Mandating the MUTCD Final Rule for High Visibility

This excerpt comes from an article written on the ML Kishigo blog Understanding the MUTCD Final Rule.

Proper understanding of compliance issues is just as important to the smooth operation of companies that are mandated to comply, as it is to the safety of their employees. A clearer picture of the MUTCD regulations it defines is essential.

On December 16th 2009, the Federal Register Final Rule and the revised 2009 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) were released. The ruling establishes the MUTCD as the primary regulatory document mandating the use of high-visibility apparel for all affected workers in the United States. The primary aspect of the ruling however, lies in the mandated class of garment and the environments in which affected workers are required to comply.

In October of 2008 the Federal Highway Administration, or FHWA, mandated the use of Class 2 and Class 3 high visibility garments on all Federal-Aid highways. The new MUTCD ruling solidifies the FHWA mandate, which took affect in 2008. Additionally, between the time of the October mandate and the publication of the MUTCD ruling, the FHWA expanded the mandate of the affected regulation areas from just Federal-aid highways to cover all roads which are open to public travel. Compliance to this amended regulation will be phased in until it takes full effect on December 31st, 2011. The one exclusion is private property in which you pass through a traffic control gate.
 
To read the article in its entirety, click here.

HiVis for Wintry Weather

WorkSport 400 Jackets

The AccuWeather.com Chief Long Range Forecaster Joe Bastardi recently predicted that we’re nowhere close to done with the terrible weather of 2011. The cold weather is expected to hold through middle of February across much of the eastern two-thirds of the country. The chief also expects wintry events to last well into the spring, and says that this winter could end up being the coldest for the nation as a whole since the 1980s.

The ML Kishigo Black Bottom Bomber, 350 Pro Series Parka and the WorkSport 400 Jacket all keep you warm while maintaining flexibility in the winter. These coats are perfect for roadside construction, surveying, and just about any job that requires you to stay warm and stay visible at the same time. But they all have the versatility a worker needs when the weather changes, while staying compliant, and most of all – safe when it’s needed most. All three coats are ANSI Class III compliant, which means they’re all made with the mandatory retro-reflectivity, and state-of-the-art 2" 3M Scotchlite reflective material for excellent visibility in high-speed areas. Other areas where these jackets come in handy include the utilities department, sewer maintenance, electrical line construction and wind energy construction, just to name a few.

The HiVis knit beanie, also from ML Kishigo, also provides an added level of warmth for your head, where you’ll need maximum protection from the elements. These beanies are made from a soft, 100% polyester knit material. The two stripes of reflective thread are woven into the beanie - allowing for greater flexibility over the traditional sewn on reflective tape, and fit snugly to the head for added protection. Get one free when you purchase an ML Kishigo coat, for a limited time.

HiVis Supply is here to help you with all of your high visibility apparel needs including hi-vis coats, hi visibility clothing, parkas, safety and traffic vests and more. Visit Summit Sign and Safety, Hi Vis Supply or Summit Slope Signs today!