISEA 107-2020, Type O | ANSI/ISEA 107-2020, Type R | ANSI/ISEA 107-2020, Type R |
| Coverage | Torso, minimum | Torso | Torso plus arms |
| Background fabric, minimum | 217 sq in | 775 sq in | 1,240 sq in |
| Reflective tape, minimum | 155 sq in | 201 sq in | 310 sq in |
| Sleeve visibility | Not required | Not required | Required |
| Traffic and speed | Off road, away from traffic, under 25 mph | Near traffic, up to 25 mph | High speed traffic, 25 mph and up, or night |
| Typical jobs | Warehouse yards, parking lots, sidewalk and off road crews | Road, parking, utility, survey, warehouse | Highway, tow, emergency, airport ground |
| Choose it if | You work off the road and away from moving traffic | You work near moderate traffic in daylight or low light | You work around high speed traffic or at night and need full body visibility |
| Kiwi options | Not currently offered | Vests, shirts, polos | Shirts, jackets, vests |
Still not sure? If your crew works near active traffic at highway speeds or after dark, default to Class 3. For moderate traffic and daytime work, Class 2 keeps you compliant and comfortable. Class 1 is for off road, low speed sites that are separated from traffic.
Common Questions
The American National Standards Institute and the International Safety Equipment Association publish ANSI/ISEA 107, the standard for high visibility safety apparel. The 2020 edition is current, and every rated Kiwi garment meets it.
Type R covers roadway and temporary traffic control work, and it requires Class 2 or Class 3. Type O covers off road work that is separated from traffic, and it uses Class 1. Class 1 is Type O only, so if you are near moving traffic you need Class 2 or Class 3.
Class 1 is the entry visibility class for off road, low speed sites where workers are separated from traffic, like warehouse yards and parking lots. Kiwi focuses on Class 2 and Class 3 for roadway and high risk work, so we do not currently stock Class 1 garments.
Federal traffic control guidance requires flaggers to wear Class 2 or higher. Many crews and state DOTs specify Class 3 for night work and highway speed traffic. Your site safety plan is the final word.
Black garments with reflective tape add visibility but are not ANSI rated unless the label says so. Kiwi black reflector pieces are enhanced visibility, HVSA unrated. Use them indoors and on low risk sites, and choose a Class 2 or Class 3 garment when a rating is required.
