INDUSTRY

Road & Infrastructure

Plan conspicuity, practical storage and layering for crews working near moving traffic and equipment.

SELECTION FACTORS

Build the garment around the work.

Garment direction based on the work-zone risk assessment
Radio, survey and document storage
Coordinated upper- and lower-body layers

Product recommendations are starting points. The buyer’s risk assessment, intended use and final product documentation determine the approved specification.

REQUIREMENTS

Requirements and garment system for road crews.

Under MUTCD Section 6C.05, all workers within the right-of-way who are in a temporary traffic control zone, including emergency responders, shall wear ANSI/ISEA 107 Performance Class 2 or 3 apparel. The background must be fluorescent orange-red, fluorescent yellow-green or a combination, and flaggers should wear Class 3 at night.

OSHA’s flagger rule, 29 CFR 1926.201(a), refers to the same part of the MUTCD. Agencies and contracts may set stricter specifications, so record them in the brief before the range is designed.

Garments by role

Role	Typical garment	Why
Flagger, day	Class 2 or 3 vest or shirt	Static work facing traffic
Flagger, night	Class 3 sleeved top or ensemble	Headlight conditions
Surveyor	Vest with instrument storage	Tablet, plans, radio
Supervisor	Vest or jacket with storage	Radio and documents
Equipment operator	Breakaway vest	Cab access, snag points

Questions buyers ask

Do road workers need Class 3 at night?

The MUTCD says flaggers should wear Class 3 at night. For other workers in a temporary traffic control zone, Class 2 or 3 is required, and agency rules or the employer’s hazard assessment can call for Class 3.

What colors are allowed in highway work zones?

The MUTCD allows background material in fluorescent orange-red, fluorescent yellow-green or a combination. Retroreflective material may be orange, yellow, white, silver, yellow-green or a fluorescent version of these.

Can a Class 2 vest and Class E pants make Class 3?

Yes. Under ANSI/ISEA 107, a Class E item worn with a Class 2 top forms a Class 3 ensemble. Specify and issue both pieces together, because the class depends on both.