Everything you need to know about High-Visibility Workwear (Hi-Vis)

What is Hi-Vis Workwear?

Hi-Vis workwear is designed to increase the visibility of the wearer in different lighting conditions. The clothing uses bright colors to stand out during the day or at dusk, and reflective strips that reflect light at night, such as when a car’s headlights pass by.

Wearing this type of clothing is particularly important in hazardous work environments, such as road construction sites, building sites, or industrial areas. In these environments, workers are often faced with moving vehicles or machinery, making increased visibility crucial.

In addition to the standard features of Hi-Vis clothing, such as the use of bright colors and reflective materials, there are often additional requirements. For example, garments must comply with the international ISO EN 20471 standard, which defines the amount of fluorescent and reflective material that must be present. It is essential that visibility is maintained, regardless of the weather conditions or time of day.

ISO EN 20471: 2013 – The Standard for Hi-Vis Clothing

To ensure that Hi-Vis workwear is effective, it must meet the strict requirements of the international ISO EN 20471: 2013 standard. This standard specifies the minimum amount of fluorescent and reflective material that must be present on a garment, as well as their placement.

The standard categorizes hi-vis clothing into three classes, based on the area of visible material. The clothing must remain visible in all working positions, and only clothing that meets this standard provides reliable protection. When choosing your workwear, it is important to always check for the ISO certificate, which guarantees compliance with the applicable safety standards.

The Three Classes of High Visibility (Hi-Vis) Clothing

High Visibility clothing is categorized into three classes based on the amount of fluorescent and reflective material on the garment:

• Class 1: These garments offer the lowest level of visibility and contain at least 0.14 m² of fluorescent material and 0.10 m² of reflective material. They are suitable for environments where the risk of accidents is relatively low, such as in warehouses or areas with light traffic.
• Class 2: This level offers medium visibility and contains at least 0.5 m² of fluorescent material and 0.13 m² of reflective material. These clothes are often worn by workers along roads where traffic is less intense.
• Class 3: For maximum visibility, these garments contain at least 0.8 m² of fluorescent material and 0.2 m² of reflective material. They are worn in high-risk situations, such as night work on highways or during heavy rain.

When choosing the appropriate class of clothing, it is important to consider the specific risks of your work environment.

How to wear This Clothing Correctly?

High Visibility clothing must be worn properly to function optimally. Reflective bands must remain visible even when you are moving or adopting different work positions. Here are some recommendations to follow:

• Make sure that the reflective bands around the torso, arms, and legs are not covered by other clothing or tools.
• Choose clothing suited to your work environment and the risks you face.
• The retro-reflective bands must remain visible even in challenging work positions.

By following these guidelines, you ensure optimal visibility, thereby increasing your safety.

Maintenance

Proper maintenance of High-Visibility clothing (Hi-Vis) is just as important as wearing it. Poorly maintained clothing can quickly lose its visibility, especially if the reflective strips are worn out. Here are some maintenance tips:

• Carefully follow the manufacturer’s washing instructions, as strong detergents can damage the reflective properties.
• Sort your clothing by color to avoid fluorescent colors fading or blending with other clothes.
• Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals that could damage the fabrics.
• Regularly inspect your clothing for wear and replace worn items in a timely manner to ensure your safety.

Good maintenance will help retain the protective function of your clothing, ensuring visibility in all circumstances.

Conclusion

High-Visibility clothing plays a crucial role in enhancing workplace safety. By choosing clothing that complies with the ISO EN 20471:2013 standard and wearing and maintaining it properly, accidents can be prevented. Visibility is vital in high-risk situations, so always ensure that you choose the appropriate class of Hi-Vis clothing and maintain it correctly. Working safely starts with being visible.