ASTM E1896-97a

1.1 This specification covers the daytime performance of fluorescent and fluorescent-retroreflective marking materials to be used on garments worn by pedestrians for the purpose of making them conspicuous to motorists. Garments include, but are not limited to, jackets, shirts, vests, coats, and coveralls. It allows for freedom of design of the materials so long as the minimum colorimetric and area requirements are met. This specification covers two fluorescent color regions for which high visibility materials have been widely studied and are widely available and used. It is anticipated that additional fluorescent color regions will be added to this specification as more information is developed on current and new materials. For a related standard covering visibility enhancement of pedestrians under nighttime conditins, see Specification E 1501.

1.2 This specification applies only to daytime illuminating and viewing conditions. The most common example is that of a motor vehicle operator viewing a pedestrian wearing the marked garment, illuminated by light from the sun and sky.

1.3 Conspicuity is a function of the contrast between an object and its immediate surroundings. The conspicuity of materials is related to the following:

1.3.1 High brightness, as measured by luminance factor.

1.3.2 High saturation, as measured by chromaticity coordinates.

1.4 High contrast between the marked object and its surroundings may be achieved by selecting size, shape, color, and position of markings that have been determined to be effective.

1.5 This specification describes the minimum colorimetric performance of fluorescent and fluorescent-retroreflective materials intended to make an object conspicuous. It also addresses diminished performance of materials due to extended exposure to daylight. This is accomplished via laboratory accelerated weathering using a xenon-arc lamp fitted with borosilicate glass inner and outer filters to stimulate natural daylight.

1.6 SI (metric) units shall be used in referee decisions under this specification. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.7 Although materials described in this specification are intended to enhance safety significantly through enhanced visibility under most conditions of illumination and viewing of the type described in 1.2, they do not guarantee that the user shall be conspicuous. Thus, this standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. The effectiveness of this standard in reducing death and injury has not been established.