ANSI 107
ANSI 107 is a U.S. standard that defines the performance and placement of high-visibility safety apparel and the reflective and fluorescent materials attached to it to improve worker visibility.
Contents6 sections
Definition and Overview
ANSI/ISEA 107 is a standard used in the United States for high-visibility safety apparel. It defines the area, placement, and performance of fluorescent background material that provides daytime visibility through contrast with the surroundings, and retroreflective material that returns vehicle lights toward the light source.
Compliance with the standard is judged not by the reflective tape alone, but by the background material used, the type and area of the reflective material, its placement on the garment, the product classification, and related factors. Therefore, even if a tape is labeled as ANSI 107 compliant, that alone does not mean the finished product meets the standard.
Materials and Construction
High-visibility safety apparel generally uses fluorescent woven or knitted fabric as the background material, with retroreflective tape sewn onto the surface or heat bonded. Reflective materials use glass beads or fine prismatic structures to return incident light in a direction close to the light source.
The base material and attachment method of reflective tape vary by product. For sewn-on types, seam strength and edge fraying are important; for heat-bonded types, bonding conditions and compatibility with the fabric are important. For stretch knits or materials with pronounced texture, confirm conformity and post-wash appearance in advance.
Width Indication and Applications
The width of reflective tape is generally shown in millimeters. In ANSI/ISEA 107, the required area of reflective material and its placement on the garment are emphasized, so compliance cannot be determined by tape width alone. Design should include tape length, garment size range, and switching positions.
Main applications include workwear for road construction, logistics, security, and rail and airport-related work, where vehicles or machines pass nearby. It is used on vests, jackets, pants, and coveralls. Unlike reflective tape for decorative purposes, applications that require visibility should be checked against the product's standard requirements.
- List the tape width in millimeters on the specification sheet.
- Check the placement on the front body, back body, sleeves, and legs on the pattern.
- Confirm whether the required reflective area is met for each size.
- Make sure the effective area does not decrease due to seam allowance overlap or folding.
Selection and Handling Precautions
When selecting materials, organize the required product classification, wearing environment, background and reflective material colors, garment design, and washing method. It is also important to check the standard version and the testing and labeling conditions required by the purchaser, and to compare the reflective material manufacturer's technical data with the finished product specification sheet.
Reflective material performance and appearance may change due to repeated washing, friction, folding, heat, or chemicals. Washing should follow the product care label and the reflective material instructions, and you should confirm whether bleach, strong solvents, high-temperature drying, and excessive ironing must be avoided. Raised edges, cracking, peeling, and dirt can reduce visibility, so inspect the product before and after use.
Differences from Similar Standards
EN ISO 20471 is a standard for high-visibility clothing used mainly in Europe. While its purpose is similar to ANSI/ISEA 107, the product classification, requirements, and labeling methods are not necessarily the same. You cannot determine compliance with one standard from material labeling for the other alone.
JIS T 8127 is also a Japanese standard for high-visibility safety apparel. Even for the Japanese market, the standard to be adopted varies depending on the customer's requirements, the worksite, and the destination. Confirm the required standard for the sales destination and usage region before design and labeling.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I use reflective tape that complies with ANSI 107, will the garment also comply with ANSI 107?
No. ANSI/ISEA 107 is a standard for the entire garment, and it comprehensively checks the performance, area, placement, product classification, and labeling of the background and reflective materials. Do not judge finished-product compliance from the reflective tape specification alone; check the product specifications and the required test documents.
Are ANSI 107 and EN ISO 20471 the same standard?
Both are standards for high-visibility safety apparel, but they are not the same. Even if the purpose is similar, there may be differences in classification, performance requirements, test methods, and labeling. Work from material selection through finished-product evaluation based on the standard required by the destination or usage region.
Does reflective tape lose performance after washing?
Reflective performance and appearance may change due to washing, drying, friction, dirt, and deterioration of the heat-bonded area. Wash durability also depends on the reflective material specifications and the sewing or bonding conditions. Before mass production, conduct washing tests that are close to actual use and confirm consistency with the care label.
