Best Practice

BEST PRACTICE:

G5−3: High Visibility Reflective Apparel

DESCRIPTION:

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has adopted the use of full body suits for nighttime inspection purposes. The prototype suits have reflectorized material that outlines the full body and a strip that goes around the torso. The use of the full body reflectorized suits was implemented in 1997. The Iowa and Pennsylvania Departments of Transportation have both been using highly visible reflectorized gear for some time. The Minnesota Department of Transportation requires that full−length−high−visibility reflective clothing (tops and bottoms) be worn by all workers during night work.

REASON(S) FOR ADOPTING:

To improve safety in work zones by making workers more visible in various lighting and working conditions.

PRIMARY BENEFIT(S):

Requiring full−length high−visibility clothing improves worker safety. Motorists can see that the reflecting object is a human and they generally tend to be more cautious and slow down.

MOST APPLICABLE LOCATION(S)/PROJECT(S):

Any work area.

STATE(S) WHERE UTILIZED:

California , Iowa, Minnesota, Pennsylvania

SOURCE/CONTACT(S):

Joy Pinne, Construction, Caltrans
Telephone: (916) 654−5627
E−mail: joy_pinne@dot.ca.gov

Barb Mallon, Safety Coordinator, Iowa DOT
Telephone: (515) 239 1594

Bill Servatius, Construction Programs Coordinator, Minnesota DOT
Telephone: (651) 296−2721

Mike Castellano, FHWA Pennsylvania Division Office
Telephone: (717) 221−4517
E−mail: mike.castellano@fhwa.dot.gov