FAQ

Does the Ministry of Labour accept CSA standard?

The proposed amendments to the regulation on high visibility garments have not been filed yet. However the ministry does recognize the new CSA compliant garments as equivalent to the current regulation.

 

In the interim and in view of the new amendments we advised MOL staff and clients to consider as equivalent and in compliance with the current regulatory requirements, all high visibility garments that comply with:

Daytime
CSA Z96-02 Class2, Level 2

Nighttime

CSA Z96-02 Class 3, Level 2 or class 2 with arm and leg bands as specified in the standard.

Special Cases:

Fire Resistant Applications (only)
CSA Z96-02 FR high visibility apparel (as appropriate to the FR and high visibility risk).
All high visibility CSA Z96-02 garments must comply with the labelling requirements under the standard.

 

Most provinces have indicated their intentions to incorporate the Canadian Standard into their regulations. Federal law C-21 encourages companies to adopt CSA and minimize liability.

Whether the provinces adopt this standard or not, it is important to know that it is considered best practice and should be used under Federal Law C-21 which protects employees by providing them with the best available safety equipment.

Is it our choice to whether to comply with the CSA Standard or continue with Provincial regulations?

Yes, either the CSA standard or current Provincial regulations are permitted in the work place. However, an increasing number of companies, governments and institutions are electing to adopt the CSA Standard simply because it provides works in high risk traffic exposure with the best day and night time visibility.

 

Does the lime/silver/lime reflective striped tape comply with the CSA standard?

No, it does not meet the CSA standard or the current provincial regulations. There is simply not enough reflective material to provide adequate night time visibility. The center part of the tape is the only reflective part. You need a 2�/50mm tape for get sufficient reflectivity. The yellow on either side of the tape is fluorescent but not reflective. This tape was used before fluorescent fabrics were available.

Questions you need to ask to comply with CSA Z96-02

Background Material

- Is the fabric certified to CSA Z96-02?

- Is it certified as fluorescent or Bright Fabric?

- Does the fabric meet all of the after-performance test requirements?

- When can l get my copy of the background material certificate from the manufacturer?

Retroreflective Material

- Is the retroreflective product certified to CSA Z96-02?

- Is it certified as retroreflective or combined performance material?

- What level of brightness does it meet?

- Does the retroreflective material meet all of the after-performance test requirements?

- When can l get my copy of the retroreflective material certificate from the manufactures?

CSA Z96-02: Summary

Minimum trim width:

- 50mm

Stripes/bands pattern:

- X on the back

- Two vertical stripes on the front

- Waist-level horizontal stripe extending entirely around garment

Do you need reflective collar on our traffic cones?

Ontario Temporary Conditions

The TC-51A cone (45cm) 18�) may be used only for zone painting, and must have a white reflective collar. For all other uses of cones, the TC-51B (70 cm) 28�) with a white reflective collar is the standard cone.

The white reflective cone collar must be 10 cm to 15 cm wide, mounted on the upper one-third of the cone taper, 10cm below the top of the cone. (Type III or IV, high intensity reflective sheeting).
Any cones used at night must have a reflective collar as described. As of January 1, 2002, all cones will require reflective collars. 

Traffic control sign what size do they have to be?

Ontario Temporary Conditions

Men Working, Flag Person & Survey Crew as of January 1, 2003 the oversize sign must be used) 90 cm x 90 cm and must be made of High reflectivity micro-prismatic fluorescent after January 1, 2003.

Do we need reflective collar on our cones in Nova Scotia?

Nova Scotia Temporary workplace traffic control manual 2007

For night use, 100 mm white ASTM type III retroreflective stripe 100 mm from the top.

Upcoming Changes:

The 450 mm traffic cones are being phased out. After January 1, 2009, 700 mm traffic Cones must be used.

Traffic Cones:

Traffic Cones must be made from light weight, solidly coloured, bright orange material that U.V. stabilized, and will not pose an injury hazard if struck.

Are there new standard for traffic vests & cuff in Nova Scotia?

Nova Scotia Temporary workplace traffic control manual 2007

Safety Cuff:

• Safety cuffs must be made from a background material meeting the same standard as the CSA safety vest.
  • Cuffs must have two 50 mm strips meeting the same retroreflectivity standards as the vests.
  • The colour of the retroreflective striping must contrast the background material.
  • The new standard becomes effective on the publication date of the 2007 Manual.

Safety Vest:

• Vest must meet CSA Z96-02 Class 2 standards.
• The vest striping must meet CSA Level 2 standards, and colour contrast the background material.
• The background material on vests must be fluorescent.
• The vest must cover the whole upper torso (to the belt line).
• The new standard becomes effective on the publication date of the 2007 Manual.

 

What about reflective tape colours?

For best visibility for night time we recommend using silver. Fluorescent fabrics give you the daytime visibility required and the reflective tape gives you night time visibility. To see which tape you think is the best choice, do a night test. Have someone put on a vest with yellow reflective tape, and one with silver reflective tape. With your models standing 200 yards away from you, shine the headlight of your car upon them and you decide which vest gives you the best visibility.

What should we do if our employees are exposed to possible flames or electric arcing?
For employees requiring FR (Flame Resistant) clothing, the CSA Z96-02 provides an FR Class. This allows Cottons and Treated Cottons and inherent FR Synthetics, such as Proban/Nomex to be used.

These fabrics are not available in fluorescent colours and the matte yellow reflective tape has a lower candela count. That’s why we recommend FR Silver tape.
Because of the decrease in visibility, it is important to assess the risk and allow the FR clothing only to those who require it.

Seam Enterprises is in the business of providing industry with the best high visibility safety garments for all seasons. We research and select only the finest, high performance durable fabrics. Our unique designs ensure that you will meet and exceed the ANSI and CSA standards you require for night and day-time visibility.