Media and Safety Vests

A new federal regulation took effect Nov. 24, 2008, and requires all workers to wear a reflective vest when in the highway right of way or in a location exposed to traffic or equipment operating within the highway right of way.

The Federal Highway Administration has interpreted the regulation and the term “workers” to include members of the news media. Media wearing vests

As reporters and photographers often cover incidents and do live shots or stand ups within the highway right of way, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) wants to ensure media outlets understand the new regulation and have adequate time to equip their news crews with reflective vests.

These vests must be compliant with ANSI/ISEA 107-2004 (Class II or III safety vests).

Links

Memo to news media from VDOT regarding the new federal regulation requiring reflective vests for all workers on highway right of way

The final federal regulation (23 CFR Part 634, “Worker Visibility,”) can be downloaded as a PDF: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2007/aprqtr/pdf/23cfr634.1.pdf
Federal regulation 23 CFR Part 634, “Worker Visibility,” including background on the regulation and the interpretation that extends the rule to members of the working news media, was originally published in the Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 226 / Friday, Nov. 24, 2006, pages 67792 through 67800; and is at http://www.workzonesafety.org/files/documents/laws_regulations/federal/nov_24_06.pdf
The Emergency Responder Safety Institute has information about the new federal regulations, as well as information and links to vendors who can supply the vests: http://www.respondersafety.com
The National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse also has information about the regulation and links to vendors: http://www.workzonesafety.org

Page last modified: May 5, 2009

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