CSA Z96
These are the Canadian Safety Association’s requirements for different classes of high-visibility garments.
CSA CLASS 1 LEVEL 2
Lowest body coverage and good visibility.
- Garment must have, at minimum, reflective stripes on the shoulders and around the waist. Other Class 1 garments could be a top made of non-hi-vis material with high visibility or retro-reflective stripes.
- Provides 360° visibility.
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CSA CLASS 2 LEVEL 2
Moderate body coverage and better visibility.
- Garment must cover the entire upper torso and be made of background material coloured fluorescent orange, green or red.
- Stripes must be of retro-reflective or combined performance materials.
- Provides 360° visibility.
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CSA CLASS 3 LEVEL 2
Substantial body coverage and best visibility.
- Ensemble including a Class 2 Level 2 top must be worn in combination with a bottom (bib or pant) that has bands encircling the legs to meet Class 3 Level 2.
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ANSI
These are the American National Standards Institute’s safety requirements for different classes of high visibility garments.
ANSI TYPE O (OFF-ROAD) CLASS 1
Workers not required by law to wear hi-vis apparel but may still work in an environment with moving equipment, vehicles and hazards.
- Vehicle traffic travelling slower than Roadway speed.
- Low volume of vehicle traffic.
- Worker awareness focused on vehicle traffic.
- Straightforward traffic pattern.
- Provides 360° visibility.
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ANSI TYPE R (ROADWAY) CLASS 2 & 3
Workers exposed to roadway traffic.
- Vehicle traffic travelling above minimum speed.
- Medium to high volume of vehicle traffic.
- Worker awareness focused on tasks, not traffic.
- Complex traffic pattern.
- Provides 360° visibility.
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ANSI CLASS E (ENSEMBLE ITEMS)
Additional garments that add to visibility.
- Supplemental garments, such as bibs or pants are not compliant when wore alone. Must be worn as an ensemble with a compliant top with arm bands that meets Class 2 or Class 3.
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