It’s incredibly important to make sure your employees have the uniform they require to ensure they’re safe at work. High visibility clothing is extremely important in the winter due to the dark mornings and evenings when visibility can be limited. To ensure you get the hi-vis workwear you require, we’ve put this guide together to provide some insight into choosing the best hi-vis clothing for your business.
What Is High Visibility Clothing?
High visibility clothing is a form of protective wear. It made up of fluorescent material and reflective tape which is used for extra visibility. The reflective material enhances visibility in situations with little light or where it might be difficult to see.
High Visibility Clothing in The Workplace
It’s extremely important to ensure you don’t just pick any hi-vis workwear, you need to make sure it complies with the relevant standards. In this case, the standards to comply with are the BS EN 471 European Standards For High Visibility Clothing.
BS EN 471 European Standards For High Visibility Clothing
This standard requires that hi-vis items must be yellow or orange as other colours will not be compilable. The standardisation is also broken down into 3 different classes as shown below.
Class 3 – Highest Protection Level of Hi-Vis Clothing
- Retro-reflective band should be a minimum of 50mm wide
- Background material must be a minimum of 0.80m sq.
- Retro-reflective material should be a minimum of 0.20m sq
Examples:
From left to right: Yoko Hi-Vis 2 Band Long Sleeve Polo Shirt, Dickies Hi-Vis Bomber Jacket and Yoko Hi-Vis Fleece Jacket
Class 2 – Intermediate Protection Level of Hi-Vis Clothing
- Retro-reflective band should be a minimum of 50mm wide
- Background material must be a minimum of 0.50m sq.
- Retro-reflective material should be a minimum of 0.13m sq
Examples:
From left to right: Result Lightweight Motorway Saftey Jacket, Dickies Hi-Vis Safety Polo Shirt and Yoko Hi-Vis Waistcoat.
Class 1 – Lowest Protection Level of Hi-Vis Clothing
- Retro-reflective band should be a minimum of 50mm wide
- Background material must be a minimum of 0.14m sq.
- Retro-reflective material should be a minimum of 0.10m sq.
Which is the best class for you?
It goes without saying that the higher the right of the job, the more protection you will need. For example, if your working by a high-speed, busy road, you should choose hi-vis clothing that complies with class 3. However, if you’re working within a low risk environment, then a lower class would be acceptable.
We have a selection hi-vis workwear available, including coats & coveralls, jackets, polo shirts, trousers and vests, all available for personalisation with your logo or design.
If you would like a quote for personalised hi-vis clothing or would like to know more product information, feel free to email us at customer.supports@clothes2order.com or call us on 0800 012 2602. Plus, be sure to check out our high-vis clothing guide.
