Workwear Guidance helps purchasers and users ensure that the right items are worn in appropriate circumstances. Here, Protec Direct outline the facts about Hi-Vis clothing and the associated standards. Their information is a very useful and informative starting point for those concerned with Standards, care, maintenance and ensuring clothing and workwear are worn properly.
High Visibility Clothing – The Facts
High visibility clothing issued to employees must conform to the performance standards outlined in EN471.
The first part of the standard relates to the area of conspicuous materials incorporated into the garment. There are 3 distinct categories:
- Class 3 – Highest Protection Level
- Class 2 – Intermediate Protection Level
- Class 1 – Lowest Protection Level
The second part relates to the retro-reflective performance with Class 2 being more visible than Class 1 when seen in headlights during darkness.
Care Maintenance and Wearing Correctly
Cleaner garments reflect more light and are more effective. Ensure they are washed regularly and replaced when they become worn out
Make sure that the garment is fastened where possible to ensure maximum protection and prevent tangling in any machinery or moving objects
European Standards
EN471 – High Visibility Garments
EN343 – Protection against rain- Class 3 is the highest level for water penetration and breathability
GO/RT 3279 – Railway specification High Visibility garments
EN342 – Cold Protection
EN465 – Type 4 Spray tight – PVC
EN466 – Type 3 Liquid tight – PVC
EN1511 – Type 3 Liquid tight – Limited life
EN1512 – Type 4 Spray tight – Limited life
EN13982 – Type 5 Dry particle protection
EN13034 – Type 6 Reduced spray protection
EN1149-1 – Electrostatic discharge
EN470 – Heat and flame protection
EN531 – Heat and flame protection
EN533 – Heat and flame protection
EN381 – Chainsaw protection
EN510 – Protection against moving parts
Clothing Sizes
Clothing Sizing Chart (28kb pdf)
Industry Leading Clothing and Workwear Brands
From a detailed understanding of the user’s expectations and the technical knowledge of fabrics, Protec Direct’s protective clothing and workwear range provide a wide variety of quality, comfortable, and practical garments.
Sourced from major suppliers, the market leading brand names can be trusted to offer high levels of personal protection in the most demanding of working environments. As with all PPE, choose protective clothing appropriate to the task, but ensure it fits and is comfortable to wear.
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