February 11, 2009

Federal regulation requires safety apparel on persons working on the Federal Highway System

As of November of 2008 all persons working on the Federal Highway System must wear a highly reflectorized garment or vest which complies with the Federal Standard. This garment must have a minimum rating of ANSI 2 (American National Standards Institute).

This requires all workers including police officers, firefighters, medical personnel, highway workers and tow truck operators, while engaged in investigations, emergency operations and in work zones, to wear a reflectorized garment while on an interstate highway or any federally supported highway.

The Division of State Police requests news reporters, cameramen and photographers also follow this regulation while on any of these roadways, particularly Route 3, Route I-93, I-293, I-393, I-95, the Spaulding Turnpike and the F.E. Everett Turnpike.

23 CFR(Certified Federal Regulation) Part 634.3
All workers within the right-of-way of a Federal-aid highway who are exposed either to traffic (vehicles using the highway for purposes of travel) or to construction equipment within the work area shall wear high-visibility safety apparel. Firefighters or other emergency responders working within the right-of-way of a Federal-aid highway and engaged in emergency operations that directly expose them to flame, fire, heat, and/or hazardous materials may wear retroreflective turn-out gear that is specified and regulated by other organizations, such as the National Fire Protection Association. Firefighters or other emergency responders working within the right-of-way of a Federal-aid highway and engaged in any other types of operations shall wear high-visibility safety apparel.

Please direct any questions to Captain John G. LeLacheur at (603) 271-7373.