Be clear about high-vis needs

Being struck by a moving vehicle is one of the most common causes of fatal injuries in the workplace and, therefore, being seen is critical to safety. High-visibility clothing can save lives, but this is only possible if these types of protective garments are understood, specified and maintained correctly. This article explores the basics of high-visibility clothing.   

Simply put, high-visibility garments are a form of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) designed to make the wearer conspicuous in their surroundings. They work by making the person stand out from the background as much as possible at any angle, and in all weather and light conditions. A person with high-visibility clothing is noticeable up to 300m away, while a person without can be seen from a distance of 50m at best.

Elements

The garments make the wearer more visible by combining three key elements – fluorescent material, reflective strips and contrast material. The fluorescent fabric helps increase visibility during both the day and night, the reflective strips work in darker conditions and use a light source to create retroreflection, while the contrast material creates surfaces that can withstand dirt, which, if it builds up, can have a dramatic negative impact on the efficacy of the garment. The certification that sets out the requirements for high-visibility clothing, BS EN ISO 20471:2013, calls for reflective strips around legs and sleeves, and dictates that all three materials must be on both the front and the back.   

Colour

The colour of the fluorescent material alone requires careful thought to achieve maximum visibility. The standard governing high-visibility workwear approves only orange, yellow and red, and warns against the bleeding of residues between the fabrics that can compromise the performance of the garment. Materials constructed with a high proportion of synthetic fibre, such as Polyester, are typically best at retaining their composition and dye even after multiple washes.

Class

BS EN ISO 20471:2013 sets out a three-class structure that is based on the degree of visibility required for safety in certain environments, with class one garments being for the lowest risk conditions and class three for the highest. The system centres on the premise that clothing with a greater surface area of visibility fabric and reflectors makes them easier to see than clothing with less. The certification orders the minimum surface area requirements for each material in each class and it is sometimes possible to use a combination of multiple lower class garments to attain a higher level. 

Management

Specifying is just the start of the process when it comes to keeping the workforce safe with high-visibility clothing, as even wash cycles can have a dramatic influence on its performance. It is vital that only the right laundry techniques are used to prolong the life of the garments and uphold their safety properties, and, most importantly, that washing in domestic machines is avoided. 

A simpler and more reliable alternative is outsourcing the management and laundering of protective clothing to a workwear specialist, such as Berendsen, who will provide the garments, maintain and regularly test them to ensure compliance and, above all, protection. Partnering with a high-visibility clothing specialist means that items will always be clean, hygienic and properly treated for optimal performance to safeguard the workforce at all times whatever the sector.