Safety Supplies
Discover insights from our safety supplies specialists
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March 25, 2024
Visibility is essential in high-risk, high-traffic areas. Whether you find yourself working in a warehouse bustling with tow motors and scissor lifts, or repairing a section of highway and standing a few feet away from 60 mph traffic, staying highly visible is not just professional—it could very well save your life. Thankfully, there’s an easy solution to our hi-vis needs: safety vests.
Safety vests are ubiquitous and universal. From crossing guards, to construction workers, and even to emergency responders, safety vests keep essential workers in sight and in mind. But not all safety vests are the same. Safety vests are differentiated by type and class, following standards set by national organizations. In this highly visible article, we will go over the different kinds of safety vests, how to maintain them, and when to replace them.
What are the Different Types of Safety Vests?
Safety vests come in three types, differentiated by who wears them and where they work:
Type O (Off-Road): these safety vests are worn by workers who are not working in roadway environments. However, these workers may still be in high-traffic areas bustling with forklifts, industrial equipment, and other large moving objects that can be a hazard.
Type R (Roadway): these safety vests are for those who work in roadway environments and in close proximity to high-speed traffic.
Type P (Public Safety): these safety vests are specifically worn by fire, police, and EMS personnel working on roadways or other hazardous environments. While similar to type R, type P vests typically have more stringent specifications for background and reflective materials.
What are the Different Safety Vest Classes?
The different classes of safety vests are determined by the American National Standards Institute, or ANSI, which is a private organization that sets voluntary standards for safety and quality. These classes are differentiated by the amount of background material, the amount of reflective material, and color.
Non-Certified Safety VestNot all safety vests are certified by ANSI. In fact, there are plenty of safety vests available for purchase that are not in compliance with ANSI’s standards. But this is no accident, as they are often reserved for visitors and contractors. Non-ANSI safety vests are also favored by long-distance runners who jog in conditions with low light levels, such as early in the morning or late at night.
As these vests are not in compliance with ANSI, there are no hard rules determining the measurements for background and reflective materials. Generally, these vests will feature a band of reflective material going around the middle and/or above each shoulder. The background material can be of any size and color.
Class I Safety VestClass I safety vests are exclusively type O vests, meaning that these vests are not for roadway use. However, these vests are worn by those who work in environments with large, moving equipment/machines, such as forklifts and floor cranes, where high visibility is still necessary for safe operations. Class I vests are much like non-certified vests, but with clearly defined regulations for their materials.
Class I vests must have at least 217 square inches of background material in bright yellow or bright orange. These vests must have a minimum of 155 square inches of 1-inch width reflective material that goes around the middle and above each shoulder. Class I safety vests are not permitted for traffic zones exceeding 25 miles per hour.
Class II Safety VestClass II safety vests encompass both type R and type P vests, indicating that these vests are intended for use on roadways with moderate traffic speeds. These vests feature more background and reflective materials than class I vests, especially for type P vests, given the increased need for visibility in areas with higher traffic levels.
Class II vests require a minimum of 775 square inches of background material in hi-vis yellow or orange. The vests need 201 square inches of reflective materials at a 2” width, or 1” if it’s a split-trim design. The reflective materials must go around the middle once or twice and above each shoulder. Class II vests are not permitted for traffic zones exceeding 49 miles per hour.
Class III Safety VestClass III safety vests are the most intricate kinds of hi-vis vests. Like class II, class III vests include both type R and type P vests. However, these vests are designed for roadways with traffic speeds at 50 miles per hour or more. Because of this, these vests have the highest amount of high-visibility materials of all classes. On top of this, these vests are only kind to have sleeves.
Class III vests must have at least 1,240 square inches of background material in bright yellow or orange. These vests need a minimum of 310 square inches of reflective material in a 2” width, or 1” if it’s a split-trim design. The reflective material must go around the middle once or twice, above each shoulder, and around each sleeve. Class III safety vests are acceptable for any kind of traffic zone at any speed.
Class
Image
Types
Background Amount
Background Colors
Reflective Amount
Reflective Width
Sleeves
Traffic Zone
Non-ANSI
N/A
N/A
Any
N/A
N/A
Maybe
N/A
Class I
O
217 sq. in.
Yellow, Orange
155 sq. in.
1"
No
<25 mph
Class II
R, P
775 sq. in.
Yellow, Orange
201 sq. in.
2" or 1" for split trim
No
25 - 49 mph
Class III
R, P
1240 sq. in.
Yellow, Orange
310 sq. in.
2" or 1" for split trim
Yes
50+ mph
How Do I Care for My Safety Vest?
Buying and wearing your safety vest isn’t the end of the story. You also need to properly maintain your safety vest to ensure that it’s working for you. For instance, if your safety vest is covered in mud, its high-visibility properties are significantly reduced, leaving you in danger of being hit by someone who can’t see you.
Most safety vests can be machine-washed. Simply add it to a load with similar colors, select a delicate cycle, and run it with cold water. Mild detergents are fine to use, but a high-strength detergent may rapidly fade the colors. Then, place it in your dryer and run it on low heat. Routine washes will slowly fade the colors over time, so be on the lookout for this.
Due to the materials used to make safety vests, you should avoid ironing or dry cleaning your vest or you may compromise its material integrity.
When Should I Replace My Safety Vest?
Safety vests don’t last forever. The average lifespan of a standard safety vest that is used daily is around 6 months. Premium quality vests or vests worn infrequently can last up to three years depending on their condition and use.
ANSI has color inspection cards to determine the efficacy of safety vests. If your vest does not match the colors on the inspection card, it’s time to replace it. Furthermore, if your vest is damaged or fails to close properly, it needs to be replaced.
Final Thoughts
Learning about your safety vests is no waste of time. In fact, wearing the right safety vest in the right environment can keep you from serious injury or even death. And while ANSI isn’t an official government agency, their standards for personal protective equipment (PPE), safe operations, and more are near-universally accepted by American industries.
Whether you’re a crossing guard, a construction worker, or a fireman, visibility in hazardous settings is essential for your safety and for the safety of others. While class III vests are acceptable for any situation at any traffic speed, they may be overkill if you’re just dealing with golf carts and hand trucks. Take the time to learn what kind of an environment you’re working in to make sure you have the appropriate vest for it.
And while you’re here, check out our selection of safety vests, available in ANSI-certified class II and class III. Our safety supplies come with free shipping, so you can guarantee that you’ll be highly visible in hazardous conditions in no time.
For more information on our safety supplies, take a look at our article going over hard hat classes and best practices.
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October 17, 2023
What are Safety Glasses?
Safety Glasses keep the eyes of workers safe at industrial worksites. Tested and approved by authorities like OSHA, ANSI, and CE, safety glasses safeguard eyes from impact, penetration, contamination, UV rays, and extremely bright lights. Safety glasses feature lightweight and ergonomic designs that are comfortable to wear while providing enough protective material to keep your eyes safe. Some glasses feature adjustable parts and headbands for added security.
We have a separate product guide for our Safety Supplies products:
Safety Supplies Product Guide
Our Safety Glasses
Product
Image
Lens
Frame
Features
Blue, Clear, Tinted
Black
Tinted lens protects against extreme brightness
Clear
Navy Blue
Impact protection; comfortable nose pads and temples
Clear
Silver
Vented lens; adjustable nose pads
Clear
Blue, Black
UV-resistant; adjustable temples
Clear
Black
Non-slip nosepiece; adjustable temples
Blue
Blue
+1.5, +2.0, and +2.5 magnifications available
Clear
Black
Comfortable and adjustable temples
Clear
Black
Designed to fit over prescription eyeglasses
Clear
Black
Anti-fog curved lens; adjustable temples
Clear
Black
Interchangeable temples and headband
Clear, Gold, Grey
Black, Clear, Grey
Mini and regular sizes; +1.5, +2.0, and +2.5 magnifications
Clear
N/A
Clips on sides of glasses to provide sideways protection
Clear
Clear
Regular and anti-fog; adjustable headband
Clear
Clear
UV-resistant; vented temples
Blue, Clear
Black, Clear
Wraps around face; regular and anti-fog
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October 16, 2023
Table of Contents
What are Safety Supplies?
Safety Supplies encompasses our selection of personal protective equipment (PPE) products. PPE is tested and certified by organizations like OSHA and ANSI to protect workers in industrial workspace or any workspace where there is a threat of harm, injury, or death. PPE can either protect workers from impact and electric shock, like our hard hats, or safeguard them from spills and contaminants, like our disposable gowns and shoe covers. PPE should be disposed of and replaced every few months-to-years, or whenever they are damaged, contaminated, or their ability to provide protection has been compromised.
We have a separate product guide for our Safety Glasses products:
Safety Glasses Product Guide
Disposable Aprons
Disposable Aprons protect the torsos of workers from spills and stains, making them great for food service applications.
Our Disposable Aprons
Product
Image
Mil
Features
1 Mil
One size; protects torso from contamination
Disposable Beard Covers
Disposable Beard Covers fully cover the mustache and beard, keeping workspaces free from loose facial hair.
Our Disposable Beard Covers
Product
Image
Mil
Features
0.4 Mil
Fully covers mustache and beard; keeps loose facial hair contained
Disposable Bouffant Caps
Disposable Bouffant Caps cover the hair of workers, providing a stronger barrier than standard hairnets.
Our Disposable Bouffant Caps
Product
Image
Mil
Features
0.4 Mil
Form-fitting and comfortable; keeps loose hair contained
Disposable Coveralls
Disposable Coveralls cover workers' entire bodies, shielding them from spills and contaminants.
Our Disposable Coveralls
Product
Image
Mil
Features
2 Mil
Semi-breathable material; full body protection
1 Mil
Lighter material; full body protection
2 Mil
High-strength material; full body protection
Disposable Gowns
Disposable Gowns protect the arms and torsos of workers from stains and spills.
Our Disposable Gowns
Product
Image
Features
Safeguards torso from contamination
Safeguards torso from contamination
Disposable Hairnets
Disposable Hairnets fully cover the hair of workers, keeping loose hair out of workspaces
Our Disposable Hairnets
Product
Image
Mil
Features
0.7 Mil
Soft and light; keeps loose hair contained
Disposable Lab Coats
Disposable Lab Coats are standard apparel in laboratories and medical spaces; shielding the upper halves of workers from common contaminants.
Our Disposable Lab Coats
Product
Image
Mil
Features
2 Mil
Semi-breathable material; protects upper half of body
1 Mil
Light and durable; protects upper half of body
Disposable Mob Caps
Disposable Mob Caps are highly comfortable caps, keeping workspaces free of loose hair.
Our Disposable Mob Caps
Product
Image
Mil
Features
0.4 Mil
Soft and comfortable; keeps loose hair contained
Disposable Oversleeves
Disposable Oversleeves protect the arms of workers from spills and stains.
Our Disposable Oversleeves
Product
Image
Mil
Features
1 Mil
One size; protects arms from contaminants
Disposable Shoe Covers
Disposable Shoe Covers safeguard shoes from spills, splashes, and scrapes in the workplace.
Our Disposable Shoe Covers
Product
Image
Gauge
Features
2.8 Gauge
Light and flexible shoe protection
40 Gauge
High-durability shoe protection
Face Masks & Face Shields
Face Masks & Face Shields protect workers from airborne contaminants and pathogens.
Our Face Masks & Face Shields
Product
Image
Features
One size; comfortable and highly breathable; non-medical
Adult-sized; superior protection against airborne pathogens, like COVID-19
Child-sized; standard face mask with adjustable nosepiece
Hard Hats
Hard Hats are standard PPE, protecting the heads of workers from falling objects and electric discharge.
Our Hard Hats
Product
Image
Features
Protects head from impact, penetration, and electric shock
Hearing Protection
Hearing Protection protects workers from extremely loud sounds and hearing damage.
Our Hearing Protection
Product
Image
Features
Push-in or Classic style; corded only
Lightweight and foldable; over-the-ear hearing protection
4-flange design for maximum noise-blocking; corded or uncorded
Light and comfortable design; corded or uncorded
High-volume Plugstation or standard box; corded or uncorded
Personal Protection Hoods
Personal Protection Hoods fully cover the faces of workers, protecting them from unwanted and harmful contaminants
Our Personal Protection Hoods
Product
Image
Mil
Features
0.7 Mil
Protects entire head from contaminants
Safety Vests
Safety Vests increase the visibility of crews working in low-visibility, high-traffic areas.
Our Safety Vests
Product
Image
Features
Sleeveless; moderately reflective with some background material; best for crews working in low-to-moderate-traffic areas
Sleeved; highly reflective with ample background material; best for crews working in low-visibility, high-traffic areas
Thermometers
Thermometers instantly read temperature, providing immediate information about people's health and well-being.
Our Thermometers
Product
Image
Features
Professional and Medical grade; reads temperature without touching
Infrared; displays temperature information in real-time
What are Mil and Gauge?
Mil and gauge are measurements of thickness. Generally speaking, thinner materials are more flexible and cost-effective, yet less puncture-resistant, while thicker materials are stronger and more puncture-resistant, but also more expensive.
Mil is equal to one-thousandth of an inch. For reference, the average human hair clocks in at around 4 mil. Gauge, on the other hand, is equal to one-hundred-thousandth of an inch. Using the same point of reference, the average human hair is about 400 gauge, or 0.4% the length of an inch. Therefore, 1 mil equals 100 gauge and 1 gauge equals 0.01 mil.
For assistance converting between mil, gauge, and microns (one-thousandth of a millimeter), please refer to the following conversion tables:
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February 15, 2022Kraft tape provides long-term strength, durability, and security to your packages, whether you’re putting them into storage or sending them through the mail.
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July 23, 2020
In August, some students will start filling their backpacks with pencils, new crayons, and calculators for classes. The start of the 2020 school year might bring anxiety to parents within the United States. With the Coronavirus Pandemic, many families are looking for safe options to protect their children. Many parents have opted for homeschool or virtual classes to keep their youngsters safe. Others prefer face-to-face learning within the school.
With so many options - comes confusion. We at PackagingSuppliesByMail are here to keep your kiddos safe—no matter if their learning outside the home or within. We have generated a list of questions and answers to guide families sending their students back to school.
How will students socially distance within the classroom?
Many elementary and middle school classrooms are not designed for 25 students to appropriately socially distance. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), “Face coverings . . . are most essential in times when physical distancing is difficult.” PackagingSuppliesByMail carries Kid’s Face Masks to keep students safe while learning. These face masks have a 3-layer protection to help protect against germs & bacteria. Not all students will wear masks. The CDC recommends that face coverings should not be placed on children under 2 years old or those with current breathing problems.
How will faculty ensure students are safe entering schools?
Faculty members can ensure student safety by creating a “temperature checkpoint”. Meaning, multiple faculty members can greet students at the school entrance with Contactless Thermometers to take temperatures. These contactless thermometers can assess student temperatures quickly and notify faculty of high temperatures immediately. School districts can also automate temperature checkpoints using Thermal Imagers—that can continuously display temperature readings in real-time on a computer as students enter the building.
How will teachers stay safe?
PackagingSuppliesByMail has a variety of Personal Protective Equipment for teachers and faculty members. From White Reusable Cloth Face Masks to Safety Glasses—we have got you covered! Cloth Facemasks can be washed and reused again—while safety glasses give the wearer peace of mind while teaching in smaller classrooms.
For More Information About School Guidelines Click Here: CDC: Considerations for Schools
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July 16, 2020
Since January 2020, new buzz words have been added to daily office talk. “COVID-19”, “KN95 masks”, and “pandemic” might be heard before checking morning emails.
Over several months, these new vocabulary words have become a part of mainstream culture - leaving many people with more questions than answers. We at PackagingSuppliesByMail are here to answer the complicated questions for our customers.
N95 Masks: United States Standard
N95 Masks are commonly seen within the United States. These masks filter up to 95 percent of particles - such as dust, saliva, bacteria, and bodily fluids. During the Coronavirus Pandemic, N95 masks were frequently bought up by hospitals and the public - leaving stores sold out of valuable product. The United States Food and Drug Association (FDA) decided to ask other countries for help. The solution: KN95 masks were shipped from China.
What are KN95 Masks?
KN95 Masks are an alternative to mask shortages within the United States. These masks are regulated by the Chinese government for quality and filter up to 95 percent of particles. Specifically, this mask is highly effective at filtering out fine dust, bacteria, & viruses.
KN95 Masks feature a multi-layer design to protect friends and family from germs. These layers repel water, saliva, bacteria, & germs from the wearer. Most of these masks are disposable and cannot be washed - so make sure to throw them away after extended time in public places.
We Can Help
Whether you are quarantining with family or going to work daily - PackagingSuppliesByMail can help. We are here to answer any questions about masks or Personal Projective Equipment. Call us today - we have got you covered!
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July 09, 2020
“Grandpa!” she yelled - running into his arms. Weeks after quarantine ended, Grandpa finally got to embrace his granddaughter. COVID changed his daily activities, and he missed spending time with her. With safety concerns increasing, many have stayed away from their family members. Thanks to “Grandpa!” she yelled—running into his arms. Weeks after quarantine ended, Grandpa finally got to embrace his granddaughter. COVID changed his daily activities, and he missed spending time with her. With safety concerns increasing, many have stayed away from their family members. Thanks to PackagingSuppliesByMail.com, family moments can be made possible again.
PackagingSuppliesByMail has Personal Protective Equipment to keep family members safe and healthy. With KN95 Disposable Face Masks to Blue Nitrile Medical Exam Gloves - we have got you covered!
Grandpa has a variety of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to keep him comfortable and fully protected from germs. Below are his PPE from head to toe.
Disposable Hair Nets
Our Disposable Hair Nets give Grandpa peace of mind during family outings. These Hair Nets are FDA approved -meaning they meet the highest standards for safety. Hair Nets are perfect for extended use by the wearer - keeping hair clean from contaminants and bacteria. Available in White, Black, and Brown.
KN95 Disposable Face Masks
KN95 Face Masks are highly effective at filtering out small particles - like bacteria and viruses. Our KN95 Disposable Face Masks have a three-layered system to protect your family against germs. The outer layer repels water, blood, and bodily fluids. The middle filters out bacteria; the inner layer absorbs water, sweat, and saliva. These masks are perfect for maintaining safety when grocery shopping or out with family.
Disposable Coveralls
Disposable Coveralls have excellent protective properties. These coveralls provide security to family members weary about family gatherings. Disposable Coveralls are made with breathable material - so Grandpa can still hug the grand kids and feel safe!
Blue Nitrile Medical Exam Gloves
Blue Nitrile Medical Gloves safeguard the family from infection and bacteria. These gloves provide superior comfort - even kiddos can use them! Blue Nitrile Medical Exam Gloves are created to ensure safety - even in the most demanding conditions.
PackagingSuppliesByMail is here to protect family members - no matter what stage of life. Contact us today - we would love to hear from you!
Phone: 1-800-486-2467
Website: PackagingSuppliesByMail.com
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October 21, 2019
It has never been difficult to recognize construction sites, mostly because of the safety equipment placed around the site and the highly visible, fluorescent-colored safety clothing and accessories worn by the construction workers. Safety gear includes safety vests, safety glasses, safety accessories, etc. and can be easily identified by their highly vibrant colors and reflective material. The reason for their unique colors and appearance is to warn people to stay at a safe distance from the site to prevent accidents.
While the Hi Vis Safety Vests can be easily spotted at construction sites, other activities and industries also use them in huge numbers.
On the Roadways
Due to the heavy traffic rush during the daytime, road contractors prefer to accomplish their infrastructure improvement tasks during the night. It is important to observe basic safety precautions while carrying out road construction or repairing jobs in order to prevent fatalities. Safety vests made from lightweight, fluorescent, reflective colors help reduce traffic accidents by enabling drivers to see construction workers quickly in the dim lighting.
Not only construction workers, the traffic flaggers, police officers, firefighters, etc. rely on the Safety Vests to remain safe while performing their respective duties.
For Emergency Situations
Security personnel such as security guards, police officers and other public officers face challenging work environments every day. To ensure personal safety, the Safety Vests are an imperative addition in these personnel’s’ work clothing. Such reflective safety clothing allows the wearers to distinguish and identify themselves among huge crowds.
For Sports Champs
The Safety Vests are also used by sports enthusiasts such as joggers and cyclists who can be sometimes unidentified by motorists and car drivers. Wearing an orange-blaze vest brings them into notice from a fair distance while preventing road accidents largely.
While for some, Safety Vests are just another piece of clothing, it plays an important, invaluable precautionary role in saving hundreds of lives. Moreover, they are inexpensive too. Visit PackagingSuppliesByMail.com to browse the variety of personal protective equipment including high quality Safety Vests.
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May 20, 2019
Lab coats are plain, they are boxy and they look monotonous - but they are necessary and extremely functional. They have those large pockets on the front which are made to equip sharp medical instruments like stethoscopes, paper, pens, ophthalmoscope, etc. The personal protective equipment apart from its functionality provides protection too.
The white lab coats symbolize the medical profession in a way and save you from laboratory stains and injuries. Therefore, let us understand more beneficial reasons for wearing a lab coat:
PROTECTIVE BARRIER - A lab coat creates a substantial barrier between your clothing and the laboratory environment that is flooded with chemicals, sharp objects, and other hazardous substances.
SAVES FROM CROSS-CONTAMINATION - Medical environments carry a high risk of foreign elements such as infectious bacteria, germs, and bodily fluids. Thus, lab coats prevent direct exposure to these harmful substances.
CHEMICAL-RESISTANT MATERIAL - A good quality lab coat is made from polycotton material that ideally consists of 35% polyester and 65% cotton. The material is semi fire-retardant, and highly resistant to chemicals.
SPILLAGE & SPLASHES PROTECTION - A lab coat featured with an elastic cuff helps in keeping your sleeves safe from potential dangerous splashes.
EASY TO PUT ON & OFF - Lab coats can be quickly put on and removed in case of emergencies. In case a fire occurs, it can easily be pulled off keeping you at a safe distance from the flames.
SAFE FOR CLOTHES - As an obvious benefit, lab coats safeguard your regular clothing from dust, dirt and other laboratory contaminants.
Industry specialists suggest a few DO's and DON'T's while using lab coats.
Do's
- Wear a lab coat always when working in the laboratory as a protocol.
- Select an appropriately sized lab coat.
- Choose a lab coat that suffices your specific requirements - they may be disposable or reusable. Disposable ones are highly recommended when dealing with hazardous materials.
- Use a coat that covers the knees and one that has full-length sleeves for the arms.
- Ensure your lab coats are completely buttoned up to cover your full body and allow quick removal at the time of emergency.
Don'ts
- Wear a disposable lab coat for more than eight hours due to contamination risk.
- Use lab coats made from synthetic fibers in case there is a potential risk of fires.
- Keep the buttons of your lab coat open.
- Roll-up the sleeves of your lab coat.
- Wear the lab coats outside of the laboratory to maintain the required hygiene.
Buy a white lab coat of your choice from PackagingSuppliesByMail.com
