Working in construction, utilities, and roadside environments means facing daily risks. From moving traffic to heavy equipment, the job doesn’t slow down. Visibility is not a luxury—it’s a requirement. For departments of transportation (DOT’s), transit authorities, and utility workers, staying seen can mean staying safe. High-visibility outerwear is not just helpful—it’s essential.
What is high-visibility outerwear?
High-visibility outerwear uses bright colors, like fluorescent yellow or orange, combined with reflective tape. These materials catch light during the day and reflect headlights or work lights at night. The goal is simple: make the person wearing it easy to spot in any condition—rain, fog, low light, or darkness.
Why visibility matters on the job
Traffic, machinery, and low-light conditions make many work environments dangerous. A worker in standard gear may blend into the background, while a worker in high-visibility gear stands out.
Accidents happen fast. Drivers or machine operators may only have seconds to see and respond to someone in their path. Bright, reflective gear buys those seconds. It helps prevent collisions and keeps crews safer.
High-visibility clothing is essential in these situations:
- Roadside repairs or maintenance
- Highway construction
- Emergency utility response
- Powerline work near traffic or in low visibility
- Railroad and DOT work
OSHA and ANSI safety standards
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) set clear rules for high-visibility clothing.
ANSI breaks outerwear into three performance classes:
- Type O, Class 1: For low-risk areas, away from traffic
- Type R, Class 2: For moderate-risk work near traffic under 50 mph
- Type R, Class 3: For high-risk zones with fast-moving vehicles or poor visibility
For most utility, roadside, or construction jobs, Class 2 or Class 3 is the standard. Workers often need outerwear that meets these standards and also withstands harsh weather and physical wear.
Visibility and protection with NASCO FR rainwear
High visibility alone isn’t enough. Utility and oil workers often face another threat: fire. Arc flashes and flash fires can happen without warning, which is why many jobs require flame-resistant (FR) outerwear.
NASCO Industries creates high-visibility FR rainwear built for these exact situations. It protects against fire hazards and visibility-related risks. Workers get safety from electrical arcs, flash fires, and the danger of being unseen in bad conditions—all in one jacket or pair of pants.
With over 40 years of experience, NASCO understands the real-life demands of your job. Their products are made in the USA and trusted across the industry.
Benefits of NASCO high-visibility FR outerwear
Here’s what sets NASCO gear apart:
- Meets ANSI Type R, Class 2 or 3 visibility standards
- Meets ASTM F1891 and F2733 FR standards
- Designed for comfort during long shifts
- Built to resist tearing, weather, and harsh use
- Lightweight, even in wet conditions
- Compatible with everyday workwear and gear
NASCO outerwear doesn’t slow you down. It keeps you dry, visible, and protected from electrical and fire hazards. That’s critical when you’re out in the field during storms, emergency response, or night shifts.
Who needs high-visibility outerwear?
High-visibility outerwear is a must if your job puts you near moving vehicles or heavy machinery.
This includes:
- DOT workers
- Railroad and transit authority workers
- Powerline technicians
- Construction crews
- Gas and oil field workers
- Utility maintenance teams
- Emergency service contractors
If you work in remote locations or unpredictable weather, visibility gear becomes even more critical. Rain, fog, or low light can make you nearly invisible to drivers or coworkers. A jacket with reflective tape could be the most vital tool you wear all day.
Don’t overlook hurricane and storm response work
Hurricanes and severe storms don’t wait for the calendar. When a significant storm is underway, utility and emergency crews are often the first to respond. These situations are chaotic—downed power lines, damaged roads, and reduced visibility are common. Workers may spend hours or days in nonstop rain, wind, and flooding conditions.
In these moments, high-visibility FR rainwear becomes even more critical. It keeps workers dry and protected from fire hazards and ensures they are seen in some of the most hazardous and unpredictable environments. Reflective tape and bright colors break through the gray haze of storm conditions, helping crews stay visible to coworkers, vehicle operators, and rescue teams.
NASCO rainwear stands up to these challenges. It’s engineered for storm response and tested in real-world conditions where failure is not an option. Whether restoring power after a hurricane or repairing a gas line during a flood, this gear helps keep you safe, dry, and seen.
Stay safe. Stay seen.
High-visibility outerwear saves lives, reduces risk in high-pressure jobs, and keeps utility professionals in control of their safety. NASCO Industries delivers the gear you need to face the elements, fire risk, and the challenge of staying visible in unpredictable environments.
Whether on the roadside at midnight or climbing poles during a thunderstorm, you need outerwear that performs when it counts.
Featured HiVis Raingear
WorkLite™ HiVis is lightweight, durable, ANSI 107 compliant foul weather gear. WorkLite™ HiVis maximizes worker comfort while providing a high level of visibility to ensure worker safety. Soft yet rugged, the WorkLite™ maintains flexibility in cold weather.
Shop NASCO’s proven high-visibility FR rainwear. Because safety shouldn’t stop when the weather turns rough!
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