Personal Protective Equipment
High-Visibility Vests
ANSI Class Requirements
ANSI Class Requirements
OSHA 1926.201 · ANSI/ISEA 107 · NYC DOT Traffic Control Worker Requirements
High-visibility garments protect workers from being struck by vehicles, equipment, and mobile cranes — the second leading cause of construction fatalities in New York City. Not all safety vests are equal. Wearing the wrong class on the wrong task provides false confidence and may not be legally compliant with NYC DOT or MUTCD requirements.
ANSI/ISEA 107 Classes
- Class 1 (minimum): Background material: 217 sq in; retroreflective tape: 155 sq in. Appropriate only for off-road environments with low vehicle speeds and clear sight lines. Not acceptable for most NYC construction
- Class 2 (standard construction): Background: 775 sq in; retroreflective: 201 sq in. Required for most NYC construction sites and all work adjacent to roadways. The yellow/lime vest most workers wear
- Class 3 (flagging / roadway work): Covers full torso and arms; highest retroreflective material. Required for flaggers, spotters, and workers in active traffic lanes on NYC streets
When Each Class Is Required on NYC Sites
- All workers on NYC construction sites during operations: Class 2 minimum
- Flaggers on NYC streets controlling traffic: Class 3 required by NYC DOT
- Equipment operators inside enclosed cabs: vest required when exiting the cab onto active traffic areas
- Nighttime work: Class 2 or 3 with enhanced retroreflective strips — check with your GC for the specific project requirement
NYC DOT Flagging Requirements
- Traffic control workers on NYC streets must hold MUTCD flagging training certification
- Class 3 garment required for all flaggers; STOP/SLOW paddle and hard hat required
- NYC DOT permits specify traffic control device requirements — review before starting roadway work
Discussion Questions
- What ANSI class vest is required for standard work on this construction site?
- You are assigned as a flagger directing traffic on the adjacent NYC street today. What class vest do you need, and what other equipment is required?
- Is the Class 1 vest you brought from your last job acceptable here? Why or why not?
- You are an equipment operator who stays in the cab all day. When do you need to put on your vest?
Sign-Off
Project Address
Date
Time
Foreman / Supervisor
SSM / SSC Name & License No.
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