Dec. 02, 2024
Safety is everything in a factory. It is more important than productivity, profit, or prestige; moreover, it is the foundation for all three. To ensure safety, every worker must first be visible. Being seen is why it is crucial for all factory workers to arrive equipped with the right hi vis workwear. HiVis Supply offers a wide range of hi vis workwear designed for safe and comfortable performance during long shifts on the shop floor. Below, we will explore how factory workers and managers can select the right gear to keep everyone safe when it matters most.
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There are detailed standards for high visibility workwear, so it's vital to know and utilize them! The ANSI 107 High Visibility Standard is the most significant in terms of high visibility as it describes the required high visibility colors and materials for any given piece of hi vis gear, such as a reflective vest. Confirm if your facility demands a specific level of ANSI visibility before selecting your workwear.
Some factory jobs may also require flame-resistant (FR) clothing that self-extinguishes when exposed to open flames. If your position requires FR workwear, be sure to learn about the Hazard Risk Category (HRC) standards that evaluate the performance of FR clothing. Dual performance hi vis FR workwear that satisfies both FR and hi vis requirements is now available in various styles.
Finally, your shop might also mandate OSHA-required safety gear like hard hats and hearing protection. HiVis Supply is a one-stop destination for all your safety needs, so don’t hesitate to acquire what you need while selecting hi vis workwear.
Different industries necessitate distinct features in high visibility gear. For factory workers, the essential features may include:
Breakaway safety vests to prevent workers from becoming caught in machinery.
Light and breathable materials to avoid discomfort and exhaustion from excessive heat.
Insulation for factories with low ambient temperatures.
Built-in flexibility points for a full range of motion.
However, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for every factory. The key is to consider the specific hazards and challenges present in your workplace and address them with smart workwear choices.
If your shop does not require a specific level of ANSI visibility, remember that enhanced visibility apparel can also be beneficial. This non-ANSI-rated hi vis gear is designed to provide extra visibility beyond specific ANSI standards and is often very cost-effective.
Enhanced visibility apparel is generally available in various colors ideal for job site color-coding. This can help define positions and ensure that unauthorized workers do not enter unsafe areas. Our guide to color-coded workwear can provide more information on how professionals in high-stress occupations use color-coding to maintain efficiency.
Workers operating in low-visibility conditions are at a greater risk of injury, and high-visibility clothing serves as the first line of defense. The same is true for recreational activities. A recent study in Safety Science found that cyclists wearing hi-vis clothing experienced a 47% decrease in accidents.
Wearing brightly colored safety clothing significantly reduces the likelihood of accidents at work or during recreational activities.
For any business, organization, or individual interested in learning more, we've prepared this informative guide that covers the essentials regarding hi-vis safety clothing, including the best methods for customization or branding.
High-visibility apparel, often known as hi-viz, safety wear, or reflective clothing, is designed to enhance the wearer's visibility in low light or hazardous conditions. Hi-vis clothing typically features bright, fluorescent colors and reflective strips or materials that reflect light, making the wearer more visible.
This category includes various clothing items and designs, such as shirts, pants, outerwear, and headgear. Workers donning hi-vis clothing—such as construction personnel, traffic controllers, and emergency responders—minimize their risk of being struck by vehicles or other machinery.
For clothing to be deemed safety or hi-vis, it must comply with specific standards regarding the quantity and type of reflective material used. These standards are defined by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA), which stipulate the minimum reflective material required for hi-vis apparel.
Hi-vis clothing is widely utilized in various industries where visibility is crucial, as well as in sports and recreational activities. Common uses for hi-vis clothing include:
Hi-vis clothing is mandated in certain situations. The Federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices requires highway maintenance and road construction workers to wear high-visibility clothing to minimize the risk of accidents on the job.
While high-visibility standards offer national guidelines, enforcement varies by state. Therefore, it's wise to adhere to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) interpretation of the manual, which states that workers must wear hi-vis clothing if they meet any of the following criteria:
Other industries are not legally required to mandate safety apparel for their workers but may choose to do so to ensure a higher level of safety. Industries such as construction, aviation, warehousing, and electric power transmission are examples where hi-vis clothing may be required.
If you operate a business in any of these sectors, staying informed about your state’s standards for worker uniforms is a prudent business decision. It can save your company from potential violations, but most importantly, it can save lives.
Safety standards set by ANSI and ISEA specify the minimum amounts of reflective material required for each class of hi-vis clothing. They also define the types of apparel considered hi-vis, such as vests, jackets, pants, hats, and full-body suits.
The standard for high-visibility safety apparel is ANSI/ISEA 107. It specifies design and performance requirements for high-visibility garments to enhance the wearer's visibility in low light and other potentially hazardous environments.
Typically, the standards for hi-vis clothing outline the following:
By adhering to these standards, manufacturers of hi-vis clothing ensure their products meet class requirements, providing the necessary visibility and safety for wearers.
The standards for safety wear are not one-size-fits-all; apparel is categorized by "Type" and "Class." There are three types and four classes.
Types of high-visibility apparel are designed for specific environments or uses:
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Off-Road or Type O is suited for off-road environments, like construction sites or bicycle trails. Type O applies to workers who are not obliged to wear high-visibility apparel but operate in an environment where visibility is essential for safety. Typical items include vests and shirts.
Roadway or Type R is utilized on roadways, including highways or parking lots. Type R is for workers exposed to road traffic, heavy equipment, and associated vehicles. Typical items encompass shirts, vests, jackets, pants, and hats.
Public Safety or Type P refers to hi-vis apparel intended for public safety workers and first responders, including police officers, firefighters, and paramedics. Typical items may range from vests and jackets to full-body suits with reflective stripes or panels.
ANSI specifies performance classes for safety apparel, indicating the minimum amounts of fluorescent and retroreflective material used as well as the minimum amounts that must be worn on the upper body and legs. The performance classes are as follows:
Class 1 is for workers near traffic moving under 25 mph, such as school crossing guards or parking lot attendants. Clothing must contain at least 217 square inches of fluorescent material and 155 square inches of reflective material. At least 0.14 square feet of the fluorescent material should be on the torso, and at least 0.10 square feet of the reflective material must be on the torso and legs.
Class 2 is for workers near traffic moving between 25 and 50 mph, such as highway construction or utility workers. Clothing should have at least 775 square inches of fluorescent material and 201 square inches of reflective material. A minimum of 0.50 square feet of fluorescent material must be on the torso, and at least 0.13 square feet of reflective material should be on the torso and legs.
Class 3 is for workers near traffic moving over 50 mph, such as flaggers or emergency responders. Clothing must contain a minimum number of square inches of fluorescent material and at least 310 square inches of reflective material. At least 0.80 square feet of fluorescent material must be present on the torso, and at least 0.20 square feet of reflective material must be on the torso and legs, plus retroreflective material between the shoulders and elbows.
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) dictates that high-visibility clothing must be fluorescent yellow-green, fluorescent orange-red, or fluorescent red, with the fluorescent material covering at least the front and back of the torso.
While hi-vis clothing is often associated with construction and outdoor industries, it can also be vital for anyone spending time outdoors, regardless of the season. Hi-vis apparel is available for both warm and cold working conditions.
Hi-vis clothing suitable for warm weather should be crafted from lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics to ensure the wearer remains cool and comfortable in hot conditions. Examples include:
Hi-vis performance shirts are essential for summer work, whether outdoors or biking in the desert. For comfort and temperature control, opt for 100% polyester or performance blends with moisture-wicking properties. Any Class 3 t-shirt must have long sleeves with retroreflective stripes. Screen printing is the preferred branding method for hi-vis shirts featuring a logo.
Hi-vis baseball hats are a great addition to any hi-vis outfit for working or enjoying outdoor activities. While they are not part of the standard, they provide benefits. The bill shields the sun from the eyes, and the inner sweatband maintains a dry face. Most hi-vis baseball caps are crafted with synthetic materials, include a medium profile, and are adorned with retro-reflective accents. Embroidery or patches are optimal customization options.
Hi-vis safety vests are quintessential hi-vis apparel. Their lightweight mesh fabrics keep wearers cool during warm weather. Assess whether you need pockets, as their number varies across brands. Most vests are Class 1 or Class 2, but we do offer one in our catalog that is Class 3 (see the image above, right). Customization options include screen printing, embroidery, or patches.
Hi-vis clothing designed for cold weather should utilize heavier fabrics, include long sleeves, and feature water-repellent, wind-resistant outer layers and insulated linings to keep workers warm during winter. Examples of suitable cold weather hi-vis clothing include:
Hi-vis jackets are essential for winter workers, as well as those in arctic conditions. Most safety jackets in our catalog comprise synthetic materials with outer coatings designed to endure various elements. Consider your pocket needs, as this varies by product. For extra warmth, opt for hoodie jackets that do the job. For branding, we recommend embroidery or custom patches.
Hi-vis hoodies are a top choice for safety apparel during cold months, particularly in late fall and early spring. Over winter, hoodies can be paired with jackets for additional warmth. Most hi-vis hoodies in our catalog are Class 3 (with reflective stripes on the sleeves) made from comfortable polyester fleece, suitable for a range of work environments and durable for long-term use. Customize with screen printing or an embroidered logo.
Hi-vis beanies are a valuable addition to any high-visibility outfit in colder weather. Although they do not fulfill any standards, hi-vis beanies enhance worker visibility and keep them warm. Most beanies are composed of blended knit or synthetic materials, with the best customization achieved through embroidery or patches. For more, check out the Top 5 Types of Beanies.
When branding hi-vis clothing with your logo, be aware of potential limitations. One factor is the materials; certain waterproof or synthetic fabrics may be challenging to print on and may require embroidery. Another consideration is the print area, as certain constructions leave limited space for logo placement.
In conclusion, brightly colored safety clothing significantly decreases the likelihood of accidents and injuries in low visibility conditions. With the opportunity to customize hi-vis gear, you can project a professional image while ensuring safety.
We hope this guide has equipped you with essential information, from the safety standards established by ANSI and ISEA to OSHA enforcement, various apparel types, their applications, and optimal printing methods.
When you're ready to customize high-visibility clothing with your logo, dive into our user-friendly Design Studio to get started. Our sales team is always available to assist with your order.
Quick answers to some common questions:
Yes, red is recognized as a high-vis color. The ANSI and ISEA define fluorescent red as an acceptable color for hi-vis clothing, distinct from the more prevalent orange-red. Fluorescent red provides very high visibility in daylight and artificial light.
Retroreflective material returns light to its source, such as car headlights or flashlights, making it highly visible in low-light conditions. It is widely used in high-visibility clothing and safety gear like road construction signs and traffic cones.
Follow the manufacturer's care instructions for washing and drying. Typically, hi-vis clothing should be washed in warm water with mild detergent and dried on a low heat setting or hung to dry. Avoid bleach or fabric softeners as they may damage the reflective material.
The American National Standards Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing and maintaining standards for various products and services. ANSI's standards for hi-vis clothing are developed through a consensus-based approach that involves stakeholder input.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is a federal agency responsible for creating and enforcing safety and health standards in the workplace. OSHA sets standards for hi-vis clothing to ensure workers at risk of being struck by vehicles or machinery have adequate visibility and protection.
Contact us to discuss your requirements for High Visibility Yellow Cloth Wholesale. Our experienced sales team can assist you in identifying the options that best meet your needs.
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