A Look At A Lime T-Shirt
A lime t-shirt may be the preferred casual attire for many people, but these bright colors are also used to help protect property and save lives. There are different groups of classification used in determining what level of visibility is required. Let’s take a look at the three classes used, and when they are appropriate for the work situation.
Class 1 application is used for the least amount of visibility where speeds are less than 25MPH, with an uncomplicated background, and the worker is supposed to give their undivided attention to ongoing traffic. Reflective measures are set at a minimum of 155 sq inches of reflective tape, or 6.46 linear feet of 2-inch tape or 9.39 linear feet of 1 3/8-inch tape.
Employees who qualify for Class 1 clothing might include delivery truck drivers, parking lot attendants and people who bring in shopping carts. Other situations such as workers who are making repairs to sidewalks, or roadway maintenance workers, are also included. Traffic control for heavy equipment at warehouses requires the employee to wear Class 1 garments.
Class 2 requirements involve situations where speed limits are over 25MPH, with more complex background activities, and the employee is required to spend at least part of their time attending other tasks, in addition to watching vehicle traffic. Class 2 reflective requirements are a minimum of 201 square inches of reflective tape, or 8.375 linear feet of 2-inch tape or 12.2 linear feet of 1 3/8-inch tape.
Medium severity of accident investigation, EMT employees, law enforcement and forestry management personnel wear Class 2 garments. Airports need ground crews and baggage handlers, and other facilities have parking lot or toll gate needs, which require this classification of clothing. School crossing guards, slow speed areas involving survey crews, and utility workers are also under this group. Railway employees and road construction crews, in less hazardous conditions, are also require to wear Class 2 clothing.
Class 3 circumstances exist when the employee is required to pay complete attention to their own job, instead of worrying about traffic, and requires the highest level of possible visibility. This could also include any type of weather conditions. Speeds of vehicles in excess of 50MPH need instant recognition of people at work. Reflective measures include a minimum of 155 square inches of reflective tape, or 6.46 linear feet of 2-inch tape or 9.39 linear feet of 1 3/8-inch tape.
Serious traffic accident investigation, EMT response personnel, and survey and flagging crews are under Class 3 regulations. Utility workers are often near the roadways during construction or repairs, and are required to wear this group of visibility clothing. Railway workers fall into this group, as well, because they could be required to control traffic at a railroad crossing.
