Questions You Should Know about high visability fabric

Hi-Vis 101: Everything You Need to Know

Highly reflective apparel could save lives in work zones.

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Whether you are operating heavy equipment on a construction site or repairing a pothole on the highway, you are bound to be exposed to potentially harmful working conditions. Wearing high-visibility (hi-vis) apparel on the job is essential to remain visible to those around you. In this article, we breakdown what hi-vis is, why it is necessary, who should wear it, and different types of hi-vis apparel—helping you decide what is best for you.

Hi-Vis Breakdown

Hi-vis is a type of PPE that has highly reflective properties which help reduce the risk of worker injury or fatality by allowing motorists and equipment operators to see workers in low-light or dark environments. Our eyes respond best to large, contrasting or bright objects. Therefore, the high color contrast between hi-vis clothing and the background it is against enhances worker visibility.

Working on roadways or around heavy machinery can be especially dangerous. According to the CDC, fatal work-related injuries at roadway construction sites average 123 worker deaths per year. In 2019 alone, there were 762 fatal crashes with 842 fatalities. These figures only speak to deaths; they do not even begin to encapsulate the workers and citizens who were injured in work zone or machinery-related accidents.

Those who work in an industry where they are in close contact with moving vehicles or machinery should be equipped with hi-vis apparel. Some inclusions are first responders, road construction workers, surveyors and utility workers. However, workers are not the only ones who benefit from higher visibility. This clothing can go from workplace to weekend as non-workers, such as runners, bikers and dog walkers could also benefit depending on their lighting conditions.

Common Hi-Vis Apparel

One of the most traditional forms of hi-vis clothing is fluorescent orange or lime vests with reflective stripes in an 'H' pattern on both the front and back. The fluorescent color makes the wearer visible during the day, while the reflective stripes make it more likely that they will be seen at night, increasing their safety. There are many options for this type of apparel, including t-shirts, vests, jackets and pants.

Hi-Vis Color Options

Both fluorescent lime and orange are known to positively affect conspicuity in daylight conditions and using both colors together is an option when surrounded by a complex background. When it comes to choosing hi-vis workwear, orange and lime are top choices. While both offer enhanced visibility, they have different purposes. Lime is considered brighter which makes it ideal for urban environments where it stands out against neutral-colored buildings. Orange is commonly used for roadwork as it mimics traffic cones and shows contrast in areas with heavy foliage.

This article originally appeared in the June 1, 2021 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.

As a leader in charge of worker safety in outdoor environments, ensuring employees are equipped with the right safety apparel is crucial. High-visibility (hi-vis) wind-resistant apparel plays a crucial role in protecting your workforce from both the elements and potential hazards. However, understanding the intricacies of these garments, including their design, functionality, and the relationship between high visibility, waterproofing, and wind resistance, is essential.

The Science Behind High-Visibility Wind-Resistant Fabric

High visibility fabrics are meticulously engineered to maintain worker visibility even in low-light or adverse weather conditions. The effectiveness of these fabrics lies in the integration of fluorescent and reflective materials, which enhance visibility both during the day and at night. Strategically placed on the garment, these materials maximize visibility from various angles, thereby contributing to improved workplace safety. Moreover, some high-visibility fabrics are also designed to be wind-resistant, offering an additional layer of protection against harsh outdoor elements.

Below are six things you need to know about wind-resistant hi-vis apparel:

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1) What is the difference between wind-resistant and windproof?

Wind-resistant fabric refers to a material that provides some level of protection against wind penetration, but may not completely block airflow. It is designed to reduce the effects of wind while still allowing some air to pass through. On the other hand, windproof fabric offers a higher level of protection by effectively blocking all airflow, providing complete resistance to wind penetration. The distinction between wind-resistant and windproof fabric is measured by the fabric's ability to withstand airflow, typically quantified by a fabric's air permeability rating. Wind-resistant fabrics have a lower air permeability rating, indicating that they allow some airflow, whereas windproof fabrics have a higher rating, indicating that they block airflow entirely.

2) When should employees wear wind-resistant vs. windproof hi-vis apparel?

Employees should wear wind-resistant high-visibility apparel in conditions where there is a moderate to strong breeze or wind, but not necessarily gusty or severe winds. Wind-resistant apparel provides adequate protection against wind chill while still allowing some airflow, making it suitable for most outdoor work environments. On the other hand, employees should opt for windproof hi-vis apparel when working in areas with consistently strong or gusty winds, where complete protection against wind penetration is necessary to maintain warmth and comfort. Windproof apparel ensures that workers remain shielded from wind, particularly in harsh weather conditions or at high elevations.

3) Is all high-vis apparel wind-resistant?

Not all hi-vis apparel is inherently wind-resistant. While hi-vis apparel is primarily designed to enhance worker visibility in various conditions, its wind-resistant properties can vary depending on the specific materials and construction techniques used in its production. Some of our hi-vis apparel has built-in wind-resistant features, providing an additional layer of protection against windy conditions. Look for the terms "windbreaker" or "wind-resistant" when shopping for high-visibility safety apparel on the Reflective Apparel website to provide comprehensive protection for your outdoor workers.

4) Is all wind-resistant hi-vis apparel water-resistant or waterproof?

Although wind-resistant fabric provides protection against wind chill, it may not necessarily be water-resistant or waterproof. While some wind-resistant fabrics repel light moisture, they may not fully withstand heavy rainfall or prolonged exposure to wet conditions unless noted. If workers also need protection from rain and moisture, choose hi-vis apparel that is both wind-resistant and water-resistant or waterproof.

5) Is wind-resistant fabric breathable?

Our wind-resistant fabrics are designed to balance protection with breathability, allowing moisture vapor to escape while still blocking the passage of air. This ensures that workers remain comfortable even during physical exertion in windy conditions.

6) What are some other features that make hi-vis apparel more wind-resistant?

Several features contribute to a garment's wind resistance, including adjustable cuffs, double zippers, drawstring hoods, drawstring hems with internal adjustment and barrel toggles, and reinforced seams. Seam sealing is another wind-blocking feature that involves applying a waterproof tape or sealant to the seams of a garment to prevent penetration. Seam sealing enhances the garment's overall waterproofing and wind-resistance, ensuring maximum protection against the elements.

By understanding these key aspects of wind-resistant hi-vis apparel, you can make informed decisions when purchasing safety apparel for your workforce. Prioritizing worker safety not only enhances productivity but also fosters a positive and secure work environment.

Need help finding the right high-quality, hi-vis safety apparel and uniforms for your team? Reach out to the Reflective Apparel team to get started.

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