When it comes to highly reflective clothing for construction workers, Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 clothing come to mind. But there is another class of pants known as Class E safety pants.

Class E safety pants are different from the other three classes. They are also known as supplemental high visibility garments.

The Class E Safety Pants are high visibility pants that provide additional visibility when worn with Class 1, 2 or 3 clothing. So in heavy rain or when visibility is very poor, these high visibility pants act as a safety shield for road workers.

This article sheds light on the many facts and myths surrounding Class E safety pants, their purpose, and more. Read along to find out all the details!

What are Class E hi-vis pants?

Hi-Vis means high visibility. Class E high visibility pants are much more visible and reflective than any other class (1-3).

They are manufactured to increase safety for construction workers on the road. They are most useful when it is raining heavily or when there is a lot of fog that greatly reduces the quality of your vision.

Even a regular Class 1, Class 2 or Class 3 high visibility vest cannot penetrate such a thick foggy coat. As a result, incoming traffic poses a danger.

In such scenarios, wearing Class E high visibility pants over Class 2 or 3 clothing can completely change the scene.

In a nutshell, the purpose of the Class E safety pants is to enhance the visibility of Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 safety clothing.

How does hi-vis work?

High visibility is a safety concept widely accepted by OSHA. High visibility for classes 1 to 3 determines the level of visibility, with 1 being the lowest and 3 being the highest.

In extreme weather, adding the Class E Safety Pants to your high visitor vest or bib will:

      • Adding Class E safety pants to a Class 2 safety vest makes it look like a Class 3 garment.
      • Adding it to class 3 clothes increases the brightness while the rating stays at 3.

In all of the aforementioned cases, Class E safety pants work to increase visibility. It guarantees the safety of you and the incoming traffic.

Class E Clothing: Facts and Myths!

fact

Class E pants are auxiliary clothing โ€“ Class E high visibility safety clothing should be worn in combination with Class 2 or 3 clothing. It alone does not qualify as safety clothing for road construction workers or traffic controllers.

There are different types of class E trousers โ€“ Class E pants include bib pants, rain pants and mesh pants.

mythology

It’s a Crime Not to Wear Class E OSHA Pants โ€“ OSHA suggests wearing Class E pants (all Class E products) if you have high visibility requirements that Class 1, 2, or 3 clothing alone cannot meet.

But it doesn’t mandate the same. So not wearing Class E products is not a crime if that’s what you’re concerned about. But if you value your life, you should wear Class E high visibility pants in heavy rain.

3 Benefits of Adding Class E Pants to Your Hi-vis Safety Ensemble

The Class E pants clearly improve visibility when the weather is overcast or when it’s raining heavily.

Let’s discuss the underrated but very important benefits of wearing Class E pants.

1.) These are waterproof pants that protect the clothes underneath. Clearly they offer more than just visibility.

2.) High quality OSHA recommended Class E pants with elastic waistline for optimum comfort. It also prevents water from entering the pants when working in heavy rain.

3.) There is usually a dark colored area at the bottom. Prevents cuffs from showing dirt that cannot be separated from construction workers on the road.

Top 3 Class E Safety Pants

1.) Pioneer Ripstop High Visibility Class E Bin Pants

This is a 100% waterproof class E safety pant that is also abrasion resistant. The visibility tape is highly reflective and very safe.

When worn with a Class 2 vest or shirt, it provides the same level of protection as Class 3 clothing. On top of that, it’s also lightweight.

Other great features that make this class e-safety pants one of the best on the market are:

1.) Fully compliant with ANSI/ISEA 107-15 standards recommended and safety tested by OSHA.

2.) Available in yellow/green and orange colors for better visibility at night.

3.) Not easy to puncture and not easy to tear.

4.) Heat-sealed seams make the pants last longer.

5.) Wide variety of sizes. These pants are easily available in sizes up to 4XL.

Cons:

Some users have reported that these class e high visibility pants don’t fit their size.

Check prices and reviews on Amazon


2.) JORESTECH Heavy Duty Class E Safety Pants

These Yellow/Lime Class E safety pants have 360ยฐ reflective strips to double your visibility. Some of the key features that make this safety pants the best on the market are:

1.) These rugged pants are made from PU and are 100% waterproof.

2.) Elastic adjustable waist for added comfort.

3.) Available in multiple sizes from S to 4XL.

4.) Sturdy, puncture-resistant and wear-resistant.

Cons: Consumers report that these pants are one size larger. So please follow the size chart carefully.


Check prices and reviews on Amazon


3.) Ergodyne GloWear High Visibility Class E Reflective Pants

These lime green high visibility class e pants have a highly reflective silver colored 360ยฐ strip. Provides Class 3 visibility when worn with Class 2 high visibility clothing.

1.) These pants are waterproof.

2.) Resistant to abrasion, wear, tear and puncture.

3.) It will make you stand out even at night.

Cons: Their cost can be a constraint. But they are worth every penny spent on them.


Check prices and reviews on Amazon


Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does OSHA require skimpy clothing?

OSHA suggests wearing Class E visibility pants with a Class 2 vest and shirt. However, it is not legally compulsory. Still, as someone who values โ€‹โ€‹life, you should wear high-visibility class e-pants.

2. Is red considered hi-vis?

According to ANSI and ISEA, red and orange-red are considered high visibility colors. Silver stripes make them even more noticeable and reflective.

3. Is blue considered a hi-vis color?

No, blue does not emit light. So from a distance, at night, or in poor visibility, this color is very difficult to notice.

Instead, yellow, lime, red, and orange-red colors with 360ยฐ reflective stripes are OSHA-approved high-visibility colors for Class E pants.

4. Is hi-vis required?

If safety is important to you, yes. Although not yet legally mandated, wearing high visibility class e safety pants while in traffic is the safest way to avoid a collision with a vehicle.

Conclusion:

Class E safety pants are supplementary clothing that must be worn with Class 2 clothing to improve visibility on the road at night.

These pants do not provide protection when worn without Class 2 or 3 clothing, but when worn with Class 2 or 3 clothing, these pants provide traffic protection when: increase.

      • it’s raining.
      • Low visibility.
      • You are handling traffic at night.

In a nutshell, I hope this guide helps you understand the importance of wearing class e safety pants!

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