In this article we’ll go over how wearing reflective gear can save your life. We’ll also review how to wear and care for it, and the criteria company owners should be aware of.
What is high visibility apparel?
High visibility apparel uses fluorescent colors and reflective stripes. Sometimes referred to as “high vis,” “hi-vis,” or “hi-viz”. This umbrella phrase refers to a vast variety of garments, including anything from shirts, pants, coats, and hats.
Who should wear high-vis apparel?
Wearing high-visibility clothing is especially beneficial for contractors and emergency responders. Low visibility roads and large moving objects are a few of the hazards that these individuals may encounter.
To prevent an accident, a crane operator must keep track of his coworkers. Workers in the highway maintenance industry must be visible to other drivers. This will increase the overall safety of the scene.
It is recommended to wear high-vis apparel when walking, jogging, or cycling. For their own safety, road runners and bikers wear brightly colored clothing to stand out from incoming cars. In order to distinguish themselves from other hunters, hunters wear brilliant orange (a color that game animals can’t see).
Is it necessary to wear high visibility apparel?
There is a wide array of situations that require high-vis apparel. The Federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices requires road construction personnel to wear high-vis apparel. Despite the fact that this is a nationwide standard, its implementation varies from state to state.
Many sectors are not compelled by law to require their employees to wear high visibility apparel. It is always recommended that you do so because of the benefits it provides in terms of workplace safety. Hi-vis clothing is required for personnel in industries such as general construction, air transportation, warehousing, and electric power transmission.
What Colors Make You More Visible?
In order to meet OSHA’s requirements for high-visibility apparel. Employees must wear a top that is either orange, yellow, or neon-green. These colors enhance visibility and safety by making you more noticeable.
What Is the Best Way to Care for My Reflective Clothing?
To begin, turn them inside out and wash them in cold water with other items of the same hue. This helps to retain the reflective material on the outside. If the garment is washed with the correct side facing out, the reflective tape will deteriorate more quickly. This will result in fading and ultimately rips in the fabric. Running a mild cycle may not be enough to avoid this.
Washing safety vest in hot water might damage the mesh. It’s best to soak them in cold water and neutral laundry detergent instead. Let the vest sit in the detergent solution for 30 minutes. Brushing out stains and other extremely dirty areas and let air dry.
Increased visibility means greater protection. Hence the need to change hi-vis clothes on a frequent basis. If it isn’t visible from 1,000 feet away day or night. It’s time to change the clothing.
Most high visibility apparel will lose its effectiveness after six months of regular use. These fabrics may last up to a year if used less often.
Is High-Visibility Clothing Available for All Seasons?
With any experience working outdoors, you know that circumstances may change in a matter of seconds. It’s much more critical to remain seen in bad weather. Fortunately, there are more options than ever before for high visibility clothes on the market.
T-shirts in high-visibility colors are easy to get by, so why not start there when creating your summer uniform? A short sleeve shirt in safety yellow or orange is a great basis for keeping your team comfortable and dry.
Mesh safety vests are an additional must-have for the hotter months. They’re breathable and include reflective tape to meet industry standards and make you visible.
Certain weather conditions may require long sleeve shirts. In these situations, wind shirts might be helpful. Breathability is provided, as well as rip-proof protection. To fulfill Class E regulations while keeping employees cool, utility shorts and mesh pants are ideal.
In below freezing temps a t-shirts and mesh pants aren’t going to cut it when the mercury drops. Long-sleeve shirts will be the foundation for your team’s layering strategy. If your job requires you to work long hours in cold and rainy weather we recommend class 3 outerwear. Designed specifically to survive the elements, class 3 will keep you covered.
Shifts come to an end, and you’ll want to have something warm and dry for your team to change into. An embroidered pullover or hoodie may play a role here. Giving them branded apparel provides them something to look forward to at the end of a long work day.
Wearing reflective gear
Wearing reflective gear can save your life and increases the safety of your employees on the job. Now that you know what they need, they won’t have to labor without it. Looking to get custom high-vis apparel? Contact us and we’ll give you a quote.