Category: hi vis clothing
Workplace Safety: Dress Appropriately for Cold Weather
With the cold weather quickly approaching, it is vital to prepare for a variety of different workplace safety issues. Dressing appropriately is important for workplace safety, and it is imperative in the winter. The cold weather can make it hard to stay safe and healthy with a work uniform that isn’t designed with warmth in mind. In this blog post, we’ll discuss why is it important to dress appropriately according to weather and key tips to keep in mind.
Why is it essential for workers to dress appropriately for cold weather?
Workers working in hazardous workplaces such as construction sites and warehouses often work with heavy machinery and dangerous equipment. When the temperature outside is cold, it can be easy to underestimate just how quickly your body will lose heat if you’re not dressed appropriately for winter weather. It goes without saying that we all should dress in warm clothes when going outdoors on a cold day – but sometimes people don’t realize the dangers of what they wear at their workplace during these colder months. When winter months bring cold temperatures, you should be sure to wear clothes that can protect your body from the worst of these conditions.
Key tips for dressing appropriately for cold weather
Dress in layers
Construction workers or someone who works outdoor in hazardous conditions needs to dress in layers. Dressing in layers is vital as it can be removed or put on depending on the condition of their work. Layering also allows your body to breathe and maintain the temperature at a safe level during cold weather.
Wear appropriate fitting clothing
Ensure that the safety clothes are not too loose, but also do not wear the clothes too tight, which can limit blood circulation and restrict movement. The construction worker needs to dress appropriately in weather conditions of cold or extremely hot temperatures.
Cover your head with a hat
When working outside it is important for construction workers to ensure their head is protected from harsh sun rays by wearing wide-brimmed hats while ensuring that long hair does not get trapped under caps or hard hats; this may lead to accidents on site if anything were to fall over them without proper awareness about what could happen due to lack of attention because of distractions like pain caused.
Wear insulated boots
Construction workers should always wear proper footwear, including insulating boots in cold weather, especially when it is wet outside. Boots protect feet from water and other elements such as rocks which may injure them if not protected with appropriate footgear. This will prevent further injury to construction worker’s feet and help them stay warm all day long, even in the harsh winter conditions.
Keep hands warm
At times, construction workers have to work in extremely cold weather where their hands are exposed, and they may get injured. It is vital for a construction worker to wear gloves that protect the entire hand from injuries caused by objects that they come into contact with on-site through everyday activities.
Protect your face
In addition, it is also necessary for workers to keep their faces protected during harsh winter conditions as well. Workers should ensure that skin around the eyes and mouth do not dry up due to exposure to wind or direct sunlight, causing severe damage such as burning or peeling off of skin cells leading to infections, among other possible ailments related.
Wear a water-resistant jacket
A water-resistant or rainproof jacket will help protect you from winds, snow and dampness, which helps keep you dry. The last thing that any worker wants is for their clothing to get wet because it could make them vulnerable to serious cold injuries such as hypothermia. If possible, go for one with reflective markings on it, so other workers know where they are at all times if it’s dark outside.
Ending Note
Proper cold weather clothing is essential for construction workers during the winter season. It’s also important to note that it is not just clothes you wear while working in cold weather, but the gear and equipment used during work hours. This includes jackets, pants, hard hats, boots, protective eyewear or goggles for eyesight protection from flying debris, among other things. It provides insulation and protection from harsh, windy conditions that can lead to injuries such as hypothermia which could potentially be fatal if not taken seriously by those working in extreme temperatures at all times.
Why Investing in High-quality Safety Workwear is Beneficial for Any Business?
Safety has always been the utmost important factor for every organization. Every employee at work, needs to be safe from any kind of workplace hazard, and this goes beyond making sure they have a hard hat on their head. It also includes investing in high-quality safety workwear that will not just protect employees from hazards but will also benefit the business’ bottom line.
This article discusses why investing in high-quality safety workwear is beneficial for any business!
Why employees’ safety should be the priority for any business?
Employers should be aware of the fact that they’re responsible for their employees’ safety on a daily basis. Employees have to assume many risks in order to make sure any business is running properly, and some of these hazards are out of control when it comes to their employer. For example, if an employee climbs ladders or scaffolds to reach certain heights according to OSHA standards, he’s still at risk without proper protection, such as non-slip boots. When employers care about providing safe materials and equipment so workers can do their job efficiently, it shows they value them as human beings who deserve safety just like everybody else working there. By investing in high-quality safety workwear, they’re not only keeping their employees safe by complying with OSHA standards but also building the trust that should exist between employer and employee.
The key reason why investing in high-quality safety workwear is beneficial for any business are:
Better Brand Reputation: Investing in high-quality safety workwear is a great way for businesses to be associated with something positive and quality. It shows that you care about their well-being. This will translate to a better brand reputation as it shows how much you value the well-being of others over profits. This also gives the business an edge against competition since consumers are more likely to trust them.
Fewer Workplace Injuries: As mentioned, investing in high-quality safety workwear will increase employees’ well-being and help them do their job more safely. This is a safer way of working as it reduces the chances of workplace injuries, which leads to less absenteeism or turnover rate due to injuries since your workers are now able to perform better at their jobs with lesser risks.
Better Productivity: With fewer workplace accidents comes improved productivity for businesses. Employees who know they are protected by the best available equipment can focus on performing optimally because they no longer worry about getting hurt doing what they love – be productive! Less time worrying means more time spent making money for your company, so that’s another reason why this investment is beneficial for anyone looking out for
Compliance with Regulations: One of the crucial reasons for investing in high-quality safety workwear is that it ensures compliance with regulations set by organizations such as OSHA. Businesses who don’t comply can be subject to complaints or even lawsuits, so this investment is a great way for companies to ensure they’re always following proper procedures which are laid out to keep everyone safe and sound.
Reduced Costs: Investing in high-quality safety workwear reduces long-term costs since there will probably be lesser workplace injuries due to complete protection provided through your expensive gear! There’s also less absenteeism because workers know their jobs better now that they have fewer concerns while performing them – making them function at 100% efficiency! This means you have happier customers, increased sales, and more productivity which should translate to more revenue, and all of this leads to increased profits!
Positive Image: This investment also makes your company look good because you care about the well-being of others. It shows that you value their well-being over profit margins, so it’s a great way for businesses to develop a positive image among consumers and clients alike as they see how much companies are investing in making people feel safe at work. As mentioned earlier, a better brand reputation is something that will be beneficial in terms of sales and gaining trust from customers since people appreciate when brands do them a favor through little investments such as high-quality safety apparel being provided to employees who need them most.
Reduced Product Liability Insurance Costs: Finally, investing in high-quality safety workwear allows employees to take better care of themselves and the company. As such, this might reduce your product liability insurance costs because employees are now able to avoid accidents more, which means fewer claims against you due to workplace injuries!
Conclusion
Investing in high-quality safety workwear is a great way for businesses to be associated with something positive and quality. It shows that you care about their well-being, which will translate to a better brand reputation as it shows how much you value the well-being of others over profits. This also gives the business an edge against competition since consumers are more likely to trust them. Fewer workplace injuries, improved productivity, compliance with regulations, reduced long-term costs, and a negative image all make this investment beneficial for any business looking out for their own interest!
Understanding the Critical Requirements for Hi-Vis Clothing
Hi-vis clothing is high visibility clothing that has been designed to make you more visible in high-risk and low-light circumstances. The high visibility of the clothes enables you to stand out and get noticed; this means that people can see your presence from a much greater distance, reducing the chances of an accident. However, for hi-vis clothes to be effective, they need to meet certain requirements. Below we have mentioned the critical requirements for hi-Vis clothing that you must understand.
How does Hi-Vis Clothing Works?
Hi-vis clothing often uses high-intensity reflective materials to produce a bright, checkered pattern – these can be seen by drivers from over 300 feet away in the day and up to 500 at night. These garments have reflective tape that is sewn to the back and sleeves of high-visibility garments or is impregnated into the material. This reflective tape can contain retroreflective sheeting or prismatic film. In both cases, they are made up of laminated layers with high-index plastic films on either side, which reflect light when a beam strikes from an angle.
Which Colors are Considered for Hi-Vis Clothing?
Hi-Vis clothing will come in a variety of colors. The most common high visibility colors are fluorescent green, orange and yellow. However, red is also considered high visibility because it stands out against typical traffic signs, which are dark or light blue backgrounds with white lettering. It should not take long for an observer’s eyes to find the high visibility color.
Fluorescent colors are the most common high visibility colors because they can be seen from a distance more easily than other bright, solid-colored garments and materials. The brighter the color is, generally the better it will stand out to oncoming traffic or passersby in low light conditions.
Laws & Standards that Govern Hi-Vis Clothing Requirements
High visibility clothing regulations fall under several jurisdictions. Standards & regulations that apply to Hi-Vis clothing are:
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) high visibility standards
- Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) high visibility regulations for motor vehicle operators and passengers
- Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) high visibility clothing requirements for workers in construction, utilities, transportation, mining, shipyard operations, chemical manufacturing, and processing plants.
The purpose of these safety standards and regulations is to provide high visibility protection that will help reduce the risk of accidents, injuries & fatalities.
Performance Classes of Hi-Vis Clothing
There are three main types of high visibility clothing: Class I, II, and III. The performance class is determined by the amount of fabric used in a garment with an increased level of high-visibility yarns.
– Class I garments have bright colors that provide high contrast to dark backgrounds such as asphalt or concrete construction sites or other areas where there might not be much light around. This type of high vis clothing can also be incorporated into other applications like medical facilities for staff who need to wear it during work hours but may change out into regular clothes when they get off work for the day. Class I garments are not intended to be worn in any other environment besides where high contrast is needed, like a working high-vis area or medical facility.
– Class II garments use fluorescent colors that provide high daytime conspicuity against green backgrounds, such as grassy areas outdoors during daylight hours or inside work environments with high windows that let in plenty of natural light. These pieces include long sleeve shirts, tee shirts, rain jackets, and slickers but should never be mixed with bright colors such as red or orange.
– Class III garments use high visibility colors that provide high nighttime conspicuity against dark backgrounds and are often used for work environments with little natural light. This includes jackets, safety vests, and high visibility windbreakers worn by construction workers who need to be seen at night when they’re working on the side of a road or in an unlit parking lot. These pieces should never be mixed with bright colors like yellow either – instead, opt for darker hues like purple, pink, browns, or greens if possible.
We hope this information helps you find the right Hi-Vis clothing for your workers that keeps them safe and meets your industry’s standards.
6 Key Reasons to Invest in High Visibility Clothing
The most important thing that every business needs to do is provide a safe workplace for their employees. Businesses that have employees who are on the road for extended periods of time or employees working in low light conditions must invest in high visibility clothing. High visibility clothing helps keep workers safe on the job and keeps others in the same premises aware of their existence, which can help prevent accidents. There are many reasons why investing in high visibility safety gear for your employees is worth the investment, in this blog will talk about the five most significant ones but before that, let’s take a quick look at why high visibility clothing is important.
Why is High Visibility Clothing Important?
High visibility clothing is important because it helps people to be seen in low-light conditions. In situations where a person needs help but cannot find the way out of their situation, high-visibility clothing would have made them more visible. High visibility safety wear also makes workers safer by increasing the probability that drivers can see them as they work near highways or large outdoor construction sites. Indeed, there are many reasons why businesses should invest in these clothes for their employees so that they may promote an increase in safety among their staff members and others who might need assistance at some point during the day.
Key Reasons Why Businesses Should Invest in High Visibility Clothing
1. Safety
High visibility clothing is designed to stand out to motorists and pedestrians so your workers can be seen on the job or while walking at night. High visibility clothing also provides a safety measure to protect the workers who wear them. For example, construction sites and building sites are often poorly lit after dark. If you’re working on these sites or walking in those areas at night, high-visibility clothes can help motorists see you so they don’t accidentally hit you while you’re working.
2. Employer Liability
An employer has legal responsibility for any incidents which result from injuries incurred while employees are performing their job duties – including accidents happening to employees on the way to work. Thus, with high visibility clothing, you can significantly protect your workers from potential on-site accidents.
3. Safety Regulatory Standards
Another reason to invest in high visibility clothing is that it can help you comply with safety regulatory standards. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has a specific standard that requires employers to provide their employees with protective equipment for hazardous jobs, including apparel that makes them visible while working.
4. Cost Savings
An average personal injury claim as per industry is around $30,000, apart from the medical expenses related to an accident. Investing in safety gear such as high visibility clothing reduces this sum significantly.
5. Company’s Public Image
The company’s public persona can both be positively and negatively affected by an accident that results in a personal injury claim against them. This may also lead to disruptions, lawsuits, or even bankruptcy, depending on the severity of the accident which resulted from their negligence.
6. Worker Convenience
High visibility clothes help make job sites safer without affecting worker productivity or comfort levels. These garments do not restrict movement and allow maximal protection against potential accidents.
Ending Note
A business should pay attention to investing in high visibility clothing: There are many benefits business owners don’t realize while investing in high visibility safety apparel. First, these garments help keep their employees safe (from being hit by vehicles on the road, machinery operating in the same premise where they’re working), increase the visibility of workers on-site (so they don’t get run over or injured) as well as reduce liability for any accidents that may happen. Thus, High-visibility products are not only practical but also provide significant protection for both drivers and pedestrians.
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.
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!
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.
High Visibility Clothing: Types & its Performance Classes
High visibility (Hi-Vis) clothing is apparel that has fluorescent/highly reflective elements. All these elements make the most of any available light source, which helps the workers wearing this clothing item to be visible against any background & in any conditions, including low light & even darkness.
Ensuring your employees have the right Hi-Vis clothing they need for their unique roles doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all solution. These requirements can vary depending upon its types & performance class.
Hi-Vis clothing standards established by The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) helps safety directors in any industry select the right high visibility safety vest for their team.
In this article, we will walk through the types & high visibility clothing performance class.
Types of High Visibility Clothing
The three types of HI-Vis clothing corresponding to the several types of worksite environments are:
Type O, or Off-Road
It is defined as Hi-Vis clothing that provides daytime & nighttime visual conspicuity enhancement for workers working in occupational environments. The working environment involves hazards from moving vehicles, equipment & machinery, but it does not include exposure to traffic on public access highway or rights-of-way or roadway temporary traffic control (TTC) zones.
Types of workers who need Type O hi-vis clothing includes:
- Workers responsible for outdoor maintenance & cart collection in parking lots
- Workers working in warehouses or factories where they work directly with equipment traffic
- Workers in oil & gas industry locations where visibility is a concern
Type R, or Roadway
This type of Hi-Vis clothing “provides daytime & night time visual conspicuity enhancement for workers working in occupational environments that include exposure to traffic (where vehicles use the highway for travel purposes) from public access highway rights-of-way, or the roadway TTC zones or from work vehicles & construction equipment within the roadway TTC zone.”
Types of workers who need Type R Hi-Vis clothing includes:
- Road construction workers
- Airport ground crew members
- Crossing guards
- Towing operators
- Parking & toll workers
Type P, or Public Safety
This type of Hi-Vis clothing “provides daytime & nighttime visual conspicuity enhancement for emergency & incident responders & law enforcement personnel working in occupational environments. These work environments include exposure to traffic (where vehicles use the highway for travel purposes) from public access highway rights-of-way or roadway TTC zones, or from work vehicles & construction equipment within the roadway TTC zone or from equipment & vehicles; within the activity area.”
Type P high visibility safety clothing is a crucial element of protective clothing for first responders who may encounter multiple hazardous sources while performing their jobs.
Workers who need Type P Hi-Vis clothing includes:
- Emergency medical response personnel
- Firefighters
- Law enforcement officers
Performance Classes of High Visibility Clothing
In addition to the types of Hi-Vis clothing, ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 also details four performance classes this clothing. Each of these performance classes has specific minimum design requirements specifying the background materials, performance materials, reflective elements, and size of reflective elements used in the Hi-Vis clothing.
The four performance classes of Hi-Vis clothing are:
Performance Class 1
This is the lowest level. Hi-Vis clothing in this performance class provides a minimum amount of high visibility elements that enable workers to stand out visually from a non-complex work environment. Performance Class 1 Hi-Vis clothing is only appropriate for Type O or off-road environments.
Performance Class 2
This performance class has an additional amount of high visibility material which provides better visibility for your workers. Performance Class 2 Hi-Vis clothing is the minimum level of protection for workers that are exposed to roadway or Type R environments.
Performance Class 3
This performance class provides an even higher percentage of high-visibility material than the above two. Performance class 3 Hi-Vis clothing increases the visibility of a worker’s entire body in extremely complex work environments. Examples of performance class 3 design elements typically include requirements on the placement of fluorescent backgrounds along with reflective & combined performance materials on the workers’ sleeves & pant legs.
Supplemental Class E
The Supplemental Class E Hi-Vis clothing is used for increasing the visibility of workers, and it must always be used with other Hi-Vis clothing. However, class E clothing on its own does not need to meet the ANSI safety standards. This Hi-Vis clothing increases the visibility of the lower body & can be used in combination with Performance Class 2 clothing to reach a combined Performance class 3 visibility level or in combination with Class 3 Hi-Vis clothing to increase worker visibility even further.
Final Word
High visibility safety clothing is a powerful part of your workers’ safety plan. Keeping your workers visible while they are working can prevent accidents before they happen; thus, ensure a safe & well-functioning team. Make sure that you choose the right Hi-Vis clothing type that will protect your workers & ensure that you’re meeting all of the safety standards that impact your industry.
5 FAQs About High Visibility Clothing
Various work conditions require workers to wear high visibility clothing. Maybe you’ve just got a new job that requires you to wear high visibility clothing. Whatever the case is, you suddenly have reason to be curious & ask — what exactly is high visibility workwear clothing?
In this article, we will discuss the most frequently asked questions about high visibility workwear clothing.
What is Hi-Vis?
Hi-Vis is a term used for high visibility referring to the clothing that has reflective properties & is made up of fluorescent materials & colors, which makes them easily noticeable from any background. Hi-vis clothing is typically worn by workers working at construction sites, on roadways & other industrial sites to avoid incidents that involve the use of large vehicles or equipment.
What is the difference between Class 2 & Class 3 Hi-Vis safety vests?
Class Hi-Vis vests are for workers working in heavier traffic where driver’s visibility is poor due to weather. A minimum of 201 sq inches of reflective tape, which is 2 inches in diameter, is required for a Class 2 Hi-Vis safety vest. Reflective strips should be over the shoulders & round in the middle with horizontal stripes. If we talk about the Class 3 vests, they are for high traffic incidents & often first or emergency responders. When you’re working in a condition where traffic is over 50 miles per hour, you will need a Class 3 Hi-Vis vest with a minimum of 310 sq inches of reflective tape, which is 2 inches thick. Class 3 Hi-Vis safety vest also provides more arm & leg visibility coverage.
What are the Benefits of Hi-Vis Clothes?
There are many benefits of Hi-Vis safety clothing, some of them are:
They make employees highly visible: Hi-Vis clothing differentiates wearers from the environment & gives them more opportunity to see them. This protects workers from oncoming traffic.
They promote a safe environment: Nowadays, providing a safe work environment should be the priority of any business firm. When a worker feels safe at their workplace, they tend to be more productive. Investing in Hi-Vis workwear clothing would benefit any business tremendously.
They reduce the risk of an accident: Most workplace accidents occur because of the incapability of drivers to properly see the onsite workers due to improper lighting & similar reasons. Hi-Vis clothing provides great visibility to vehicle operators. Thus, the chances of accidents decrease automatically.
Other than the transportation industry, Hi-Vis clothing is used by construction workers, emergency service providers, school crossing guards, parking lot attendants, utility workers, warehouse workers, shipyard workers & many more.
What should you keep in mind while using Hi-Vis Safety Clothing?
Those who wear Hi-Vis safety clothing at work must know the following points:
- Fluorescent clothes are most appropriate for dark conditions
- For maximum visibility, use full-body coverage clothes
- To enhance the visibility of the wearer in motion, using contrast stripes on arms & legs will be helpful
- Don’t wear any other garments on these Hi-Vis clothes
- Wear Hi-Vis clothes that are specific for your work site & the type of work.
How to take care of Hi-Vis Clothing?
- It is always better to wash them inside out in cold water with similar colors. This helps to preserve the reflective material on the outside. Washing them with a reflective side outside can cause the reflective tape to wear out more easily, leading to fading & eventual tears in the material.
- Hi-Vis safety vests are a bit different. The mesh material of this apparel can wear out in the washer, so it is better to soak them in neutral laundry detergent dissolved in cold water. Let your vest stand in the dissolved detergent for about half an hour. This will help stains & other particularly soiled spots to brush out.
- Remember, if you are not seen, you are not safe! That’s why it is important to keep replacing your hi-vis clothing regularly. If your apparel isn’t visible from 1,000 feet away at any time of the day or night, it’s time to replace it!
- When worn daily, most Hi-Vis clothing will last for about six months before becoming ineffective. When worn less often than that, these clothing items can last up to one year.
We hope this information will help you make an educated choice when it comes to Hi-Vis clothing!