Department of Labor and Economic Growth
Bureau of Fire Services
Page 1 of 1
Fire Marshal Bulletin – 13
WORKER VISIBILITY
This bulletin is intended to provide guidance for compliance with Federal Regulation 23 CFR 634. States and
other agencies shall comply with the provision of this Part no later than November 24, 2008. The purpose of the regulation
is to decrease the likelihood of worker fatalities or injuries caused by motor vehicles and construction vehicles and equipment
while working within the right-of-way of Federal aid highways.
All workers within the right-of-way of a Federal-aid highway who are exposed either to traffic (vehicles using
the highway for purposes of travel) or to construction equipment within the work area shall wear high-visibility safety
apparel.
NFPA 1500, 2007 requires when operating at a traffic incident and the assignment places them in potential conflict
with motor vehicle traffic, they shall wear a garment with fluorescent and retro-reflective material visible from all
directions. Members that operate on roadway incidents should be provided with vests or garments that ensure proper reflectivity
such as a highly reflective vest (strong yellow, green, and orange/red).
To meet these requirements emergency responders should use only vests that meet Class II requirements of ANSI/ISEA
107-2004 or the requirements of ANSI/ISEA 207-2006 for Public Safety Vests. Vests should be labeled as compliant with
these standards.
Attachment 1 – Safety Vest Push Card
For additional information or questions contact the Bureau of Fire Services Plan Review Division (517)-241-8847
Please be advised as a recipient of State Fire Marshal Bulletins, you are to treat the contents as a news release
in your name to the local news media or any other means of circulation.
FM Bulletin 12
Rev. 04/08
The Challenge to be Visible
High Visibility Vests for Public Safety Responders
Federal Highway Administration regulations and NFPA standards require the use of high visibility garments for
emergency responders operating on or near a roadway.
To meet these requirements emergency responders should use only vests that meet the Class II requirements of
ANSI/ISEA 107-2004 or the requirements of ANSI/ISEA 207-2006 for Public Safety Vests
High Visibility = Fluorescent and Retroreflective
Use of fluorescent background material Fluorescent material may be yellowgreen,
orange-red or red Retroreflective material arranged for 360°visibility
Garments should be labeled as compliant with ANSI/ISEA 107-2004 or
ANSI/ISEA 207-2006
WWW.ResponderSafety.com
Optional Breakaway Feature
The
strongly recommends that all
vests purchased for use by emergency
responders be provided with the
optional 4 or 5 point breakaway feature.
This critical feature provides increased
protection should the vest become
hooked on a passing vehicle.
WWW.ResponderSafety.com
Features of the ANSI/ISEA Public Safety Vest
Vests are easy to put on and can be rapidly removed in an
emergency They are designed to provide easy access to equipment worn
on belt Options include
Badge tabs
Microphone tabs
Provisions for agency specific lettering
ANSI/ISEA 207 for Public Safety Vests provides specific language for the Breakaway feature. ANSI/ISEA 107 Class
II vests can also be constructed with the feature.
Federal Regulation 23 CFR 634
The purpose of the regulations in this part is to decrease the likelihood of worker fatalities or injuries caused
by motor vehicles and construction vehicles and equipment while working within the right-of-way on Federal-aid highways.
All workers within the right-of-way of a Federal-aid highway who are exposed either to traffic (vehicles using
the highway for purposes of travel) or to construction equipment within the work area shall wear high-visibility safety apparel.
States and other agencies shall comply with the provisions of this Part no later than November 24, 2008.
The Federal Highway Administration has determined that Class II Vests complying with ANSI/ISEA 107, 2004 or
2006 and Public Safety Vests complying with ANSI/ISEA 207, 2006 meet the intent of this new rule.
NFPA Requirements
8.7.10* When members are operating at a traffic incident and their assignment places them in potential conflict
with motor vehicle traffic, they shall wear a garment with fluorescent and retro-reflective material visible from all directions.
A.8.7.10 Members that operate on roadway incidents should be provided with vests or garments that ensure proper
reflectivity such as a highly retro-reflective vest (strong yellow, green, and orange).
One traffic vest for each seating position, each vest to comply with ANSI/ISEA 207,
Standard for High-Visibility Public Safety Vests, and have a five-point
break away feature that includes two at the shoulders, two at the sides and one at the front.
High-Visibility safety apparel is your first line of protection when working on or near a roadway.
The Challenge to be Visible - It’s your choice!
