Reflective workwear is a vital part of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that can help make your workers more visible to motorists and other workers in low-light or nighttime conditions. This type of clothing is also called high visibility or hi vis workwear and is used by many different industries. It’s important to understand how it works and how it can help keep your staff safe on the job.
Safety Vests, Shirts and Pants
When it comes to PPE, the right type of gear can be critical in keeping your employees safe on the job. These clothes should be made of durable, breathable materials and meet certain safety standards to ensure you’re meeting OSHA requirements.
The first step in choosing the right workwear is to choose a style that fits your needs. There are several options available, including jackets, pants, shirts, and even rainwear. Each is designed to provide a range of safety features, and each has its own specific use in the workplace.
Class 1 and Class 2 Safety Vests
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) rates safety vests based on their degree of reflective tape and intensity of the background fabric color. These class-rated garments are the best option for protecting you and your crew from accidents on the job, especially when working in a hazardous or potentially dangerous location.
For example, a class 1 safety vest will have a minimum of 155 square inches of reflective tape and a bright yellow or orange background color. It should also have a shoulder pad that is covered with an adhesive-backed reflective stripe.
You can find ANSI class-rated high-visibility workwear in a variety of styles from best-selling brands like Radians, Kishigo, CornerStone, PIP, Portwest and Red Kap. These high-visibility safety vests are lightweight and breathable, and come in a variety of sizes.
If you’re looking for a breathable high-visibility vest, you’ll want to look at the PIP Yellow Mesh D-Ring Access Hi-Vis Vest 302-0702Z-LY. This Class 2 work vest is made of polyester mesh and has a zipper closure to secure the wearer’s gear.
It also has a d-ring that can be attached to your harness for added flexibility and comfort. The high-visibility design makes it a great choice for workers who are facing potential fall hazards.
Another key feature of the PIP Yellow Mesh D-Ring Hi-Vis Vest is that it’s made with a ripstop material that is water-repellent, so it can be worn in the rain. It’s available in a variety of colors and is an ideal solution for anyone who needs a highly-reflective workwear vest.
Retroreflective Tape: The Power of Light
The retroreflective taping on your high-visibility apparel helps disperse light to enhance your visibility, especially in low-light situations. This is because it acts as a mirror to reflect the light back onto the garment, which can then be directed to the original source of the light.
It’s important to understand the role of retroreflective tape in the workplace, as it can help your staff remain safer on the job and increase your company’s productivity and profits. To learn more about this crucial element of PPE, get in touch with the Gallagher Uniform team today!