Hi-vis clothing, also known as high visibility safety apparel (HVSA), high-visibility clothing, hi viz, or reflective clothing, is a type of personal protective equipment (PPE) that is designed to make the wearer more visible in high-risk environments, both in daytime and nighttime.
In our first installment on The Thread, we will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of hi-vis clothing and workwear, including its history, how it works, why it is important, who needs to wear it, the different types of hi-vis clothing available, and safety classifications.
-Hi-vis clothing dates back to 1930s in the United States & Walls was one of the first companies to produce hi-vis workwear.
-Hi-vis clothing materials are comprised of retroreflective tapes and fluorescent colors for improved visibility to keep the wearer safe from accidents.
-Hi-vis clothing is essential for a variety of industry workers, and can also provide safety on roads for motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians.
-The most common type of hi-vis clothing is hi-vis workwear, including vests, shirts, and jackets.
-Hi-vis clothing is essential for a variety of industry workers, and can also provide safety on roads for motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians.
-When choosing hi-vis workwear or clothing consider compliance with safety standards, work environment, your type of work or use case, comfort, climate, and durability.
-Replace hi-vis clothing when it becomes worn, soiled, torn, damaged, or faded.
-First edition of ANSI 107 was published in 1999.
History of Hi-Vis Clothing
The history of hi-vis clothing dates back to the 1930s when a fluorescent dye was discovered by scientists. Bob Switzer is lauded as the founder of fluorescent paint. He began experimenting with it after a Heinz Ketchup factory accident that left him with damaged eyesight. During WWII, scientists and engineers further developed the technology with hi-visibility garments to reduce the risk of friendly fire.
In the 1960s hi-vis clothing was finally introduced to the consumer market. The clothing was made using retroreflective strips and fluorescent material, which was designed to increase visibility around moving vehicles and in low-light conditions.
When Walls began producing high visibility workwear, the use of this type of clothing was becoming more widespread as employers and workers recognized the safety benefits of wearing such clothing in low-light or high-traffic environments.
Since then, hi-vis clothing has continued to evolve and has become a crucial component of PPE in many labor-intensive and high-risk industries. Today, Walls is known as a leading provider of high quality, durable workwear for a variety of industries.
How Hi-Vis Clothing Works and Its Benefits
Hi-vis clothing works by reflecting light back to its source, making the wearer more visible in dark conditions. This is achieved through the use of retroreflective strips. There are two primary technologies used in retroreflective striping to provide nighttime visibility: one, mirco-prismatic tape—a special type of vinyl containing a high concentration of small prisms—and glass bead retroreflective tape. Walls employs 3M™ Scotchlite™ retroreflective tape in many of our hi-vis products, which is composed of wide-angle, exposed, retroreflective lenses bonded to a durable fabric backing.
In addition, hi-vis clothing is required to be fluorescent red, orange-red or yellow-green for improved visibility during the daytime. Not only are these colors eye-grabbing, but they are typically associated with warning. This is why traffic and construction signs feature these colors and why poisonous creatures and plants are often bright colors.
Combining the fluorescent colors with retroreflective material provides another layer of safety for the wearer, particularly around dawn, dusk and night.
Hi-vis clothing has several benefits, but the most prominent is improved visibility which dramatically increases safety by reducing the risk of accidents in hazardous environments.
Different Types of Hi-Vis Workwear Clothing Available and Their Specific Uses
There are several types of hi-vis workwear available, including vests, jackets, pants, coveralls, and shirts. The most common types of hi-vis workwear are vests, shirts, and jackets. Hi-vis vests are designed to be worn over clothing and are usually made of lightweight materials such as mesh or polyester. Hi-vis jackets are more heavy-duty than vests and are designed to provide both warmth, weather protection and visibility.
Hi-vis pants, coveralls, and shirts are less common but still important. Hi-vis pants are designed to be worn over regular work pants, and coveralls provide full-body coverage. Hi-vis shirts are typically made of lightweight materials and can be worn alone or as an additional layer of visibility.
Why Hi-Vis Clothing is Important and Who Needs to Wear It
Hi-vis clothing is essential for workers on construction sites, roadwork sites, and emergency services. This type of hi-vis clothing is known as hi-vis workwear. Hi-vis technology is also used by motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians who need enhanced visibility on the road. Wearing hi-vis clothing can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries for a variety of users.
Different Types of Classes of Hi-Vis (ANSI 107)
ANSI 107, The American National Standard for High-Visibility Safety Apparel, has established four classes and three types of high-visibility clothing, based on the level of visibility and protection required for specific work environments. Here are the key differences:
Class 2 (Type R or P)
Intended for use by personnel exposed to vehicular traffic from public access rights of way or roadway temporary traffic control zones. Class 2 garments require the use of greater amounts of high-visibility materials which help distinguish between a human and an inanimate object.
Class 3 (Type R or P)
Intended for use by personnel exposed to vehicular traffic from public access rights of way or roadway temporary traffic control zones. Class 3 garments mandate an even higher standard of visibility for workers in moving, complex backgrounds. Class 3 garments have the highest high-visibility material requirements.
Class E (Supplemental)
Pants, bib overalls, shorts, and gaiters meeting minimum area requirements for background material and retroreflective trim. Class E apparel, however, cannot be worn alone to provide adequate visibility of workers. When Class E items are worn with Performance Class 2 or 3 apparel, the overall classification of the ensemble is Performance Class 3.
When to Replace Hi-Vis Clothing
To ensure optimal safety on the job, it’s essential to replace hi-vis clothing when it becomes worn, damaged, faded, or no longer fits properly. Hi-vis clothing that isn’t up to snuff will be less effective and may not provide the necessary visibility required in low light conditions. It is also crucial to replace hi-vis clothing when it no longer meets the relevant safety standards.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Hi-Vis Workwear
When choosing hi-vis workwear, there are several key factors to consider. These include:
Compliance: Ensure that the hi-vis workwear you choose meets ANSI 107, The American National Standard for High-Visibility Safety Apparel.
Type of Work: Consider the type of work you will be doing and choose hi-vis workwear that provides the appropriate level of protection. This should consider work environment and any potential on the job hazards.
Comfort: Choose hi-vis workwear that feels good to wear for extended periods of time.
Climate: Consider the climate you will be working in and choose hi-vis workwear that is appropriate for the weather conditions.
Durability: Choose hi-vis workwear that is durable and can withstand the wear and tear of your work environment.
Hi-vis clothing is an essential component of PPE for workers who work high-risk environments in daytime or low-light conditions, as well as motorcyclist, bicyclists and pedestrians who need to be visible on the road. By reflecting light back to its source, hi-vis clothing increases visibility, improves safety, and reduces the risk of accidents and injuries. Choose the right type of hi-vis clothing for the working environment and to replace it when it becomes worn, damaged, or faded. If you're looking for hi-vis workwear, be sure to check out Walls Hi-Vis Workwear collection.