THERE'S A CLASS FOR THAT ANSI 107 SIMPLIFIED

There's a Class for That: ANSI 107 Simplified

Struck-by hazards are preventable, but only when visibility is built for real work environments.

In 2023, 310 workers were fatally struck by moving vehicles on jobsites. Nearly half of all construction fatalities involved these types of incidents. From low-light tasks to roadside repairs, visibility isn’t optional, it’s life-saving.

And when thermal hazards like arc flash or flash fire enter the picture, your gear has to withstand heat, flame, and exposure without sacrificing comfort or compliance.

That’s where ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 comes in and where DRIFIRE® steps up with dual-compliant FR hi-vis solutions you can trust.

What is ANSI 107?

ANSI 107 is the standard governing high-visibility safety apparel (HVSA). It defines:

Garment types based on work environments
Performance classes based on visibility needs
Design specs like retroreflectivity, biomotion emphasis, and garment configuration

While not an OSHA regulation, it is referenced under 29 CFR 1926.28 and required by FHWA 23 CFR Part 634 for anyone working near public roadways.

Type vs. Class: What’s the Difference?

To select the right HVSA, start with two questions:

Where is the work taking place? This determines Type (O, R, or P).
How much visibility is needed? This determines Class (1, 2, or 3).

Types (Work Zones)

Type	Description	Common Use
Type O	Off-road only	Warehouses, oil & gas operations, mining, enclosed manufacturing
Type R	Roadway exposure	Highway work, utility/telecom crews near public roads, bridge maintenance
Type P	Public safety roles	Law enforcement, EMS, fire response, traffic control

Classes (Visibility Levels)

Class	Visibility Need	Minimum Requirements
Class 1	Minimal coverage for non-complex environments with low-speed hazards	~217 in² fluorescent + ~155 in² retroreflective tape, 1 in minimum width
Class 2	Moderate coverage for improved detection at distance	~775 in² fluorescent + ~201 in² retroreflective tape + 1.38 in minimum width of tape
Class 3	Superior coverage with sleeve markings for complex environments	~1,240 in² fluorescent + ~310 in² retroreflective + required sleeve or limb markings + 2 in minimum width of tape
Class E	Legwear/lower-body visibility only (must be paired with Class 2 or 3 top)	Does not meet ANSI 107 alone

Why Just Any Hi-Vis Gear Won't Cut It

Many hi-vis garments are made from polyester, which can melt and burn under arc-flash or flash-fire exposure. When workers need visibility and thermal protection, they need dual-compliant FR gear. risk injury , they risk becoming less competitive.

DRIFIRE’s hi-vis FR garments self-extinguish, won’t melt, and maintain structural integrity even under high thermal stress.

Key Use Case: Industrial Electrician

Industrial electricians exemplify workers who frequently need dual-compliant protective clothing. These professionals often work in low or no-light conditions while performing high-risk tasks that demand their full attention. Their FR clothing must protect against arc flash while ensuring they remain visible to others.

For electricians involved in rescue operations, visibility becomes even more critical as they may need to navigate hazardous environments during emergencies. Their clothing system should balance arc flash protection with visibility appropriate to their specific work environment.

Environment Factors	Work Characteristics	Protection
• Low-light work conditions • Potential complete darkness during outages • Indoor or outdoor exposure • Confined spaces with limited visibility	• High-risk electrical tasks • Attention divided between multiple hazards • Often involved in emergency response • Rescue and recovery operations	• NFPA 70E compliant arc-rated clothing • Enhanced visibility features • Arc rating appropriate for calculated incident energy • FR-rated reflective striping

Environment Factors

Work Characteristics

Protection

• Low-light work conditions

• Potential complete darkness during outages

• Indoor or outdoor exposure

• Confined spaces with limited visibility

• High-risk electrical tasks

• Attention divided between multiple hazards

• Often involved in emergency response

• Rescue and recovery operations

• NFPA 70E compliant arc-rated clothing

• Enhanced visibility features

• Arc rating appropriate for calculated incident energy

• FR-rated reflective striping

Comfort is Compliance

Uncomfortable gear often gets ignored. DRIFIRE prioritizes wearability with:

Stretch panels for mobility
Breathable, quick-drying fabrics
Seasonal layering options for both heat and cold
Color-blocking to help minimize the appearance of visible dirt

Workers perform better and stay safer when gear fits and breathes right.

How to Choose the Right DRIFIRE FR Hi-Vis Gear

Assess your work environment (roadway, off-road, public safety).
Determine required class based on speed, lighting, and exposure.
Choose dual-rated garments with documented compliance and test data.
Inspect gear regularly. Look for visibility degradation from soiling, wear, or tape damage.
Train your team on proper wear, layering, and maintenance practices.

Explore DRIFIRE’s full line of high-performance FR hi-vis apparel, engineered for real risks and designed for true protection.