(worksafebc.com) and the CSA (ohs.csa.ca).

detailed in both the WCB Standard

you’ll need to review the specific parameters
hi-vis vest meets the minimum requirements,
And if you’re still unsure about whether your

bulletin board.
be seen — such as on a workplace wall or
visible resource, so place it where it can
The poster is also designed to be a highly
vehicles travelling faster than 30 km per hour.
mobile equipment and those working around
of industries, both for those working around
high-visibility vest requirements in a range
these new allowances, as well as providing
equipment. The following poster outlines
garment for those working around mobile
alternative to the WCB standard type 3
high-visibility safety apparel is an acceptable
Effective September 19, 2014, CSA Class 1
employers in heavy industry:
Attention, workers and

be seen
See — and
Tear along perforation Tear along perforation

Stand out safely

If you work around vehicles moving faster than 30 km per
Around vehicles
hour, your high-visibility gear must meet strict safety standards. moving faster than
Here are four variations that fit that description. 30 km/h

WCB Standard Type 1 — vest, shirt, or similar garment

Vertical length of garment: 0.61 m/24 in. (minimum) Visibility-enhancing (VE) trim (fluorescent portion):
Background: • 0.05 m2/80 in.2 (minimum front or back)
• 0.13 m2/200 in.2 (minimum front or back) • Contrasting colour to background
• Fluorescent — lime-yellow, yellow, orange*

Types 1, 2, and 3
VE-trim requirements:
• A smooth, flat exterior finish,
securely attached to the garment,
and at least 50-mm (2 in.) wide
• Visible on the side of the garment
• One vertical stripe on either side
of the front of the garment with an
“X” pattern on the back
• Made either from combined

WCB Standard Type 2 — jacket, coat, coveralls, performance or separate

performance materials***
or similar garment • The retro-reflective portion of the
Vertical length of garment: 0.61 m/24 in. (minimum) VE trim (fluorescent portion): VE trim continues along the length
Background: • 0.05 m2/80 in.2 (minimum front or back) of the trim, with a minimum
• 0.26 m2/400 in.2 (minimum front or back) • Contrasting colour to background coefficient of retro-reflection
• Fluorescent — lime-yellow, yellow, orange* equal to 240 cd/lx•m2
• Bright — yellow, orange, red*

*High-visibility background colours must meet chromaticity and luminance requirements of the WCB Standard.
***Combined performance consists of a single strip that is both fluorescent and retro-reflective; separate performance
consists of two strips (one fluorescent and one retro-reflective).

For a detailed look at the requirements, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with
the WCB Standard: “PPE 2 High Visibility Garment — Personal Protective
Equipment Standard 2,” available under WCB Standards on worksafebc.com.
 Tear along perforation Tear along perforation

Stand out safely

If you work around mobile equipment, your high-visibility gear
Around mobile
must meet strict safety standards. Here are five variations that fit equipment moving
that description. slower than 30 km/h

New!
As of September 19, 2014,
CSA Class 1 high-visibility
safety apparel is an
acceptable alternative to a
Type 3 garment referenced
in WCB PPE2–1997. See
OHS Guideline 8.24–1:
“Alternative standard for
high-visibility apparel.”

Flame-resistant (FR) coverall style:

• Retro-reflective band 19-mm wide minimum
• Level 2 (330 cd/lx•m2) minimum

CSA Class 1
Background: Non-FR coloured stripes or bands:
• 0.14 m /217 in.
2 2
• Distinctive pattern
• Fluorescent — yellow-green, • Retro-reflective or combined performance
orange-red, red** • 0.10 m2 /155 in.2 (minimum front or back)
• Bright — yellow-green, • Level 1 (250 cd/lx•m2) or Level 2 (330 cd/lx•m2)
orange-red**
• 50-mm wide (minimum)

WCB Standard Type 3 — harness-style WCB Standard Type 3 — affixed

Vertical length of garment: 0.51 m/20 in. (minimum) • Type 3 harness-style garment that is permanently
Background: affixed to another garment (i.e., vest, shirt, or jacket)
• 0.06 m2 /100 in.2 • Harness portion meets the

(minimum front or back) Type 3 requirements
• Fluorescent — lime-yellow,
yellow, orange*

*High-visibility background colours must meet chromaticity and luminance requirements of the WCB Standard.
**Colours must meet CSA requirements for chromaticity and luminance.

For a detailed look at the requirements, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with
CSA Z96–09: “High visibility safety apparel,” available at ohs.csa.ca.