Your team works in the dark, but are they truly seen? An accident can be devastating. The right hi-vis gear for night work is the first step to safety.

For night and low-light conditions, hi-vis clothing must have retroreflective material that reflects light, like headlights, back to its source. It also needs a fluorescent background for dawn and dusk visibility. This combination ensures workers are seen from all angles.

So, the key is combining retroreflective and fluorescent materials. As manufacturers with over 15 years of experience, we know this is just the start. Different jobs have specific risks, and standards have strict rules. We want to help you understand exactly what your team needs to stay safe and compliant.

What is the difference between night and day hi vis?

You think all hi-vis is the same. But at night, a standard vest can fail completely. Understanding the key difference between day and night gear is essential for real safety.

Daytime hi-vis uses fluorescent materials that react with sunlight. Nighttime hi-vis needs retroreflective material¹s, like tape, that bounce artificial light back to its source. The best garments have both for full 24-hour protection.

The science behind visibility is simple but very important. Your team needs two different types of materials to stay safe around the clock. Fluorescent material works by converting invisible UV light into visible light. This makes it look like it's glowing during the day, especially at dawn and dusk. This is why standards specify colors like fluorescent yellow-green and orange-red. But this effect does not work in complete darkness. That is when retroreflective material becomes critical. It uses tiny glass beads or microprisms to reflect light directly back to where it came from. This allows a driver using headlights to see a worker clearly from far away. The most effective safety clothing, especially for people working near traffic, must have both materials. This combination provides protection as light conditions change from day to dusk, and into the night.

What are the OSHA requirements for Hi Vis?

Navigating OSHA rules can feel confusing. A single mistake can be costly, with big fines and project delays. Knowing the specific hi-vis rules keeps your business safe and compliant.

OSHA does not have one specific standard for hi-vis. Instead, it requires employers to protect workers from struck-by hazards under its General Duty Clause. It often points to the ANSI/ISEA 107 standard² as a method for compliance, especially for road work.

OSHA's approach puts the responsibility on employers to find and fix hazards. The main rule here is the General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1). This clause says employers must provide a workplace that is "free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm." Low visibility is a well-known hazard in many industries. Because of this, OSHA expects employers to use industry best practices to protect workers. The ANSI/ISEA 107 standard is considered the primary best practice for hi-vis clothing³.

Key OSHA Regulations and Hi-Vis

While there isn't a single all-encompassing rule, several regulations point to the need for high-visibility apparel. Following them is not optional.

• 29 CFR 1926.201(a): This rule is for traffic control. It states that flaggers must wear warning garments.
• 29 CFR 1926.651(d): This rule says that workers exposed to public or construction vehicle traffic must wear high-visibility garments.
• MUTCD: The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices is enforced by OSHA for highway work. It requires workers to wear specific ANSI/ISEA 107 classes of garments.

In the end, OSHA sees a failure to provide ANSI/ISEA 107 compliant gear in a high-risk environment as a violation of the General Duty Clause⁴.

What PPE is required for night work?

Your team is working near fast-moving traffic at night. The wrong safety vest is a gamble you cannot afford to take. Choosing the correct PPE is a life-or-death decision.

For high-risk night work, especially near traffic, ANSI/ISEA 107 Class 3 apparel⁵ is often required. This PPE gives the highest level of visibility with more retroreflective material. It covers the arms and legs, ensuring 360-degree visibility.

The ANSI/ISEA 107 standard is organized into "Types" and "Classes." The Type defines the work environment, like Type R for Roadway. The Class defines the amount of visible material the garment must have. For night work, the Class is the most important factor to consider. Class 2 vests are very common, but they may not be enough for high-risk nighttime jobs. Class 3 garments offer much better protection. They require more background and retroreflective material. They also must have reflective material on the sleeves and sometimes the pant legs. This full-body coverage creates a clearer human shape for drivers to see. This helps them react faster and from a greater distance. Let's compare the key classes.

ANSI/ISEA 107 Class Comparison for Night Work

Conclusion

Night safety requires hi-vis with both retroreflective and fluorescent materials. Follow OSHA guidance by choosing ANSI/ISEA 107 Class 3 apparel⁵ for peak visibility and protection in high-risk zones.