High-Visibility Workwear Guide

In many industries, high-visibility workwear is crucial to ensuring employee safety. Workers who are not easily seen can be at risk of accidents and injuries, particularly in low light or adverse weather conditions. High-visibility workwear is designed to stand out in these situations, alerting others to the worker's presence and helping prevent accidents. 

If you are responsible for providing high-visibility workwear to employees, you must understand what to look for to ensure that you select appropriate and effective garments. This guide provides an overview of the key features and factors to consider when choosing high-visibility workwear. 

High-Visibility Standards 

The first step in selecting high-visibility workwear is understanding the different standards and regulations in your industry. The most commonly used standard is the EN ISO 20471 standard, which specifies the minimum requirements for high-visibility clothing. 

The EN ISO 20471 standard classifies high-visibility clothing into three classes, depending on the level of visibility required. Class 1 is the lowest level of visibility, suitable for workers in low-risk environments. Class 2 is suitable for workers in medium-risk environments, while Class 3 is the highest level of visibility suitable for workers in high-risk environments. 

In addition to the EN ISO 20471 standard, other standards may be relevant, depending on the industry. For example, the RIS-3279-TOM standard is specific to the rail industry, while the GO/RT 3279 standard is specific to the UK railway industry. 

High-Visibility Colours

High-visibility workwear is typically available in fluorescent yellow and fluorescent orange. Both colours are highly visible in daylight, and research suggests that there is no significant difference in visibility between the two. However, in low-light conditions, fluorescent orange is more visible than fluorescent yellow. This is because orange is closer to the red end of the spectrum and is more visible to the human eye in low-light conditions. Therefore, if your workers work in low-light conditions, fluorescent orange high-visibility workwear may be worth considering. 

Reflective Tape 

Reflective tape is a crucial component of high-visibility workwear. It reflects light back to its source, making the wearer more visible in low-light conditions. Reflective tape is typically made from glass beads or micro-prisms and is available in various widths and colours. 

The width and placement of the reflective tape are important factors to consider when selecting high-visibility workwear. The EN ISO 20471 standard specifies the minimum width and placement of reflective tape for each class of high-visibility clothing. However, it's worth considering increasing the amount of reflective tape to provide extra visibility, particularly if your workers work in very low-light conditions. 

Other Features

In addition to the above factors, there are other features to consider when selecting high-visibility workwear. These include: 

Breathability: High-visibility workwear can be uncomfortable to wear, particularly in warm weather. Look for garments that are breathable to help prevent overheating. 

Durability: High-visibility workwear is typically subjected to harsh working environments, so it's essential to select durable and long-lasting garments. 

Comfort: Workers are more likely to wear high-visibility workwear if it is comfortable to wear. Look for garments that are designed with the wearer's comfort in mind, such as adjustable cuffs and collars. 

Shop High Visibility Workwear At Granite

High-visibility workwear is an essential aspect of ensuring employee safety in many industries. By selecting appropriate and effective high-visibility workwear, you can help prevent workplace accidents and injuries. Remember to consider the standards, colours, reflective tape, and other features when selecting high-visibility workwear for your employees.