High Visibility Vests for Public Safety Responders

On November 24, 2008 the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) 23 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 634 Worker Visibility rule will take effect for all first responders working within the rights-of-way of Federal-aid highways. The following files will give an expanation of the new ruling, where and why it should be applied.

What is a High Visibility Vest.  (A pdf file)

The policy for the use of high-visibility safety apparel.  (A pdf file)

“Safe Parking” highway safety program, by Ron Moore, Batt Chief, McKinney TX FD. (This is a PowerPoint presentation. Use your "Page Down" key or your left mouse button to page through the slides.)

Safety Concerns Raised by the Firefighting Community
Regarding High-Visibility Safety Apparel Result in Modification to Vest Rule

November 21, 2008 -- The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) today issued an Interim Final Rule to address safety concerns
raised by the firefighting community regarding high-visibility safety apparel.

The Interim Final Rule: Revises the definition of "worker" to exclude firefighters when they are exposed to flame, fire, high heat or hazardous materials. Exempts firefighters from the requirement to use high-visibility safety apparel, as defined in this rule, when they are exposed to hazardous conditions where the use of such apparel may increase the risk of injury to firefighter personnel.