What Makes Incident Command Vests Different from Other Safety Vests?

EN 471 Class 2 100% Polyester Security Vest

When looking for high visibility clothing, there are a number of different types of safety vests to consider including economy grade vests, surveyor vests, Class 2, Class 3 and Incident Command Vests. All of these vests are intended to improve the user's visibility, but each type has a specific application or is designated by federal law depending on the user's activities. If the activity has a lower level of danger and is not federally regulated, a simple economy vest may do the trick. The more dangerous an activity gets, the more likely the individual will be required by law to wear a Class 2 or 3 safety vest. Surveyor vests are typically high quality Class 3 vests with added features, such as a back plan pocket that is particularly useful to contractors and surveyors.

But what makes Incident Command Vests different?

Incident command vests are similar to Class 2 or Class 3 safety vests in their basic design. They are high quality, brightly colored and feature reflective materials. Their underlying difference lies in vests' intended application. While most high visibility safety vests are intended for use in day-to-day activities such as construction, directing traffic, surveying and even jogging, hunting or motorcycling, Incident Command Vests are intended for use in crisis situations, such as automobile accidents or natural disasters. These are not every day events, but rather unexpected emergencies.

The role of Incident Command Vests is to help restore order to an otherwise chaotic situation. Their use is defined by the United States Center for Excellence in Disaster Management & Humanitarian Assistance, the creator of the Incident Command System (ICS), which they define as an "organizational structure designed to improve emergency response operations of all types and complexities." The vests are often color coded and labeled to indicate what job the individual is performing. For example, a police officer will wear a specific color and be clearly labeled as a police officer. Likewise, an emergency medical responder (aka EMT) will be clearly labeled as such. It allows responders to quickly identify one another and organize. It also allows citizens to quickly locate help when they are in dire need during an emergency.