Why Safety Standards Matter?

Safety Certifications & Standards

When you're working in high-risk environments, safety isn’t optional — it’s essential. Kiwi Workwear ensures our products meet or exceed industry-recognized standards for personal protective equipment (PPE). Each standard reflects a commitment to quality, performance, and protection, so you can work with confidence.

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Which protection do I need?

By trade

By task

Your workRecommended hi-visRecommended glovesRecommended footwear
Roadway or utility workANSI/ISEA 107-2020 Class 2ANSI/ISEA 105 A1Safety toe boots
Highway or night workANSI/ISEA 107-2020 Class 3ANSI/ISEA 105 A1Safety toe boots
Off-road, yard, or warehouseANSI/ISEA 107-2020 Class 1ANSI/ISEA 105 A1Safety toe boots
Glass handlingANSI/ISEA 105 A4Safety toe boots
Sheet metal or fabricationANSI/ISEA 105 A5Safety toe boots

Glove cut levels (ANSI/ISEA 105)

LevelCut resistance (grams)Typical use
A1200–499Light assembly, general handling
A2500–999Packaging, light material handling
A31000–1499Construction, warehouse
A41500–2199Glass handling, metal stamping
A52200–2999Sheet metal, HVAC, heavy fabrication
A63000–3999Metal recycling, blade changing
A74000–4999Heavy glass and metal work
A85000–5999Extreme cut hazards
A96000+Highest cut protection available

Hi-vis classes (ANSI/ISEA 107-2020)

Class 1Class 2Class 3
StandardANSI/ISEA 107-2020, Type OANSI/ISEA 107-2020, Type RANSI/ISEA 107-2020, Type R
CoverageTorso, minimumTorsoTorso plus arms
Background fabric, minimum217 sq in775 sq in1,240 sq in
Reflective tape, minimum155 sq in201 sq in310 sq in
Sleeve visibilityNot requiredNot requiredRequired
Traffic and speedOff road, away from traffic, under 25 mphNear traffic, up to 25 mphHigh speed traffic, 25 mph and up, or night
Typical jobsWarehouse yards, parking lots, sidewalk and off road crewsRoad, parking, utility, survey, warehouseHighway, tow, emergency, airport ground
Choose it ifYou work off the road and away from moving trafficYou work near moderate traffic in daylight or low lightYou work around high speed traffic or at night and need full body visibility
Kiwi optionsNot currently offeredVests, shirts, polosShirts, 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.

Footwear Certifications

Soft toe ASTM F2892-24, EH Certification

Kiwi Workwear soft toe footwear is tested to ASTM F2892-24, the standard governing protective footwear without a safety toe cap. While soft toe styles are not designed to provide impact or compression protection, this standard ensures the footwear meets ASTM performance requirements for a range of workplace hazards beyond toe protection.

Under ASTM F2892-24, compliant soft toe footwear may be tested and rated for the following protective features, depending on the specific model:

Conductive (Cd) properties to reduce static electricity buildup and lower the risk of ignition in environments with explosives or volatile chemicals.

Electric Hazard (EH) protection to help insulate the wearer from accidental contact with live electrical circuits.

Static Dissipative (SD) properties to control excessively low electrical resistance where SD footwear is required.

Puncture Resistance (PR) to help protect against sharp objects penetrating the sole.

Slip Resistance (SR) for improved traction on a variety of work surfaces.

Slip Resistance – Oily/Wet (SRO) for enhanced grip in oily or wet conditions.

ASTM F2892-24 compliance confirms that Kiwi soft toe footwear is engineered for jobsite performance, safety compliance, and durability, making it well-suited for light- to medium-duty applications where mobility, comfort, and hazard-specific protection are required without the added weight of a safety toe.

Kiwi Workwear footwear is rated for Electric Hazard (EH) protection in accordance with ASTM F2413-24. EH-rated footwear is designed to help reduce the risk of electrical shock by providing a secondary source of insulation from the ground when accidental contact is made with live electrical circuits.

EH footwear is tested to withstand 18,000 volts at 60 Hz for one minute under dry conditions, without exceeding allowable leakage current. This protection is intended for use in environments where exposure to live electrical wiring may occur, such as construction sites, utility work, and industrial settings.

EH-rated footwear is not a substitute for primary electrical protective equipment and does not protect against all electrical hazards. Protection may be compromised if the footwear becomes excessively worn, wet, or contaminated with conductive materials.

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Composite Toe ANSI/ASTM F2413-24 I/75 C/75, EH Certification

Kiwi Workwear composite toe footwear meets ANSI/ASTM F2413-24 standards for both impact (I/75) and compression (C/75) resistance. Designed using advanced non-metallic lightweight materials, composite toes provide robust protection while remaining lightweight and non-conductive.

This standard ensures the footwear can withstand a 75-foot-pound impact and 2,500 pounds of compression force, helping protect against falling objects and heavy equipment in demanding work environments. Composite toe footwear is ideal for jobsites where metal-free construction, electrical safety, or reduced fatigue is a priority—without compromising protection.

Kiwi Workwear footwear is rated for Electric Hazard (EH) protection in accordance with ASTM F2413-24. EH-rated footwear is designed to help reduce the risk of electrical shock by providing a secondary source of insulation from the ground when accidental contact is made with live electrical circuits.

EH footwear is tested to withstand 18,000 volts at 60 Hz for one minute under dry conditions, without exceeding allowable leakage current. This protection is intended for use in environments where exposure to live electrical wiring may occur, such as construction sites, utility work, and industrial settings.

EH-rated footwear is not a substitute for primary electrical protective equipment and does not protect against all electrical hazards. Protection may be compromised if the footwear becomes excessively worn, wet, or contaminated with conductive materials.

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Steel Toe ANSI/ASTM F2413-24 I/75 C/75, EH Certification

Kiwi Workwear steel toe boots meet the latest ANSI/ASTM F2413-24 standard for impact (I/75) and compression (C/75) resistance, delivering proven, maximum-strength protection in high-risk environments.

Tested to absorb 75 foot-pounds of impact and withstand 2,500 pounds of compressive force, steel toe footwear remains the industry benchmark for durability and protection. This standard makes Kiwi steel toe boots suitable for construction, manufacturing, warehousing, and industrial applications where heavy objects, machinery, and jobsite hazards are present daily.

Kiwi Workwear footwear is rated for Electric Hazard (EH) protection in accordance with ASTM F2413-24. EH-rated footwear is designed to help reduce the risk of electrical shock by providing a secondary source of insulation from the ground when accidental contact is made with live electrical circuits.

EH footwear is tested to withstand 18,000 volts at 60 Hz for one minute under dry conditions, without exceeding allowable leakage current. This protection is intended for use in environments where exposure to live electrical wiring may occur, such as construction sites, utility work, and industrial settings.

EH-rated footwear is not a substitute for primary electrical protective equipment and does not protect against all electrical hazards. Protection may be compromised if the footwear becomes excessively worn, wet, or contaminated with conductive materials.

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High Vis PPE Certifications

ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 Class 1 Certification

ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 Class 1 high-visibility garments are designed for use in low-risk work environments where workers are clearly separated from traffic or exposed only to minimal vehicle speeds and low traffic density. These garments provide essential visibility while maintaining lightweight construction, comfort, and full freedom of movement, making them ideal for indoor and controlled work settings.

The Class 1 standard establishes the minimum performance requirements for fluorescent background materials, retroreflective materials, and garment construction, ensuring workers remain visible during daytime, nighttime, and low-light conditions. These garments are engineered to make the wearer clearly distinguishable against complex backgrounds, improving safety without unnecessary bulk.

Minimum Requirements (ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 Class 1)

Background Material: 217 square inches (fluorescent fabric)

Reflective Material: 155 square inches (retroreflective tape)

Minimum Reflective Tape Width: 1 inch

Recommended Work Environments

Class 1 high-visibility apparel is intended for workers in environments with minimal traffic or moving equipment, where situational awareness can be consistently maintained. These settings typically include controlled or off-road locations where hazards are limited and predictable.

Common Applications

Parking attendants

Warehouse and logistics workers

Delivery drivers operating in low-traffic areas

Maintenance personnel in controlled facilities

Key Benefits

Lightweight and breathable for all-day wear

Enhances visibility in low-risk environments

Cost-effective compliance with ANSI standards

Ideal for indoor and off-road operations

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ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 Class 2 Certification

ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 Class 2 high-visibility garments are designed for moderate-risk work environments where traffic speeds, weather conditions, or job complexity reduce a worker’s ability to be easily seen. These garments provide a higher level of visibility than Class 1 by increasing both fluorescent background coverage and retroreflective striping, making workers more noticeable at greater distances and in more challenging visual conditions.

The Class 2 standard establishes enhanced performance requirements for high-visibility PPE, ensuring improved recognition of the human form in environments with moving vehicles, reduced lighting, or obstructed visibility. These garments are engineered to support safety in situations where workers must divide attention between tasks and surrounding hazards.

Minimum Requirements (ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 Class 2)

Background Material: 775 square inches (fluorescent fabric)

Reflective Material: 201 square inches (retroreflective tape)

Minimum Reflective Tape Width: 1.38 inches

Ideal For

Workers who are exposed to higher traffic speeds or reduced visibility conditions, such as roadways with vehicle speeds between 25–50 mph, or environments with poor lighting, weather interference, or complex jobsite activity.

Recommended Work Environments

Class 2 high-visibility apparel is commonly required in environments where traffic volume and speed increase risk, including:

Roadway and highway construction zones

Utility and maintenance work

Rail and transit operations

Airport ground operations

Public works and infrastructure projects

Common Applications

Construction workers

Utility workers

Airport ground crew members

Survey crews and roadside maintenance teams

Key Benefits

Increased visibility at longer distances

Improved recognition in low-light and high-traffic conditions

ANSI-compliant safety for moderate-risk environments

Balanced comfort and protection for active job sites

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ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 Class 3 Certification

ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 Class 3 high-visibility garments provide the highest level of visibility protection and are designed for high-risk work environments with fast-moving traffic, complex job sites, or limited sight distances. These garments offer maximum visibility by incorporating the greatest amount of fluorescent background material and retroreflective striping, ensuring workers are easily seen from long distances and in all lighting conditions.

The Class 3 standard requires 360-degree visibility and full-body coverage, including reflective striping on the torso, arms, and/or legs, allowing the wearer’s complete outline to be recognized from all angles. This enhanced design significantly improves worker detection time, especially in low-light, nighttime, high-speed, or adverse weather conditions, where visibility is critical for safety.

Minimum Requirements (ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 Class 3)

Background Material: 1,240 square inches (fluorescent fabric)

Reflective Material: 310 square inches (retroreflective tape)

Minimum Reflective Tape Width: 2 inches

Ideal For

Workers exposed to high-speed traffic or complex visual environments, such as highways with speeds exceeding 50 mph, where maximum visibility and full-body recognition are required for safety.

Recommended Work Environments

Class 3 high-visibility apparel is essential in environments with extreme risk levels, including:

Highway and roadway construction zones

Traffic control and flagging operations

Emergency response and incident management

Nighttime or low-visibility work zones

Areas with heavy traffic volume or limited sight distance

Common Applications

Highway construction workers

Survey crews working near high-speed roads

Emergency responders (fire, EMS, incident teams)

Roadside and traffic control personnel

Key Benefits

Maximum visibility and ANSI-compliant protection

Full-body recognition for increased driver awareness

Superior performance in low-light and high-speed conditions

Designed for the most hazardous work environments

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Work Glove Certifications

EN 388 work Glove certification

EN 388 is the European standard for protective gloves against mechanical risks. Gloves marked EN 388 are third-party tested and labeled to show performance against key hazards like abrasion, cut, tear, puncture, and (when applicable) impact protection.

How to read an EN 388 rating (what the numbers/letters mean)

You’ll typically see a format like:

EN 388: 4 X 4 3 D P

Each position represents a different test result:

A. Abrasion resistance (1–4)

Measures how long the material resists rubbing wear before a hole forms. Higher = better abrasion durability.

B. Cut resistance – “Coupe Test” (1–5 or X)

A rotating circular blade passes over the material until it cuts through. Scores are 1–5 (higher = better).

If the material dulls the blade during this test (common with high-cut fibers), the result is shown as X, and the glove must be rated using the ISO 13997 straight-blade method instead.

C. Tear resistance (1–4)

Measures the force required to continue a tear in the material. Higher = stronger material and better resistance to ripping.

D. Puncture resistance (1–4)

Measures the force required to puncture the glove with a standard stylus. Higher = better puncture resistance. (This is not the same as needle resistance.)

E. Cut resistance – ISO 13997 Straight-Blade Test (A–F or X)

This is the newer straight-blade cut test used when the Coupe test blade dulls (or when manufacturers choose to report it). It reports a letter rating A–F, where F is the highest.

The letter corresponds to the force required to cut through at a defined cut length (reported in Newtons):

A = 2 N, B = 5 N, C = 10 N, D = 15 N, E = 22 N, F = 30 N

F. Impact protection (P (Passed), F (Failed) or blank)

If the glove passes the EN 388 impact test, it will show “P” at the end of the rating. If there’s no P, impact protection is not claimed under the standard.

What does “X” mean on EN 388?

X indicates the test was not performed or is not applicable for that glove/material.

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ANSI/ASTM Cut Resistance Work Glove Certification

In the U.S., cut resistance is commonly communicated using the ANSI/ISEA cut scale (A1–A9), determined by the ASTM F2992 (TDM) cut test method. The test measures the grams of force required for a blade to cut through the material—higher levels mean higher cut resistance.

ANSI cut levels (A1 to A9) — what they mean

Each level corresponds to a cutting load range (grams):

A1 (200–499 g) [Light-duty assembly, packaging, inspection, general material handling]

A2 (500–999 g) [Small parts handling, warehouse picking, light fabrication, maintenance work]

A3 (1,000–1,499 g) [HVAC work, light sheet metal handling, appliance assembly, general construction]

A4 (1,500–2,199 g) [Glass handling, automotive assembly, metal fabrication, recycling operations]

A5 (2,200–2,999 g) [Heavy sheet metal work, industrial manufacturing, panel handling, construction]

A6 (3,000–3,999 g) [Automotive manufacturing, demolition, heavy fabrication, jagged material handling]

A7 (4,000–4,999 g) [Glass manufacturing, aerospace, shipbuilding, high-risk industrial applications]

A8 (5,000–5,999 g) [Foundries, oil & gas operations, heavy steel handling, extreme industrial use]

A9 (≥ 6,000 g) [Severe industrial hazards, high-force blade exposure, specialized manufacturing]

How to use cut ratings correctly (important)

Cut ratings are about the material’s resistance to a blade cut, not “cut-proof.” Real-world performance depends on the hazard (sharpness, pressure, motion, edge type), glove fit, dexterity needs, and whether grip/coatings help reduce slip-related cuts.

For safety managers, the goal is matching the cut level to the job’s hazard severity—higher isn’t always better if it sacrifices dexterity or grip for the task

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FAQ

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.

 
Kiwi Grey A1 cut resistant PU coated grip gloves, pair view
 
Kiwi Neon Class 3 hi vis long sleeve safety shirt, front view
 
Kiwi Black composite toe 6 inch waterproof tactical boots, outside view
 
Kiwi Neon A1 cut resistant PU coated grip gloves, pair view
 
Kiwi Red A1 cut resistant PU coated grip gloves, pair view
 
Kiwi Orange A1 cut resistant PU coated grip gloves, pair view
 
Kiwi Neon Class 2 hi vis safety vest with contrast trim, front view
 
Kiwi Black reflective safety vest with contrast trim, front view
 
Kiwi Neon Class 2 hi vis dual band safety vest, front view
 
Kiwi Neon Class 2 hi vis safety vest with contrast trim, front view
 
Kiwi Class 2 two tone neon hi vis short sleeve safety shirt, front view
 
 
Kiwi Neon Class 3 hi vis short sleeve safety vest with contrast trim, front view
 
Kiwi Neon Class 3 hi vis long sleeve safety shirt, front view
 
Ideal Club Orange Class 3 shirt – hi-vis reflective safety workwear
 
Kiwi Wheat nubuck steel toe work boots, outside view
 
Kiwi Sand steel toe 6 inch tactical boots, outside view
 
Kiwi Neon Class 3 hi vis short sleeve safety vest with contrast trim, front view
 
Kiwi Neon Class 3 hi vis long sleeve safety shirt, front view
 
Kiwi Neon Class 2 hi vis dual band safety vest, front view
 
Kiwi Neon Class 2 hi vis safety vest with contrast trim, front view
 
Kiwi Class 2 two tone neon hi vis short sleeve safety shirt, front view
 
 
Kiwi Black reflective long sleeve safety shirt, front view
 
Kiwi Neon Class 2 hi vis dual band safety vest, front view
 
Kiwi Neon Class 2 hi vis safety vest with contrast trim, front view
 
Kiwi Class 2 two tone neon hi vis short sleeve safety shirt, front view
 
Kiwi Brown crazy horse composite toe waterproof cap-toe work boots, outside view
 
Kiwi Black composite toe 6 inch waterproof tactical boots, outside view
 
Kiwi Sand composite toe 6 inch tactical boots, outside view
 
Kiwi Grey A1 cut resistant PU coated grip gloves, pair view