FAQ

To meet ANSI/ISEA 107 (US) and CSA Z96 (Canada) certification, reflective tape must satisfy specific performance criteria for retroreflectivity and durability. XM Textiles produces reflective tape under our XM Silverline brand, available in two ranges designed for different workwear applications.

Technical Requirements for ANSI/ISEA 107 and CSA Z96 Compliance:

• Minimum width: 2 inches (5cm) for combined-performance garments
• Retroreflectivity: Must meet minimum coefficient of retroreflection values at specified angles
• Color options: Silver, fluorescent yellow-green, or fluorescent orange-red
• Durability: Must maintain retroreflectivity after laundering and wear testing

XM Silverline Reflective Tape Solutions:

XM Silverline Standard Series - Commercial Laundering

• Maintains ANSI/ISEA 107 and CSA Z96 compliance after 50 wash cycles at 140°F/60°C (ISO 6330)
• The most common choice for high-visibility workwear across North American industries
• Suitable for garments laundered in-house, by commercial laundries, or by employees at home
• Cost-effective without compromising safety performance
• Available in 1", 1.5", 2", 2.5" widths or custom-made up to 51" width

XM Silverline PRO-Series - Industrial Grade

• Super durable performance: retains full retroreflectivity after 50 industrial wash cycles at 167°F/75°C (ISO 15797)
• Engineered for extreme-duty applications with frequent industrial laundering
• Ideal for uniform rental and servicing companies that process hundreds of garments daily
• Perfect for high-intensity environments like oil and gas operations, mining, construction, and large-scale industrial facilities
• Available in 1", 1.5", 2", 2.5" widths or custom-made up to 51" width

Which tape should you choose?

Choose XM Silverline Standard if your workwear is washed in commercial or home washing machines—this covers the vast majority of high-visibility clothing applications in construction, warehousing, transportation, and municipal services.

Choose XM Silverline PRO-Series if you operate a uniform rental service, manage an industrial laundry facility, or work in demanding environments where garments undergo intensive daily use and frequent industrial washing cycles at high temperatures.

All XM Silverline reflective tapes come with complete ANSI/ISEA 107 and CSA Z96 test reports upon request.

ANSI/ISEA 107 defines three performance classes for high-visibility safety apparel based on the amount of background and retroreflective material, with each class designed for specific risk levels and work environments.

Minimum Material Requirements:

Class 1 - Low-Risk Environments

• Background material: 155 sq. inches (0.10 m²)
• Retroreflective material: 155 sq. inches (0.10 m²)
• Typical use: Parking attendants, warehouse workers, roadside assistance in low-traffic areas
• Traffic speeds: Under 25 mph with ample separation from vehicles
• Common garments: Vests, sashes, accessories

Class 2 - Medium-Risk Environments

• Background material: 775 sq. inches (0.50 m²)
• Retroreflective material: 201 sq. inches (0.13 m²)
• Typical use: Road construction, railway workers, utility crews, airport ground staff
• Traffic speeds: 25-50 mph or poor weather/visibility conditions
• Common garments: Vests, T-shirts, short-sleeve shirts covering torso

Class 3 - High-Risk Environments

• Background material: 1,240 sq. inches (0.80 m²)
• Retroreflective material: 310 sq. inches (0.20 m²)
• Typical use: Highway construction, emergency responders, flaggers working at night
• Traffic speeds: Over 50 mph or complex work zones with high traffic
• Common garments: Jackets, coveralls, rain gear with full torso and sleeve coverage
• Key requirement: 360° visibility with reflective material on sleeves

Important Note: Class ratings apply to the complete garment, not individual materials. XM Silverline reflective tapes meet all ANSI/ISEA 107 retroreflective material requirements, enabling you to manufacture garments for any class.

Upgrade Path: Class 2 garments can be upgraded to Class 3 by adding compliant sleeves with proper reflective placement.

ANSI/ISEA 107 defines three garment Types based on the intended work environment and user, in addition to the three performance Classes. Understanding both Type and Class is essential for selecting the right high-visibility garment.

Type R (Roadway) - Most Common

• Designed for: Workers exposed to vehicular traffic in roadway environments
• 360° visibility required: YES - reflective material must be visible from all angles
• Placement requirements: Horizontal and vertical reflective bands on torso; sleeves for Class 3
• Typical users: Highway construction workers, road maintenance crews, utility workers, flaggers
• Key feature: Strict placement requirements ensure visibility from any direction

Type O (Off-Road/Temporary Traffic Control)

• Designed for: Workers in areas with vehicle speeds under 25 mph or separated from traffic
• 360° visibility required: NO - designed for workers facing traffic
• Placement requirements: More flexible; reflective material primarily on front and back
• Typical users: Parking lot attendants, warehouse workers, airport ramp workers, event staff
• Key feature: Lighter weight and more flexibility in garment design

Type P (Public Safety)

• Designed for: Emergency responders and public safety personnel
• 360° visibility required: YES - plus additional lower body coverage
• Placement requirements: Similar to Type R, plus reflective trim on legs for full-body visibility
• Typical users: Police officers, firefighters (when not in turnout gear), EMS personnel, tow truck operators
• Key feature: Enhanced lower body visibility for roadside emergency work
• Special consideration: Often designed to accommodate duty belts and equipment

How Type and Class Work Together:

A garment is designated by both Type and Class, for example:

• Type R, Class 3 - Highway worker jacket with full sleeves
• Type O, Class 2 - Warehouse worker vest
• Type P, Class 2 - Police traffic vest

XM Silverline Advantage:

Our reflective tapes meet all ANSI/ISEA 107 performance requirements for any Type or Class combination. Whether you're manufacturing Type R roadway garments with strict 360° placement or Type O warehouse vests with front/back coverage, XM Silverline tapes provide the certified retroreflectivity you need.

Yes, absolutely. Multi-hazard garments that combine ANSI/ISEA 107 high-visibility with flame-resistant (FR) protection are essential for many industries where workers face both traffic hazards and fire/thermal risks.

Industries Requiring Combined Protection:

Oil & Gas

• Refineries, drilling operations, and petrochemical facilities
• Standards: ANSI/ISEA 107 + NFPA 2112 (flash fire) or NFPA 70E (arc flash)

Electrical Utilities

• Power line workers, substation technicians, electrical maintenance
• Standards: ANSI/ISEA 107 + NFPA 70E (arc-rated) or ASTM F1506

Welding & Metal Fabrication

• Roadside welding, bridge construction, structural steel work
• Standards: ANSI/ISEA 107 + NFPA 2112 or ASTM F1506

Emergency Response

• Fire departments (when not in turnout gear), hazmat teams
• Standards: ANSI/ISEA 107 Type P + NFPA compliance

Pipeline Construction & Maintenance

• Workers exposed to both traffic and potential flash fire hazards
• Standards: ANSI/ISEA 107 + NFPA 2112

Critical Requirement - FR-Rated Reflective Tape:

For true multi-hazard protection, both the background fabric AND the reflective tape must be flame-resistant. Standard reflective tapes can melt or ignite when exposed to flames, compromising worker safety.

XM Silverline FR Reflective Tape:

Our XM Silverline FR (Flame-Resistant) reflective tape is specifically engineered for multi-hazard garments:

• Meets ANSI/ISEA 107 retroreflectivity requirements
• NFPA 2112 compliant - will not melt, drip, or continue burning
• Maintains reflective performance after flame exposure
• Compatible with FR fabrics including aramids, FR-treated cotton, and modacrylic blends
• Available in Standard (50 washes at 140°F/60°C) and PRO-Series (50 washes at 167°F/75°C)
• Available in 1", 1.5", 2", 2.5" widths or custom-made up to 51" width

Important: Regular (non-FR) reflective tape should never be used on flame-resistant garments, as it creates a fire hazard that defeats the purpose of FR protection.

Compliance Tips:

✅ Verify that all components (fabric, thread, reflective tape, labels) meet FR requirements
✅ Ensure reflective tape placement meets ANSI Type R, O, or P specifications
✅ Request test reports confirming both ANSI and NFPA compliance
✅ Consider wash durability - industrial environments often require frequent laundering

NFPA 2112 is the Standard on Flame-Resistant Clothing for Protection of Industrial Personnel Against Short-Duration Thermal Exposures from Fire. It specifies performance requirements for flame-resistant (FR) garments designed to protect workers from flash fire hazards—sudden, intense fires that can ignite and burn out within seconds.

What is a Flash Fire?

A flash fire is a rapidly spreading fire that moves through a diffused fuel, such as flammable gas, vapor, or dust. These fires typically last 3-5 seconds but can cause severe or fatal injuries to workers wearing non-protective clothing. NFPA 2112 garments are engineered to self-extinguish and provide critical seconds for escape.

Industries That Require NFPA 2112 Protection:

Oil & Gas Industry

• Refineries, petrochemical plants, offshore platforms
• Drilling operations, pipeline construction and maintenance
• Tank farms and terminal operations

Chemical Manufacturing

• Facilities handling flammable liquids and gases
• Chemical processing plants
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing with flammable solvents

Utilities & Power Generation

• Natural gas utilities and distribution
• Power plants using fossil fuels
• Industrial boiler operations

Other High-Risk Environments

• Municipal gas workers
• Propane distribution and service
• Industrial facilities with combustible dust hazards
• Any workplace with potential hydrocarbon exposure

Key NFPA 2112 Requirements:

• Fabric performance: Must pass Thermal Protective Performance (TPP) testing with minimum scores
• Heat resistance: Cannot melt, drip, or continue burning after flame exposure
• Seams and closures: All components must meet FR requirements
• Labeling: Garments must be permanently labeled with NFPA 2112 compliance
• Complete system: Every component—fabric, thread, reflective tape, labels—must be flame-resistant

NFPA 2112 vs. Other FR Standards:

• NFPA 2112: Flash fire protection (short-duration, intense heat)
• NFPA 70E: Arc flash/electric arc protection (different hazard mechanism)
• NFPA 1977: Wildland firefighting (vegetation fires, not structural)
• ASTM F1506: Arc-rated workwear (can overlap with NFPA 2112)

XM Silverline FR Reflective Tape for NFPA 2112 Garments:

When workers need both high-visibility and flash fire protection, every garment component must meet FR requirements. XM Silverline FR reflective tape is NFPA 2112 compliant and designed specifically for flame-resistant workwear:

• Will not melt, drip, ignite, or continue burning
• Maintains ANSI/ISEA 107 retroreflectivity performance
• Compatible with all FR fabric types
• Tested for wash durability in industrial laundering cycles
• Available in 1", 1.5", 2", 2.5" widths or custom-made up to 51" width

Critical Safety Note: Standard (non-FR) reflective tape should never be used on NFPA 2112 garments. Regular reflective tapes can melt and cause severe burns, creating a greater hazard than having no reflective material at all.

XM Silverline reflective tape can be applied to garments using two primary methods: sewing (most common and durable) or heat-seal application (for compatible tape types). Proper application ensures maximum durability and compliance with ANSI/ISEA 107 or NFPA standards.

Method 1: Sewn Application (Recommended for Maximum Durability)

Preparation:

1. Clean the fabric surface - Remove any dust, lint, or sizing from the application area
2. Mark placement lines - Use chalk or washable marker to ensure straight, accurate positioning per ANSI/Type R, O, or P requirements
3. Pre-cut tape to length - Cut slightly longer than needed; trim excess after sewing

Sewing Process:

• Thread selection: Use polyester thread for standard applications; use FR-rated thread (aramid or FR polyester) for NFPA 2112 garments
• Stitch type: Straight stitch along both edges of the tape, or use a zigzag/decorative stitch for additional security
• Stitch distance: 3-5mm from each edge of the tape
• Needle: Use size 90/14 or 100/16 universal needle; replace frequently as reflective materials can dull needles
• Thread tension: Slightly reduced tension prevents puckering
• Stitch length: 3-4mm for optimal strength

Best Practices:

• Sew both edges in the same direction to prevent fabric distortion
• Backstitch at beginning and end for secure attachment
• Avoid sewing through the center of the tape (reduces retroreflectivity)
• For corners and curves, use small relief cuts on the tape backing

Method 2: Heat-Seal Application (For Compatible Tapes Only)

Some XM Silverline tapes are available with heat-activated adhesive backing:

Application Settings:

• Temperature: 150-180°C (302-356°F) depending on the type of fabric
• Pressure: Medium to firm pressure
• Time: 10-20 seconds
• Equipment: Heat press or industrial iron

Heat-Seal Process:

1. Position tape on garment
2. Cover with silicone or Teflon sheet
3. Apply heat and pressure evenly
4. Allow to cool completely before handling
5. Recommended: Add reinforcement stitching at tape ends for maximum durability

Important Considerations:

For ANSI/ISEA 107 Compliance:

• Tape must be applied per Type R, O, or P placement requirements
• Minimum 2-inch (5cm) width for combined-performance garments
• Ensure 360° visibility for Type R applications
• Maintain minimum spacing requirements between horizontal and vertical bands

For NFPA 2112 Garments:

• All components must be FR-rated, including thread and tape
• Use XM Silverline FR reflective tape only
• Avoid standard adhesives or tapes that may melt during flash fire
• Follow garment manufacturer's construction specifications

Durability Tips:

✅ DO:

• Pre-wash fabric before applying tape (removes sizing/chemicals)
• Use FR-rated thread for flame-resistant garments
• Sew through both edges for maximum adhesion
• Test wash a sample piece before production runs
• Store garments flat or properly hung to prevent tape creasing

❌ DON'T:

• Use household iron for heat-seal application (inconsistent temperature)
• Sew through the center of reflective tape
• Apply tape to damp or treated fabric
• Stretch fabric during application
• Use chlorine bleach when washing finished garments

Quality Control:

After application, inspect for:

• Straight, consistent placement
• Secure edge stitching with no loose threads
• No puckering or distortion of base fabric
• Clean, professional appearance
• Compliance with standard placement requirements

Washing & Care After Application:

XM Silverline tapes maintain performance when garments are washed according to specifications:

• Standard Series: Up to 140°F/60°C for 50 cycles
• PRO-Series: Up to 167°F/75°C for 50 industrial cycles
• Avoid fabric softeners (can reduce retroreflectivity)
• Tumble dry on low-medium heat
• Do not dry clean unless tape is specifically rated for it

Need Technical Support?

Our team can provide:

• Detailed application specifications for your specific garment type
• Recommendations for thread and equipment
• Sample testing for your production process
• Compliance verification for ANSI or NFPA standards

Yes, XM Silverline reflective tape works excellently on stretch fabrics using heat-seal/iron-on application. Modern reflective tapes are specifically engineered to flex and move with stretch fabrics, making them ideal for athletic workwear, performance garments, and modern stretch uniforms.

Why Heat-Seal is the Standard for Stretch Fabrics:

Heat-seal reflective tape is designed to:

• Flex with the fabric - Moves naturally with body movement
• Maintain elasticity - Doesn't restrict fabric stretch
• Provide clean appearance - No visible stitching lines
• Preserve comfort - No stiff, rigid areas from thread
• Maintain performance - Fabric breathability and stretch characteristics remain intact

Application Method: Heat-Seal/Iron-On

Application Settings:

• Temperature: 150°C (302°F) standard - always test on your specific fabric first
• Pressure: Firm, even pressure across entire tape surface
• Time: 10-20 seconds
• Equipment: Heat press (recommended) or professional iron

Step-by-Step Process:

1. TEST FIRST (Critical!):
   • Always test on a scrap piece of your fabric before production
   • Different fabric blends may require slight temperature adjustments
   • Verify adhesion quality and check for fabric damage

Prepare the fabric:

• Pre-wash fabric to remove sizing and chemicals
• Fabric should be completely dry and at room temperature
• Lay fabric flat without stretching

Position the tape:

• Place tape on garment in desired location
• DO NOT stretch the fabric during application
• Ensure tape is flat with no wrinkles or bubbles

Apply heat:

• Cover tape with silicone or Teflon protective sheet
• Apply heat press or iron with firm, even pressure
• Hold for 10-20 seconds (varies by fabric weight)
• For large pieces, work in overlapping sections

Cool and test:

• Allow to cool completely before handling (critical!)
• Gently test adhesion by pulling at corner
• If lifting, reapply heat for additional 5-10 seconds

Best Fabrics for Heat-Seal Application:

✅ Excellent Results:

• Performance knits - Polyester/spandex blends (80/20, 90/10)
• Athletic fabrics - Moisture-wicking technical fabrics
• Stretch denim - Cotton/poly/spandex blends
• Stretch canvas - Mechanical stretch workwear fabrics
• Jersey knits - T-shirt and polo fabrics

Stretch Compatibility:

XM Silverline heat-seal tapes are engineered to handle:

• Two-way stretch - Excellent performance
• Four-way stretch - Very good performance (up to 15-20% elongation)
• High-stretch athletic - Good performance with proper application

For ANSI/ISEA 107 Compliance on Stretch Fabrics:

Heat-seal reflective tape maintains compliance requirements:

• Tape remains adhered during normal wear and stretch
• Maintains minimum 2-inch width even when fabric flexes
• Retroreflectivity performance remains consistent
• Passes required wash durability testing

Common Applications:

Athletic/Performance Workwear:

• Running vests and jackets
• Cycling apparel
• Performance polo shirts
• Stretch work pants and shorts

Modern Stretch Workwear:

• Stretch utility pants
• Flex-fit work shirts
• Athletic-cut hi-vis apparel
• Technical outdoor workwear

Advantages of Heat-Seal on Stretch:

✅ No stiffness - Garment maintains full flexibility
✅ Clean appearance - Professional look without visible stitching
✅ Fast production - Quicker than sewing
✅ Comfort - No hard thread lines against skin
✅ Durability - Properly applied tape withstands repeated stretching
✅ Washability - Maintains adhesion through multiple wash cycles

Heat-Seal Tips for Best Results:

✅ DO:

• Test application on fabric scrap first (most important!)
• Use consistent temperature and pressure
• Allow complete cooling before handling
• Apply to flat, non-stretched fabric
• Use protective sheet to prevent shine or damage

❌ DON'T:

• Skip testing on your specific fabric
• Rush the cooling process
• Apply to wet or damp fabric
• Stretch fabric during application
• Use household iron with inconsistent temperature
• Skip the protective sheet

Durability on Stretch Fabrics:

XM Silverline heat-seal tapes maintain performance:

• Standard Series: 50 washes at 60°C (140°F)
• PRO-Series: 50 industrial washes at 75°C (167°F)
• Maintains adhesion and flexibility through repeated stretch cycles
• Retroreflectivity remains consistent

Washing Instructions:

For garments with heat-seal tape on stretch fabrics:

• Turn garment inside-out before washing
• Wash in cold to warm water
• Tumble dry on low-medium heat (high heat can affect adhesion over time)
• Avoid chlorine bleach
• Do not iron directly on tape
• Avoid fabric softeners

When to Add Reinforcement Stitching:

Stitching is typically NOT needed for stretch fabrics, but consider it for:

• Extra-high wash frequency applications (100+ washes)
• Industrial rental programs with harsh laundering
• Areas of extreme abrasion (knee areas, seat areas)
• If adding stitching, use zigzag stitch with ball-point needle

Technical Support Available:

XM Silverline technical team can provide:

• Fabric compatibility testing
• Application parameter optimization for your specific fabric
• Sample testing before production
• Recommendations for heat press settings
• ANSI compliance verification for stretch garments