The phrase might be a cliché, but it’s good advice for workers in any field. What you wear as a flagger is just as important as the role you perform. For flaggers, proper high-visibility (or “hi-vis”) clothing makes you more visible to motorists and others working on your job site, and provides additional protection against the elements and injury-causing incidents.

Federal flagger clothing requirements are set by the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). States, companies, and other jurisdictions may have additional requirements.

Looking for a quick flagger apparel reference guide? Download ours here!

The ANSI class system

The MUTCD references the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) provides guidelines for high visibility safety apparel. The ANSI Class system provides an easy way to see if your clothing meets the MUTCD requirements for visibility. Simply check the tag on your apparel: if it meets the ANSI standard, it will have a number or letter such as “ANSI Class 2” or “ANSI Class E.”

While you’re looking at the tag, be sure to also check the expiration date. Some of your gear, like hard hats, may have expiration dates. It’s important to replace that clothing and equipment regularly, because it can become less effective and therefore less safe over time. Even if your clothing is not expired, you should still watch for fading or discoloration. Sunlight and the chemicals in laundry detergent both cause colors to fade.

MUTCD daytime clothing requirements for flaggers

Clothing requirements differ depending on the time of day when you’ll be working.

When you are working during daylight hours, your outermost layer must include, at a minimum:

• A Class 2 upper garment (such as a vest) in fluorescent yellow-green, fluorescent orange-red, or fluorescent red
• A high-visibility hard hat in white, yellow, yellow-green, orange, or red

It is recommended that you add at least 12 square inches of retroreflective banding to your hard hat.

Daytime MUTCD clothing requirements for flaggers

Most states define nighttime, also called “hours of darkness,” as ½ hour before sunset to ½ hour after sunrise, or during other low-visibility conditions such as snow, fog, or heavy rain.

These are times when you aren’t as visible to motorists and your fellow workers as you are during daylight hours. Wearing additional retroreflective garments help drivers recognize you as a person, and not a stationary object on the road.

During hours of darkness, your outermost layer must include, at a miminum:

• An ANSI Class 3 upper garment (which has sleeves) in fluorescent yellow-green, fluorescent orange-red, or fluorescent red in color

OR

• An ANSI Class 2 upper garment (such as a vest), PLUS an Class E lower garment, such as coveralls or pants

Note that some states, local jurisdictions, or companies may have additional requirements — always check with your supervisor for details on what you should wear. Washington State has additional requirements that go beyond those in the MUTCD.

Rain or shine, make sure you’re visible

If you work in wet or snowy conditions that necessitate rain- or cold-weather gear, that gear should meet these same hi-vis requirements. It is also recommended that you have clothing in more than one approved color so you can be seen in different environments. For instance, in the springtime, fluorescent orange may stand out more against a green background than fluorescent yellow-green.

Additional apparel recommendations

In addition to your hi-vis gear, you should always wear sturdy shoes and clothing that will help protect you from sun, wind, rain, flying rock, hot surfaces, and other elements you may be exposed to while working outside. Get sturdy work boots with good traction. Steel-toed boots are often required at work sites. Check with your employer for details.

Your shirt should have sleeves. Short sleeves are acceptable, but styles such as tank tops, muscle shirts, or shirts with cut-off sleeves provide too little protection.

No matter what the weather is like, you should wear long pants when in a work zone. Long pants protect your legs from flying debris, scrapes, sunburn, and other hazards.

Finally, flaggers need to be able to stay alert and have a wide range of vision and hearing while in the work zone. Avoid wearing anything that restricts your vision, such as a hood on a sweatshirt. Personal cell phones and other electronic devices that distract your attention should not be used on the job.

No matter what conditions you’re working in, having the right clothing is your first line of defense against hazards in the work zone.