Does your business use high visibility clothing? Are you an employer who provides hi viz clothing to your workers, contractors or visitors? Or are you an employee who is required to wear high visibility clothing when on site?
If so, are you aware of the legal requirements governing high visibility clothing, the ways in which you can verify that hi viz clothing is suitable and fit for purpose, and what to look for in hi visibility clothing that has been used, soiled, washed or simply worn for extended periods of time?
It's a fact that many employers can become oblivious to the problems which may be encountered when using hi viz clothing, and if such clothing has been provided to workers or visitors for use on site and it does not comply with recommendations, regulations or the law, then not only are you running the very real risk of placing people in danger, but if an accident occurs you will be directly responsible in the eyes of the law.
Whether you are an employer who is under a legal obligation to provide hi viz clothing free of charge to any and all workers involved on site, or whether you are an employee who has been provided with high visibility clothing to wear, it is imperative that you are aware of the different ways in which such clothing should be checked to make sure that it is entirely suited to the job.
If it isn't, then people are likely to be placed in direct danger, and worse than this, they may be relying on the hi viz clothing under a false sense of security and protection when in fact it is doing relatively to protect the wearer.
In some cases failing to verify the high visibility clothing is completely suitable can result in the clothing itself representing a direct risk, and there have been instances where such clothing has been responsible for an accident occurring which would not have occurred had the wearer either been provided with more appropriate hi viz clothing, or indeed hadn't been wearing any safety clothing at all.
The first thing to be aware of, and perhaps one of the more obvious aspects of safety clothing is the colour. Most high visibility clothing is fluorescent yellow as this most often contrasts effectively against the surrounding environment. However, there may be instances where yellow is less effective, and may almost act as a form of camouflage. Regulations governing hi viz clothing state that the colour should be in contrast to the surrounding environment, and this may mean that the clothing should either be orange or green.
If unsure, compare the different clothing choices in the environment, under the conditions and lighting normally expected. However, be aware that lighting, the weather and the environment can all effect the level of contrast, and if in any doubt make sure that high visibility clothing is available which provides as great a contrast of colour as possible.
The next point to be aware of is that there are three classes of hi viz clothing, simply referred to as class 1, 2 and 3. The lowest form of protection is class 1, which includes such items as tabards. Class 2 provides slightly more visibility and includes waistcoats and jackets, with class 3 providing full body cover and the very highest level of visibility.
It is important to make sure that the appropriate class of high visibility clothing is provided to the wearer. If managing a car park in summer class 1 or 2 is likely to be all that's needed, but if working on the motorway in foggy, dark conditions class 3 will be essential.
However, there are times when the bulk of class 3 clothing can prove to be dangerous, either because it is too baggy, could get caught in machinery, restricts movement or limits vision. Judgement should be made according to the specific circumstances in such cases, and there may be cause to lower the class worn to lower the potential risk.
All hi viz clothing, regardless of class, will eventually be subject to wear and tear, including UV damage, damage due to washing, wearing, folding and working with machinery. Check regularly for missing retroreflective strips, or reduced reflectivity or visibility, otherwise the high visibility clothing may in fact be providing much less protection than would be assumed.
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