Members of the public and interested stakeholders are invited to provide comment on a proposed revision to the widely-accepted ANSI/ISEA 107 standard on high-visibility safety apparel. This voluntary industry consensus standard is cited in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), which is the basis for federal and state highway regulations requiring high-visibility protective garments for right-of-way workers, flaggers and adult crossing guards.

The proposed revision seeks to consolidate the requirements of ANSI/ISEA 107 and ANSI/ISEA 207, American National Standard for Public Safety Vests in an effort to establish a single, comprehensive document that considers all occupational tasks. While still preserving the performance class designation based on material minimum areas, the updated standard identify garment types based on expected use settings and work activities being performed. These are designated as off-road (type O), roadway and temporary traffic control (type R), or public safety activities (type P). 

In response to the growing use of high-visibility accessory items such as arm, bands or headwear, the standard defines minimum material requirements for these accessories. New labeling requirements are proposed to identify the garment by performance class, type and by its flame resistance characteristics as defined in the standard. Finally, enhanced illustrations of compliant and non-compliant designs are provided.

"As part of the development process, standards prepared by ISEA product groups become American National Standards through a consensus process that involves reviewers outside the association, including comments from members of the public and interested stakeholders," noted Cristine Fargo, ISEA’s director of member and technical services. 

The deadline for submitting comments is July 6, 2015. To obtain a copy of the draft standard and a comment form, or for more information, contact ISEA at isea@safetyequipment.org. There is a $60 charge for a copy, payable by check or credit card.

About ISEA

Arlington, Va.-based ISEA is the leading trade association for personal protective equipment and technologies. Established in 1933, ISEA supports its member companies in manufacturing and marketing the highest-quality products to protect the safety and health of people who may be exposed to potentially harmful situations while working on the job or at home.

For more information visit: www.safetyequipment.org,