Portwest Construction Magazine

Selection of high visibility clothing should align with workplace hazards, ensuring it matches the identified risks and performance needs. Compliance with EU regulations, particularly EN ISO 20471 standards, mandates high visibility clothing to visually signal the wearer’s presence and carry a CE mark. This international standard outlines design and performance requirements, including fluorescent background materials, retroreflective strips, and contrast materials, ensuring optimal visibility and functionality in varying work conditions. STAYING VISIBLE

High-visibility clothing is intended to ensure someone’s visible in areas where they might not be easily seen. However, once it becomes so dirty that the person is no longer clearly visible, it fails to serve its purpose, putting the individual at risk.

Roy Wilders, Manager - Registered Safety Supplier Scheme - BSIF

The higher the class, the higher the visibility.

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Class 1: Minimum level of protection required for any persons working on a private road or to be used in conjunction with a higher classed garment. Must incorporate a minimum of 0.14m 2 of background material and 0.10m 2 of retro-reflective material (2 metres of 5cm wide reflective tape).

Class 2: Intermediate level of protection required for any persons working with increased risk from moving traffic or equipment. Must incorporate a minimum of 0.50m 2 of background material and 0.13m 2 of retro reflective material (2.60 metres of 5cm wide reflective tape).

Class 3: Highest level of protection required for any persons exposed to high-speed traffic or complex backgrounds that could obscure visibility. Must incorporate a minimum of 0.80m 2 of background material and 0.20m 2 of retro-reflective materials (4 metres of 5cm wide reflective tape).

ISO 13688 - Protective clothing - general requirements

PORTWEST GARMENT VS 5 WASHES WASHES 50

This international standard specifies general requirements and recommendations for ergonomics, ageing, sizing and marking of protective clothing, and for information supplied by the manufacturer.

INDUSTRY STANDARD GARMENT

CONSTRUCTION

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