Laundering and Washing FR Clothing-How to Do it Properly
If you work in a profession where fire or other open flame hazards are present, wearing the appropriate protective clothing is vital for your safety. Flame-resistant clothing, also known as “fire-resistant clothing” or “flame retardant garments,” are designed to protect the wearer from a variety of hazards such as fire and extreme heat. This protective clothing offers protection against burns, flash fire, and other hazards, which can be life-threatening. It is vital to maintain this safety clothing properly. This blog post will guide you on how to launder and wash your FR clothing properly.
Why Does your FR Clothing need Special Care?
Flame-resistant clothing is made with special fibres that are specifically engineered for protecting the wearer from exposure to fire. If these fabrics are not cared for properly, they will lose their ability to protect you from a dangerous situation will be reduced and may even fail altogether. Thus, it is important to know how your flame-resistant clothes should be laundered/ washed properly.
Key FR Clothing Laundering Practices
Here are the common laundering practices that will help you properly care for your FR clothing:
Avoid using hard water
Avoid using hard water to wash your FR clothing as it causes minerals like calcium and magnesium to form hard deposits on the fabric, which will eventually become brittle. These minerals are abrasive agents that may weaken seams during washing or wear over time. This can affect the flame-resistant properties of your clothing. Thus, it is advised to use soft water for washing your FR clothes.
Do not use bleach
Bleach can damage the fabric and weaken its resistance to fire. Instead, opt for detergents made specifically for FR clothing. Be sure that they are formulated with ingredients that will break down grease without damaging the garments’ surface or colorfastness.
Avoid high temperature
Washing or drying your FR clothes at high temperatures may decrease their effectiveness. Instead, opt for cold or room temperature washes and drying. This also extends longevity because high temperatures can cause colors and fabrics to fade faster than if you were using a cooler setting on your washing machine.
Do not use Woolite
Woolite is a detergent formulated for washing wool fabrics and contains an enzyme that removes protein from fabric. This may be detrimental to your FR garments because it leaves the fabric unprotected against harmful substances in the environment. If you are choosing to use a detergent, opt for one formulated for synthetic fabrics instead.
Inspect your garment regularly
It is also important to inspect your garment regularly for any damages that may need to be repaired. For instance, if there are holes or frays in the fabric and threads, it needs immediate repair before you start washing to not have a hole grow larger with use. It’s best to take all garments out of service once they are damaged to avoid the risk of them catching fire.
Tips To Wash Your FR Clothing At Home
- Wash the clothing in cold water.
- Use a mild detergent that will not stain fabric colors.
- Clean all areas of your washing machine, including the drum, lid, agitator, and gasket, before starting laundry to remove any residue buildup on these surfaces.
- Fill the wash machine’s drum with cold water and add detergent according to instructions on the box.
- Wash your FR clothes in a Normal/Cotton cycle at any water temperature up to a maximum of 140°F.
- Add clothing to the top rack of your washing machine, but do not place them in a washer bag or pillowcase—this will lead to wrinkles.
- Wash items separately so that they are clean & free from any residue left behind by other clothes.
- Hang dry your clothes or use a drying rack to prevent wrinkles and shrinking.
Knowing how to properly care for & wash/launder your protective clothing will help to ensure your protective workwear lasts longer and protects the way it was meant to protect you!
What Role Does Safety Work Pants Play in Workers Safety?
Safety work pants are often overlooked when it comes to safety clothing, but they actually play a critical role in the safety of workers. Most people only think of hard hats, steel-toe boots, gloves, and safety jackets when considering workplace attire for safety purposes. However, this is not true at all! In order to stay safe while on the job site, you need good quality work pants too. This blog will discuss what role these important pieces of clothing play in worker’s safety? Read on to get insight into why work pants are of critical importance, the benefits of wearing this safety clothing, and common workplace risks that can be prevented with these pants.
What’s So Great About Safety Work Pants?
Workers and their employers know that they need to take steps to protect themselves from accidents. But many of them forget about one key component in the safety equation: work pants! Safety work pants are a critical tool for workers in order to protect them from everyday dangers. Many people don’t realize that the way they dress affects their safety at work, and it’s not just about looking professional. However, they may not be the most comfortable part of a worker’s wardrobe, but they are critical for keeping workers safe on the job. Work pants often provide protection against abrasions caused by sharp or rough surfaces at work as well as fire-retardant properties, which helps keep employees safer in case there is an accident with any type of flame source nearby. In certain occupations such as construction site laborers, heavy equipment operators, and coal miners, where visibility can be limited due to dust clouds or other conditions like high heat waves, wearing protective work pants can provide you with the protection required to do your tasks efficiently.
Features & Benefits of Safety Work Pants
Some key features & benefits of safety work pants are:
- Safety work pants are designed to be durable and tough with features like reinforced knees, multiple pockets for storage, high waistbands in many styles.
- Workers who wear safety work pants are more comfortable than when they’re wearing jeans or other clothing because the fabric is softer next to the skin but still protects against abrasions and burns from hot surfaces.
- The crotch of most safety work pants has a separate layer that prevents scalding injuries while bending over so workers can stay safe during their jobs.
- Work pants with multiple pockets make it easy to store tools and other items like cell phones or wallets.
- Safety work pants are designed so workers can move without restrictions – they’re made from stretchy materials that accommodate different body shapes.
- The high waistbands provide more coverage than jeans for worker’s stomachs when bending over, making sure the area is protected against injuries while working hard on a job site.
Most Common Workplace Risks That Safety Work Pants Can Prevent
The most common workplace risks that safety work pants can prevent are:
Scratches- Scratch-resistant materials like polyester and Kevlar are typically used in the manufacturing process of these garments. This reduce the possibility of scratches from sharp edges such as broken glass, metal, or gravel.
Heat – High heat can lead to tissue damage, dehydration, exhaustion, and even death; it is also the leading cause of occupational illness in America, accounting for over half a million cases every year. Safety work pants feature cooling technologies that help wick away moisture from your skin, so you remain dry without needing to remove layers or stop working altogether.
Chemical Splash– A chemical splash occurs when liquid chemicals are spilled on someone’s clothing, skin, or eyes. This may include corrosive liquids like acids or alkalis used in metal cleaning processes as well as paint thinner and solvents such as gasoline. The cotton fabric of the work pants will absorb the liquid, which can cause a chemical burn on your skin.
Bottom Line
Safety work pants are an important part of keeping a worker safe. They provide extra protection to the wearer in situations like accidents, falls, and other hazardous events. Furthermore, employers should provide additional training about these types of clothing, so that all team members know how to use them properly while also protecting themselves from harm by wearing safety gear at all times!
Why is Workplace Safety of Critical Importance? How to Create a Safe Working Environment?
Workplace safety is the primary aspect of any business. It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in, but without a safe working environment, employees will be more likely to get injured, and your company could face costly lawsuits or fines, lower employee retention rates, higher medical costs due to injuries incurred on the job, increased workers compensation insurance premiums, and the list goes on. Also, when employees feel safe, they tend to perform more efficiently. In this blog post, I’ll discuss why workplace safety is so critical, how to create a safe working environment.
Why is Workplace Safety Important?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines workplace safety as the “measures taken by an employer to prevent injuries or illnesses from happening.” Sometimes these measures are obvious, like installing guardrails on workbenches in a machine shop. Other times they may be less so – such as OSHA-mandated first aid kits or the provision of safety training to employees.
In order for a company’s workplace safety efforts to be effective, they must have three key elements:
- Safety policies and procedures that are communicated clearly and followed consistently;
- An environment that fosters cooperation among workers so individuals can work together safely; and
- An emphasis on prevention through the use of “Possible Solutions.”
Working in a safe environment has been proven to improve the quality of life. A safer workplace can lead to fewer accidents and injuries, which then reduces absenteeism rates and lower healthcare costs for employers. Safety is also important because it affects more than just employees-it impacts their families as well. If an employee becomes injured at work, that person’s financial circumstances may be negatively affected by decreased income or costly medical bills.
How Can You Create a Safe Working Environment
The key ways to create a safe work environment are:
Being Aware and Identifying workplace Hazards
The first step towards creating a safe working environment is being aware of the hazards involved with the job. Employers need to identify workplace hazards and take necessary measures to address them accordingly. Workplace hazards can include anything like mechanical issues, dangerous chemicals, hazardous electrical equipment, etc.
It is imperative for an employer and employees to be aware of the hazards involved with their job and how badly it can affect their life & wellbeing. This enables them to stay clear of such dangers & unfortunate situations. Also, employers should ensure that employees are trained properly to operate machinery and equipment.
Implementing Workplace Safety Programs
The first step towards establishing an effective safety program is to get all employees on board. This can be done by including workplace safety practices in your company’s mission statement. It is the duty of every employee to carry out regulations set in place for staff, not just supervisors and managers.
Employers must investigate all accidents that occur on or near the grounds, even if it wasn’t a major accident such as damaged property or injury (to oneself). They should encourage all employees to follow safety procedures at work.
Using Protective Equipment & Safety Clothing For Workplace Safety
Safety work clothing is an essential aspect of creating a safe working environment. It can significantly reduce the risk associated with accidents in a workplace and protect workers from injuries such as burns, cuts, or punctures. This type of clothing includes items like safety gloves, industrial shoes or boots, flame-resistant shirts/pants (FR), protective eyewear, Hi-vis clothing, etc., which are designed to provide additional protection for employees who need it based on their job requirements. Moreover, the types of clothes used depend heavily on what kind of job you are involved in. Thus, it is important to identify your needs and ensure that your employees are well equipped with all the safety gear.
Ending Note
A safe work environment is an integral part of good companies. Every employee wants assurance of their safety & protection when they’re at work. This makes workplace safety a critical issue. Thus, employers should ensure that their employees have a safe work environment. Also, employers should encourage employees to adopt safe practices and use safety workwear clothing & gear. They should encourage safety policies and safety programs.
Breaking Down Hi-Vis Clothing: Everything You Should Know Before Buying It
Hi-Vis clothing is of critical importance for any construction worker, police officer, or anyone who works in the outdoors. Hi-Vis clothes are not just to make you more visible; they also help protect you from accidents and injuries that can come about due to your visibility being impaired. This safety clothing is essential not just for you but for everyone around you too. However, there a lot of things that you must know before buying it.
In this article, we’ll break down all the things you should know about Hi-Vis clothing.
What is High Visibility Clothing & How Does it Work?
Hi-Vis clothing is designed with bright colors and reflective materials to make the wearer more visible in low light or nighttime conditions. Hi-Vis safety gear helps protect workers from accidents that might otherwise go unnoticed, providing a critical first line of defense when working outdoors. These garments also serve as effective tools for maintaining safety during construction projects, traffic incidents, public events like parades, protests, and sporting activities.
Hi-Vis clothes are usually made of fluorescent colors or reflective materials that stand out against backgrounds, making them easier for others to see. The main purpose of Hi-Vis Clothing is simply to make the wearer visible. The brighter you can appear from all angles, the greater your chances will be spotted before something happens, causing an accident or injury.
Safety Benefits and Features of High Visibility Clothing
The most significant benefits & features of high visibility clothing are:
- Hi-Vis clothing is highly functional and used in a variety of industries for different purposes. Some examples where this safety clothing is used are firefighting, construction work, highway maintenance, and traffic control. Hi-Vis garments often show up on the job sites as they offer important safety features that protect employees from injury due to falls, slips, or collisions with other objects;
- Hi-visibility garments also help workers to be seen by others in their environment, which can avoid accidents involving pedestrians on foot or those using vehicles such as cars and trucks;
- Hi-Vis Clothing offers protection against heat stress through its ability to reflect sunlight off the material onto the wearer’s skin, so s/he does not get burnt. This type of garment may also have air vents within it designed to release heat and sweat from the body and have moisture-wicking capabilities, which can help maintain a comfortable skin temperature. Hi-Vis Clothing has been shown to significantly improve visibility in certain environments such as nighttime construction work or roadwork zones.
What Must be Kept in Mind While Buying Hi-Vis Clothing?
Key factors that you must keep in mind while buying HI-Vis clothing are:
- The material used for Hi-Vis clothing
- Hi-Vis rating (signifies the level of visibility)
- Type & size (with regard to comfort, convenience, etc.)
One of the first things to consider when buying Hi-Vis Clothing is what type of garment is suited for your needs. Hi-Vis Jackets are perfect if you want protection from rain, snow, and wind, while Hi-Vis work trousers or Hi-vis shorts provide optimal visibility in work environments such as road construction zones where traffic may be moving at high speeds. Hi-Vis Vests which come with a reflective strip around the stomach and chest area, offer an excellent alternative to jackets, too, since they can keep your whole body warm in cold weather with their insulation properties.
Furthermore, hi-vis clothing is made from a number of materials, including nylon, polyester, or cotton, with reflective strips sewn into it, which makes it more visible when worn during daytime hours. It also comes in different types, such as workwear that can be dressier and tailored or casual wear that might have elastic at the waistband, so they don’t need a belt. These days hi-vis is even seen on t-shirts! Hi-vis clothes come in various sizes too – small/medium /large/extra-large.
Ending Note
Hi-vis clothing is a crucial safety measure for those who work in high-risk occupations. It should be worn by workers who are on the road, at construction sites, and even those who work indoors near machinery or chemicals that could cause harm if not seen properly. All of these environments require different qualities for hi-vis garments, so it’s important you know the risk involved in your job and the type you need before making the final choice of any high visibility clothing.
How to Clean Your FR Rainwear?
We all know that rains can be unpredictable, but critical industries such as utilities, infrastructure maintenance, and transportation cannot delay their services due to rain. Electric utility linemen and oil & gas industry workers are truly essential, for that matter, as they keep the power flowing to the given area. These workers can face long hours of exposure to all types of hazardous weather, which makes it essential that they have all the protective gear they need in good shape at all times.
The scenarios utility workers typically face requiring protection in the form of high-quality flame-resistant rainwear clothing. FR safety clothing is made from materials that don’t catch fire easily when exposed to sparks or flames. Once you’ve made the investment in protecting your team with the right FR garments, the next step is to ensure that they take care of these clothing items correctly.
In this blog, we’ll see the importance of taking care of FR rainwear clothing and how you can keep them clean.
Why is it Important to Take Care of FR Rainwear in the Right Manner?
Outdoor working conditions can be harsh & extremely variable. Therefore, it is imperative that your workers have all the right gear for their safety and that they maintain it appropriately. Keeping your flame-resistant rainwear clean is important for a number of reasons, such as:
- It’ll maintain its durability & performance so that you can get the most out of it over time.
- It would help them last longer due to reduced wear & tear from dirt or grime build-up, which might otherwise get trapped in fabrics if they were dirty.
- Also, it helps to avoid possible safety hazards such as accidents caused at the worksite.
These are just a few scenarios where wearing high-quality safety clothing with the appropriate care can make all the difference in the safety & efficiency of the worker.
Furthermore, caring for your FR rainwear with the correct methods will help these valuable gears to last longer & perform better even in the harshest conditions. Not washing your FR workwear in the right manner can damage it or make it prematurely worn out. Using the right washing procedures & tools are also essential as dirty, worn out, or broken tools can be ineffective for cleaning or affect the efficiency of the garment.
How to Clean FR Rainwear?
Here are some key cleaning tips that will ensure that your FR rainwear stays clean & ready to protect you from any workplace hazard:
- Create a regular cleaning plan/schedule for your rain gear; this will ensure that your gears are clean & ready whenever you need them. Consider how often you’ll need to wash your rainwear, where & how you want to wash it, and where you’ll be keeping them.
- The primary step in the actual cleaning process is to spot clean or wipe the entire garment with a damp cloth. Make sure you keep your garments in a manner & location where they can dry completely.
- For more thorough cleaning, you can wash these garments at home in the washing machine separately in cold water on the gentle cycle of your washer.
- When you’re cleaning your rainwear, either by hand or in a washing machine, make sure to not use abrasive cleaners, solvents, bleach, or fabric softeners.
- Do not iron your FR garments at all. Simply hang them in a manner that’ll prevent any creases or wrinkles from forming.
- Do not dry clean your FR rainwear, or send it out to an industrial laundry facility for cleaning.
Keeping these tips in mind while cleaning your FR rainwear will ensure they don’t lose their quality and keeps you safe for a longer period.
6 Critical Factors to Consider While Choosing FR Safety Wear in the Oil & Gas Industry
The oil and gas industry is a risky environment, where safety and comfort should be top priorities for every employee. One of the most important pieces of gear to ensure this goal is achieved is FR Safety Wear. Flame-resistant safety apparel is an essential part of any company’s (working in the oil & gas industry) worker protection program. FR clothing provides superior protection against flash fires and heat exposure from radiant energy sources, including welding, brazing, or cutting torches. However, choosing the right Flame-resistant safety wear for your employees in the Oil & Gas Industry is not an easy task. There are various factors that need to be considered before you make a final decision. Below we have compiled a list of critical factors that you must consider while choosing FR safety wear.
The important factors that you must consider while choosing flame-resistant clothing in the oil & gas industry are:
Protection Level
It is important to understand that flame-resistant clothing does not have a fixed protection level, as it can range from just meeting NFPA 2112 requirements all the way up to providing full and complete protection against LPG fires without rupturing. So be sure you know what the level of protection you need is before purchasing FR clothing.
Number of Layers
The number of garments worn in FR clothing depends on several factors like the type of activity/work you’re involved in, the time span for which protection is needed, type of work environment (chemical sensitivities), among other things. As general guidelines, workers should consider wearing three layers when working in an area where there’s exposure to gasoline vapors; two daily use/casual daywear items plus one protective overgarment while working in an area with no gasoline exposure but there’s a chance of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) or ammonia vapors; and one daily use/casual daywear item plus two protective overgarments while working in an area where there is a potential for LPG, ammonia or chlorine exposures.
Design
Flame retardant clothing should be self-extinguishing and have a wide range of options for different levels of protection, from just meeting the NFPA 2112 requirements all the way up to providing full and complete protection against LPG fires without rupturing.
Safety Certification
Flame-resistant clothing is tested for its ability to resist the spread of flames and heat. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates compliance with these standards in most countries. Thus, it is important that the safety wear that you are using has been certified. You must be able to identify what standards they have met, and more importantly, their certification number so that you can verify it with them if required.
Comfort Features
It is important not only that your clothing provides adequate protection against fire but also ensures it fits well, so you don’t even notice them while working in harsh conditions. Also, the materials should be breathable, i.e., it should allow air and moisture to pass through protective garments. And since these garments often cover most of your body’s surface area, comfort features such as durability when wet and elasticity to reduce chaffing are also important to consider.
Durability
Flame-resistant clothes need to last a long time because they tend to have a higher upfront cost than other types of clothing and are worn out more quickly. They should be able to stand up against constant use in the oil & gas industry, where there’s always an increased risk of danger due to machinery or equipment being close by.
Ending Note
The oil and gas industry is a high-risk sector, where there are constant threats of explosion. With FR clothing being one of the key components of keeping workers safe from harmful chemicals and fumes, it is important to choose the right one. Thus keeping all the above-mentioned critical factors in mind will help you make the right decision for your needs and safety!
Important Things You Should Know About Hi Vis Safety Clothing
Hi-Vis safety clothing is a type of personal protective equipment that is designed to keep you safe. Protecting industrial, utility, electrical, & construction workers on the job is no small feat. It requires appropriate PPE and can often require high visibility clothing. Hi-Vis clothing is not only important from a safety standpoint, but it also boosts visibility, making you more noticeable to drivers, other workers, and other pedestrians.
This blog post will cover some of the most important things that you should know about Hi-Vis clothing.
What is Hi-Vis Safety Clothing?
Hi-Vis safety clothing includes any type of apparel that has been designed to be highly visible. It can often include jackets, vests, shirts, pants, and even gloves or hats. These items are usually bright in color and reflective, so they stand out from other people on the road as well as protect you by helping drivers see where you are when visibility gets low because of fog or dark conditions like nighttime.
Hi-vis clothing has two components.
- Colorful fluorescent elements: These fluorescent elements are made with special pigments that are brighter than normal colors: These pigments reflect invisible UV light from the sun as a bright, visible light. The fluorescent elements of hi-vis clothing make the most of any existing light, and thus, they can be seen easily in low light conditions such as dusk, dawn & cloudy days. The fluorescent element of hi-vis safety clothing also provides a strong visible contrast against most backgrounds, whether natural or manmade.
- Reflective strips/tape: These strips/tapes are made from materials that reflect light back to where it comes from. This reflective material is most effective in darkness, as they don’t provide much contrast in daylight conditions.
Most high visibility clothing comes with a combination of both these components, such as a fluorescent-colored vest/jackets with reflective strips or materials that are both fluorescent & reflective.
Why Wearing Hi-Vis Clothing Critical for Safety?
Hi-vis safety clothing provides protection against workplace accidents & injuries by making the worker visible to each other and anyone else who may be in the same area. This clothing type is particularly important for workers in the gas & electrical utility industry, and in the transportation industry, such as railways, highway, & airport workers. Construction workers, first responders, surveyors, sanitation & warehouse workers also benefit from the increased visibility of these clothing types.
The key to maximize the high visibility safety features is choosing hi-vis clothing that will provide the most contrast between your worker’s body & their surroundings. Make sure that the high visibility safety clothing you choose won’t blend into your work environment in any way.
What Should You Keep in Mind While Buying Hi-Vis Clothing?
The most significant factors you should keep in mind while buying hi-vis clothing are:
Fit: You must review the sizes of the workers you’re buying for & what they’ll wear underneath. Make sure the hi-vis vest/jacket you’re buying is not too tight or loose. Consider the number of tools they’ll be carrying around. The garment should be large enough to accommodate their tools & not hinder the visibility.
Coverage: Consider the percentage of the body that will be covered by the hi-vis garment. It is better to pick a jacket over a vest for nighttime to provide better coverage. Also, you should provide garments with fluorescent stripping on both the back & front for better visibility. Always remember smaller garments equal lower visibility.
High quality: Make sure that the hi-vis garments you buy for your workers are of high quality. These garments should maintain fluorescence- polyester, acrylic & nylon fabrics keep their fluorescence for the longest time. Also, the garment should be close-knitted and, therefore, bright enough for low-light work areas.
Ending Note
Hi-Vis garments are crucial for most worksites, an important part of any construction site. Not only do they help workers to be seen, but also for the equipment and vehicles on a project as well. However, it is imperative that you choose the right garment that ensures workers are safe and efficient while they’re working!
Understanding the FR Clothing Layering System
The layering system of FR clothing is meant to keep the wearer warmer or cooler and drier as per their working condition while providing the added mobility & comfort. But, have you ever thought that when you’re wearing multi-layered garments, what specific clothing combinations are tested together to determine their effective arc rating?
Flame-resistant clothing typically comes with a layering system that offers the highest levels of protection. Workwear USA goes a little beyond usual while testing the popular clothing combinations to determine their actual ATPV Cal/cm2 rating. This makes it easy to know if your FR apparel’s combination meets your required ratings & work safety requirements.
Now, you must be wondering what this FR layering system is all about. Read on to understand the ultimate FR layering system and the purpose of each layer.
The Ultimate FR Clothing Layering System
When you are choosing a clothing layering system, start by finding one that offers permanent moisture-wicking technology in every layer. From base layer to button-up work shirt, hoodies to outer jacket, a layering system that offers moisture-wicking technology will never wear out, wash out, or stop providing protection to you.
An FR clothing layering system offers the following benefits:
Built to move: Each component of the FR layering system comes with added stretch, which enables you to move as freely as you do.
A beveled tail for warmth: This safety clothing is designed with a longer, swooping backside, where your midsection remains protected from the hazardous elements whether you’re reaching high or bending forward.
Water & wind-resistant: Your layering system will protect you even when you add or remove layers. Your outerwear offers water & wind resistance that makes you feel confident in your apparel.
What is the Purpose of Each Layer?
Layering is very crucial to worker safety in any kind of weather, be it summers or winters. The right flame-resistant fabric will keep your team protected & comfortable for longer. Here is the breakdown of the three main layers of the FR layering system:
Base Layer
Having a solid foundation is the key to any strong structure; the same can be said for the layering system of FR clothing. The base layer keeps you dry by pulling moisture away from your body; this helps to keep your body cool during hot summer days and warm when it’s freezing cold outside. The base layer clothing is usually made with a blend of hydrophobic & hydrophilic fibers that constantly pull moisture away from your body, moving it to the garment’s outer surface to allow it to dry.
Mid Layer
You can easily get a wide variety of mid-layers at Wokrwear USA; each of these clothing options is designed to work with the base & the outer layers to keep moisture off your body & make you feel comfortable. In addition, these layers are typically built with effective, lightweight fabrics that help to increase worker comfort without reducing mobility.
Outer Layer
The outer layer of FR apparel is really the cherry on top of the FR layering system because it is wind-resistant, water-resistant, and moisture-wicking. The unique garment design of this layer keeps all the elements at bay while moisture is being pulled away from your body to the outermost layer. This enables you to focus on the task at hand without causing any distraction or discomfort.
Final Word
The FR clothing layering system is an excellent way to stay warm & comfortable in extreme weather conditions. Knowing what each level of insulation does & why you need it can help you stay safe while you’re working in hazardous work conditions. The purpose behind Workwear USA’s FR clothing design is to create a custom fit that will keep you protected regardless of how many layers are on underneath.
Things you Need to Keep in Mind While Looking for Hi-Vis Jackets & Work Shirts
The dangers employees are exposed to make it imperative to be visible while you’re at work. It’s a key responsibility of an employer to ensure that you & your employees are safe while working. High visibility clothing is an excellent way of being seen by others when you need to be safe and seen. One of the key ways of doing this is by equipping them with high-visibility clothing. Hi-vis jackets or work shirts are made from bright colors & reflective material that can be easily seen in low light conditions.
In this blog post, we’ll talk about the things you need to keep in mind while looking for hi-vis jackets & work shirts but before that, let’s take a quick look at why hi-vis clothing is important.
Why is High Visibility Clothing Important?
Different types of workplace hazards can make it difficult for workers to be seen. Employees are often exposed to hazardous substances or equipment in poorly lit areas, where other works might not be able to see them. To help ensure that you have a safe working environment with minimal risk of injury, employers should consider purchasing high visibility clothing for workers who need protection from these dangers.
Hi-vis clothing is typically worn to alert drivers & other equipment operators of where workers are located. In dangerous conditions, such as close to roadways, in dark conditions, or in areas where workers might be blocked by traffic barriers, construction equipment, or trees, wearing high visibility jacket or work shirt is a must. However, it is crucial to keep certain things in mind while looking for Hi-vis jackets and work shirts.
What to Look for
In Hi-Vis Jackets
When you’re looking for high visibility jackets, it’s important to take into account the type of environment they will be working in. See if they need protection from wet weather like rain or snow. Will they be exposed to a kind of fire, electrical arcs, or other flammable materials? Safety features in high visibility clothing like breakaway elements can help protect workers from hazards such as moving vehicles & equipment. Once you’re aware of what essential safety features you require for your workers, here are three more things that you should look for while comparing high visibility jackets:
- Useful features such as pockets, pen slots, and easy access to mobile phones or any other communication tool can make it easier for your worker to work faster.
- Comfort is very crucial for workers. Many hi-vis jackets come with elements like improved ventilation, increased flexibility & lighter weight fabrics. Such elements are more likely to make your worker feel comfortable while working.
- Finally, it’s important to keep durability in mind. All hi-vis jackets have a limited lifespan & can lose their high visibility feature with time. Make sure your hi-vis jackets are replaced when they become faded, torn, or overly dirty. Hi-vis jackets, worn every day for work, often last for six months, whereas jackets that are worn less frequently can last a year or more.
In Hi-Vis Shirts
Hi-vis shirts are often be used as a base or mid-layer by workers, so the material choices of these shirts are extremely important. One of the key pieces in a high-visibility shirt is selecting moisture-wicking fabric, so your team stays dry and protected no matter what the weather or their activity level is. In addition, keeping your workers comfortable on the job keeps them focused, reducing accidents & injuries.
Also, the environment that your workers face year-round should drive your choices for these shirts. Moreover, giving your team several hi-vis shirt choices to match their preferences will help to ensure that this important safety apparel is always worn. Consider offering short-sleeve hi-vis shirts to keep your workers cool in the heat and long-sleeve shirts for additional warmth in cooler weather.
Ending Note
It is important to consider each of these factors when choosing your team’s hi-visibility shirts. It will help keep them both safe and comfortable for their shift on the job. When looking at different high visibility workwear styles, think about what you are purchasing the clothes for to make an informed decision that fits your needs best!
Why is Hi-Vis Rain Gear Crucial for Outdoor Workers?
Are you a security or crossing guard? Are you a police officer or first responder? Do you work in the construction industry? Whatever your job is, if it requires you to be outside when there’s inclement in the forecast, you would know how challenging it can be. Rain & snow are not only uncomfortable elements to work in, but they can also lead to some serious hazards if you’re working outside.
Fortunately, there’s a way to stay comfortable, dry & safe, and that is by wearing high-visibility rain gear.
In this article, we’ll see why hi-vis rain gear is crucial for outdoor workers.
What Is High-Visibility Clothing?
First, high-visibility safety clothing is an article of safety clothing made from retro-reflective materials. The main purpose is that the person is visible in low daylight or in the dark when illuminated by a vehicle’s headlights. Hi-vis equipment has a high contrast to the background, so you can quickly see the wearer.
What to Wear in the Rain? Why Is Hi-Vis Rain Gear Essential?
Rainy weather can be chaotic for both employees & pedestrians, so your workers must stand out to prevent accidents. Such weather also makes it difficult for co-workers to see each other, which makes it an unsafe environment to work. Whether it’s a rainy or a sunny day on the road, safety is a top priority. Since rain reduces visibility, invest in ANSI Class hi vis rain gears. The most effective rain gears are in yellow, lime, or orange color with silver reflective striping to ensure your workers are safe. Make sure you take all the precautions to ensure your employees are wearing the right class of high visibility safety clothing to prevent any injuries. Thus, investing in the right high-visibility rain gear ensures your team stays dry and continues working efficiently.
The only way to protect your workers when they are working outdoors in rainy weather is by investing in hi-vis rain gears. Make sure your workers are equipped with hi-vis rain jackets/coats & pants, so they’re covered head to toe & properly visible. If you’re unsure what class the hi-vis safety clothes should be, double-check with the three performance classes. Type O performance class is the least extreme, whereas Type P is when workers are very less visible & could be more at risk.
Benefits of Hi-Vis Rain Gear for Outdoor Workers
Here are some of the significant benefits of wearing hi-vis rain gear when you’re working outdoors.
Increased Visibility
Undoubtedly, the biggest advantage of hi-vis rain gears is the increased visibility that they provide. These clothing items are made of bright colors, and they have reflective striping. Wearing them, you can be sure that you’ll be seen when you are working outdoors, despite decrease invisibility.
High-Quality Fabric
Another significant benefit of these rain gears is the fabric that they’re made out of. They remade with durable & waterproof yet lightweight & breathable fabrics; you will be well protected yet comfortable when you are wearing them for work.
Highly Versatile
You may need various types of hi-vis rain gears to keep yourself protected & safe in inclement weather. There are several different options available for you, which include hi-vis jackets, hi-vis vests, hi-vis pants & heavy coats. Apart from these, there are even gloves & hats as well.
Ending Note
If you’re a professional who works outdoor and regularly encounters snow & rain while working, keeping yourself safe & protected are exceptionally important. Thanks to hi-vis rain gears, you don’t need to worry about wearing big, bulky waterproof clothing or risk yourself from not being seen when the visibility decreases due to rain or snow. Therefore, for your safety, comfort & security, you must wear high-visibility rain gear.