High visibility clothing is required by law to be provided by employers free of charge to any employee, contractor or visitor who may be on site in conditions where there is any recognisable risk or danger. However there is a common misunderstanding between what employers believe is necessary in order to comply with PPE law, and what the law actually states. Specifically the law regarding Personal Protective Equipment, including high visibility clothing, is that it must be suited to both the risk and to the job. Often this is misinterpreted as saying much the same thing, and yet there can often be a world of difference between providing appropriate PPE high visibility clothing which is suited to the risk and that which may be suitable for the job.

High visibility clothing falls into three categories or classes. Class 1 PPE clothing provides the lowest level of visibility, with Class 3 clothing offering the highest and most comprehensive visibility and protection. It may not always be appropriate to the level of risk to provide full Class 3 high visibility clothing, in which case a simple Class 2 item may be more than sufficient. Providing clothing that is considerably above what is actually necessary in view of the risk may hamper or hinder the worker, and be an unnecessarily expensive as well.

All high visibility clothing, whether Class 2 or Class 3 must comply with current European safety requirements, commonly known as EN471. This details very specifically all of the criteria which must be met for PPE clothing to qualify for either Class 1, Class 2 or Class 3 high visibility. Not only does EN471 include the amount of coverage that clothing must provide for each category, but it also details the inclusion of retroreflective strips and colouring, as well as the level of durability which must be included.

It's a fact that high visibility clothing works best when clean and in good condition. Yet often PPE clothing is worn by those working in workshops, worksites or building sites, where they are likely to become soiled over time. High visibility clothing which complies with the EN471 requirements must be able to withstand reasonable washing, cleaning and daily wear and tear without losing significant visibility. It should also be able to fair well under UV exposure.

As an example of what might qualify as a Class 2 item and a Class 3 item, and how an employer should choose between them, deciding which is more appropriate to both the risk and the job, we can look at the differences between a high visibility waistcoat and a full high visibility coat.

A high visibility waistcoat will fall into Class 2 because it provides an immediate level of protection and safety, but does not cover the entire body. Providing only limited coverage of the upper body a high visibility waistcoat falling into Class 2 will provide a convenient and immediate level of visibility protection, ideally suited for those occasions where visibility is not severely impaired, and where the dangers may not be classed as severe.

However, if visibility is seriously impaired, because work is being carried out at night, or during foggy or snowy conditions, and if there is a danger due to heavy machinery working nearby, or traffic passing in close proximity, then it will be necessary to consider a higher level of PPE protection. In such cases a Class 2 high visibility waistcoat may simply offer too little protection, placing the worker at increased risk.

In such situations a Class 3 high visibility coat or complete overall may be more appropriate, providing high visibility coverage over the torso, arms and legs. Class 2 clothing which complies with EN471 should include a higher number of retroreflective strips to ensure the highest level of visibility. Retroreflective strips are plastic coated strips of material placed in strategic positions on the clothing which reflect any direct illumination very brightly.

High visibility clothing will usually be coloured to provide as much contrast with the background as possible - often fluorescent yellow is a good choice. But if traffic is involved, or heavy machinery such as cranes may be working further away but posing a level of risk, providing contrast is of little help if there is not enough light to provide any way of seeing the contrast. Retroreflective strips pick up and reflect any nearby illumination, almost shining as brightly as lights themselves, helping to ensure that workers are as visible as possible from as far away as necessary.

However, although it may be true that Class 3 high visibility clothing offers more safety and protection than a Class 2 high visibility waistcoat or tabard, it should also be remembered that PPE clothing should be suitable for the job. By providing high visibility clothing which could catch on machinery, snag on tools or cause workers to be restricted or hampered may in fact add to the level of risk already present. To be fully compliant with the law, all high visibility clothing must meet the criteria for EN471 compliance, be appropriate to the level of risk, but not add to the risk already present by hindering or endangering the worker.

Article Source: http://www.mykidsinheritance.com/articles

High Visibility Clothing | www.intersafety.co.uk | EN471 High Visibility Clothing

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