You work on a construction site, in a warehouse, on an airport runway, or any other site where a few seconds' inattention puts you at risk of incidents?
In any working environment, safety must always be a top priority. This is why wearing high-visibility clothing is essential to guarantee safety and minimize accidents in such environments.

Designed with fluorescent materials and reflective elements, these garments are more than just a fashion statement. They are tools that improve visibility and make workers easier to spot, especially in hazardous conditions or low-light environments.

Whether it's a work jacket with reflective stripes, high-visibility overalls, a safety flag, fluorescent pants or armbands, these are all essentials to make sure you're seen by others. The most important role is to alert drivers to the presence of workers in the area.

Ever wondered whether the item you're buying is the best safety option? Here are the 9 essentials you need to know about high-visibility safety clothing.

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The 9 Factors

High-visibility clothing, often referred to as "hi-vis" or fluorescent garments, are clothing designed with specific features and materials to maximize visibility in low-light conditions or in low-visibility environments obstructed by safety barriers, merchandise,or materials.

When wearing high-visibility clothing,there are several important factors to consider to maximize its effectivenessand ensure your personal safety. Here are just a few:

1. Lighting and Weather Conditions

Do you work outdoors at night? Do you work in a dark, low-light environment? Maximize your chances of being seen! Visibility is crucial in low-light situations. In this case, opt for a high-visibility clothing that surrounds the whole body, providing better visibility in all directions.

Also, be alert of the weather; if it's predicting a gray day, fog, rain, snow, or if you're working at dawn or dusk, you'll need to dress accordingly for your safety. In these conditions, high-visibility clothing is a must. If you have a high-visibility vest, but put a raincoat over it, you risk lowering your required level of visibility. That's why it's a good idea to think about buying a safety raincoat or safety fleece in case of rain or cooler days.

2. The Risks

Wondering when to wear high-visibility safety clothing? First, it's important to identify the hazards present in your workplace:

• What type of tasks do you perform? Are they hazardous to your safety?
• Are you in the presence of rolling stock?
• Are you exposed to heat or flames? 
• Are you exposed to hazards around you? 
• Are there any obstacles in your working environment? 
• Does the lighting provide good visibility? 
• Are you sheltered from the weather? 
• Are you in a traffic zone where speed is an issue? 
• Are reaction distances necessary in your workplace?
• Are there any distractions at your workplace?
  
  Once you've answered these questions, you'll have a better idea of whether safety clothing is appropriate.

3. Clothing Type

Choose high-visibility clothing tailored to your specific needs. Consider the type of activity you'll be doing, the work environment, the weather conditions, and the level of visibility required. Choose from vests, jackets, raincoats, pants and accessories to suit your situation.

Note that safety clothing must fit snugly so that the high-visibility stripes are clearly visible when you're on the move. Clothing that's too loose will hide them, reducing your safety. Choose comfortable, lightweight clothing so you can get through the day!

4. Colour

Prioritize safety clothing in bright, fluorescent colors such as bright yellow-green or bright orange,which offer better contrast to your working environment. This way, you're sure to be visible, especially in low-light conditions or at dawn and dusk.

5. Material Type

Fluorescent and retroreflective materials are both commonly used in the manufacturing of high-visibility clothing, but they have different objectives for improving visibility.

Fluorescent: Fluorescent materials are designed to enhance visibility by absorbing light at one wavelength and emitting it at a longer wavelength. This property allows them to appear extremely bright and vivid,even in low-light conditions or on visually cluttered backgrounds.

Note that fluorescent colors are most effective during the day, when natural light is present.

Retroreflective: Retroreflective materials, on the other hand, are designed to reflect light back to its source over long distances, regardless of the direction from which it comes. These materials contain tiny glass beads or prisms that reflect light back to its source, making the wearer more visible to others.

Retroreflective elements, such as strips or tapes, are strategically placed to reflect light back to its source in low-light or night-time situations, for example in the presence of headlights or other light sources. They are most effective at night, or in situations where visibility is limited.

To maximize visibility in various lighting conditions, high-visibility clothing often combine fluorescent and retroreflective materials. By combining these two types of material, clothing offer improved visibility by day and night, and in a variety of lighting conditions, reducing the risk of accidents and enhancing personal protection.

6. Type of Stripes

 Did you know that there are specific criterias for clothing stripes on high-visibility clothing? According to the CSA-Z96-15 standard, you must have:

• 1 horizontal band around the entire waist.
• 2 vertical stripes at front, from shoulders to waist.
• A symmetrical "X" on the back, from shoulders to waist.
• For ''Class 3'' clothing, bands must encircle both arms and legs.
• The minimum width of the bands must not be less than 50 mm from end to end.
• If there are several bands on the garment, they must be at least 50 mm apart.
• Gaps for fastenings and seams must not exceed 50 mm.
• Horizontal bands placed near the edge of a garment, sleeve or trouserleg must not be less than 50 mm from the edge.
• Horizontal stripes on trouser legs must be at or below knee level.
• If bands around the arms and legs of ''Class 3'' clothing are made of retroreflective material, they must be made of 50 mm of the conforming base material on one side, or 25 mm on each side of the retroreflectivestripes/stripes.

7. Label

Wondering if your safety clothing meets the CSA Z96-15 standard? Look at the label on the inside of your sweater or raincoat. It should say CSA Z96-15 and the type of class on the garment, as well as the performance level of the reflective material.

8. Type of Maintenance

To ensure maximum protection, safety clothing must be regularly maintained. If there are dust stains or dirt, you reduce your visibility in the workplace. Refer to your garment's care label for cleaning instructions if you're unsure.

It's also important to check the condition of your clothing; if it's worn, torn or contaminated, it's time to replace it! It wouldn't be safe to continue wearing them, as their effectiveness and visibility would be greatly affected.

9. Clothing Classes

CSA Standard Z96-15 &#; High-visibility safety clothing - defines 3 classes of safety clothing, depending on the risks involved. This means that there are regulations governing the garment's fit, color, type of reflective strips and the brightness of the base materials.

*Note that clothing class specifications are similar for the USA with ANSI/ISEA 107 Standard. The only difference is that in Canada we require a body surface to be covered, rather than a minimum area to be covered.

Class 1: LOW RISK
Provides the lowest recognized coverage and good visibility. Covers the smallest recognized surface area of the body and provides good visibility in low-risk situations. High-visibility clothing is not mandatory for this class but must be worn with high-visibility or retroreflective strips. 

Type of job: 

• Workers directing vehicle operators to parking or service locations. 
• Workers retrieving shopping carts in parking areas. 
• Workers in warehouse operations. 
• "Right-of-Way" or sidewalk maintenance workers. 
• Workers in shipping or receiving operations.     

Class 2: MEDIUM RISK 
Cover sa moderately large area of the body and provides excellent visibility in a medium-risk situation. High-visibility clothing is mandatory for this class and must be fluorescent/bright orange or fluorescent/bright yellow.

Type of job: 

• Roadway construction,utility, forestry, or railway workers.
• Manufacturing, plant, or mill workers. 
• Survey crews.
• School crossing guards.
• Parking and toll gate workers. 
• Airport baggage handlers and ground crews.
• Emergency response personnel. 
• Members of law enforcement.
• Accident site investigators. 
• Railway workers.

Class 3: HIGH RISK
Covers the largest surface area of the body and provides the best visibility in low-light conditions and at a distance in a medium-risk situation. High visibility clothing must be fluorescent/bright orange or fluorescent/bright yellow, with high-visibility stripes on the arms and legs. Workers must wear high visibility clothing for the upper and lower parts of the body(pants).

Type of job: 

• Roadway construction workers. 
• Utility workers. 
• Survey crews. 
• Mine workers. 
• Emergency responders. 
• Road assistance or courtesy patrols.
• Flagging crews. 
• Towing operators.

Are you interested in learning more about Comfortable High Visibility Yellow Cloth? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

Conclusion

A significant number of accidents occur due to poor visibility. Poor visibility can lead to collisions, workplace incidents and other unfortunate events. High-visibility clothing is a proactive accident prevention measure, providing an early warning signal to people nearby.

 By wearing high-visibility clothing, individuals increase their chances of being noticed, giving others more time to react and avoid potential accidents. The reflective properties of high-visibility clothing are particularly useful at night, as they reflect light from headlights or other sources, making the wearer more visible from a distance. Whether at work, on the road or in recreational activities, high-visibility clothing should be considered an essential personal protection tool.

In summary, you're never safe from the weather, so make sure you have a change of clothes. Even if you leave a high-visibility raincoat or a pair of safety pants in your car, you'll be glad you have them. Prevention is better than a cure! 

Source for the 3 classes and info : https://www.cchst.ca/oshanswers/prevention/ppe/high_visibility.html

What Is the Best High-Visibility Color to Wear For Work?

By ShirtSpace | Jun 06,  |  Updated Jun 07,

In industries where safety is a top priority, high-visibility clothing plays a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of workers. High-visibility colors are neons designed to make individuals more easily seen in various work environments. In this article, we will explore the importance of high-vis colors, delve into the top choices for industrial settings, discuss how to choose the right color for your industry and provide information on where to purchase high-quality hi-vis shirts. ShirtSpace, a trusted workwear provider, offers a wide range of high-visibility styles that meet the necessary safety standards.

Understanding High-Visibility Colors

Hoodies pictured: Hanes P170 EcoSmart® - Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt in &#;safety pink&#;, &#;safety green&#; and &#;safety orange&#;.

High-vis colors are vibrant hues that stand out against most backgrounds, making workers more visible in low-light conditions, inclement weather, or busy work environments. These colors are commonly used in construction, roadwork, transportation, and warehouse operations. High-visibility clothing aims to alert others to the presence of individuals, minimizing the risk of accidents and ensuring a safer work environment.

Top High-Visibility Colors for Industrial Settings

Shirts pictured: Hanes WW110 in &#;safety green&#;, &#;safety orange&#; and &#;safety pink&#;.

You may think high visibility includes all bright, neon colors, but that is not always the case. Certain colors are suited for particular industries, so you must understand what each color signifies and choose accordingly for your industry and planned use. 

What Colors Are Considered High-Visibility? 

Several colors are recognized as high-visibility options, each offering distinct advantages in different environments. These colors include safety yellow (sometimes called safety green, but it is distinctly different from &#;neon green&#;), safety orange, and bright red. Safety pink is another high-vis color, but it is not ANSI-ISEA or OSHA-compliant.

Keep reading to learn about high-vis colors often used for workplace uniforms and settings requiring safety gear. 

Safety Yellow

Shirt pictured: Hanes W110 in &#;safety green&#;.

Fluorescent or safety yellow is one of the most widely recognized high-vis colors. It provides excellent contrast against many backgrounds and is highly visible even in low-light conditions. This color is often preferred for its conspicuousness and suitability across various industries. It is also used often for roadside athletic activities. 

Safety Orange

Shirt pictured: CornerStone CS200 ANSI 107 Class 2 Mesh Tee in &#;safety orange&#;.

Fluorescent or safety orange is another popular high-visibility color that offers excellent contrast and visibility. It is particularly effective in environments where there may be potential hazards or risks involved. The bright orange hue stands out well against different backgrounds, making it ideal for construction sites and roadwork.

Safety Pink

Shirt pictured: Hanes W110 in &#;safety pink&#;.

Fluorescent, or safety pink, is a high-visibility color growing in popularity. More and more states are allowing safety pink as a color suitable for hunting gear. It&#;s also used for athletic events such as fundraising walks and runs. Remember that although safety pink can be used for hunting and other professional settings, it is not included in the list of OSHA high-vis colors.

Bright Red

Image credit: Baloncici of Getty Images

Bright red is a vibrant color that enhances visibility. While it may not be as common as fluorescent yellow or orange, it can be advantageous in certain situations. Red is often utilized in industries where the presence of workers needs to be highly visible, such as firefighting or emergency response. An example of this red can be seen with the Kishigo B150-156 EV Series® Enhanced Visibility 3 Pocket Mesh Vest.

Choosing the Right Hi-Vis Color for Your Industry

Hoodie pictured: CornerStone CSF01 Enhanced Visibility Fleece Pullover Hoodie in &#;safety yellow&#;.

You may now be wondering, which high-vis color do I need? Well, that depends. Selecting the appropriate high-visibility color for your industry is crucial to ensure maximum visibility and compliance with safety regulations. Sometimes the high-vis color depends on what workwear or PPE (personal protection equipment) you need. Also, who enforces these safety standards? The American National Standards Institute enforces ANSI/ISEA 107 - standards, and OSHA, that&#;s who! So it&#;s best always to play it safe and comply with laws for legal protection and your own safety! 

Requirements can range all the way from a simple high-vis t-shirt to a mesh vest or even heavy-duty coats and coveralls. Factors to consider include the work environment, lighting conditions, and specific industry standards.

For another example, the safety jacket color code in construction often mandates the use of fluorescent orange or safety yellow. And some industries require reflective elements to make the workwear even more visible. It is essential to familiarize yourself with the OSHA-approved high-visibility colors and any industry-specific requirements before choosing.

What is the Best High-Visibility Color?

There is no high-vis color that is better than another. It depends on what industry you work in. Always check what your employer requires for on-the-job safety apparel.

• Safety yellow and orange are the most commonly used high-vis colors that we see in industries such as: construction, roadwork, traffic control, transportation, emergency services, utility work and maintenance, railways, aviation, mining, heavy machine operation, manufacturing, warehouse work, and landscaping. 

• Bright red can also be used in most industries, but we see it most often worn by emergency personnel.

Hat pictured: Big Accessories BA661 Safety Trucker Cap in &#;neon yellow/neon orange:&#;

Where to Buy High-Quality Hi-Vis Shirts & More

ShirtSpace is a reputable supplier of high-quality neon shirts and workwear. They offer various high-visibility styles that meet the necessary safety standards and come in various colors, including fluorescent yellow, orange, and red. Whether you need short-sleeved or long-sleeved shirts, jackets, or vests, ShirtSpace provides a diverse selection to cater to different industry needs.

Shirt pictured: CornerStone CS202 in &#;safety yellow&#;.

Conclusion

When choosing the best high-visibility color for work, factors such as visibility, industry standards, and specific work environments play a significant role. Fluorescent yellow, orange, and red are among the most widely recognized high-visibility colors, offering distinct advantages in different settings.

Remember to familiarize yourself with OSHA-approved high-vis colors and any industry-specific requirements to ensure compliance. ShirtSpace is an excellent source for high-quality hi-vis shirts and workwear, providing a comprehensive selection of styles and colors to meet your needs and keep you safe on the job.

The company is the world’s best High Visibility Yellow Fabric Manufacturing supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

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