CHECK YOUR HI-VIS WORKWEAR
Dirty, damaged or over-washed Hi-Visibility garments can put you and your Team at risk. Does your PPE comply?
Don’t gamble your safety on dirty or contaminated Hi-Visibility Workwear.
Did you know Hi-Vis garments require a minimum area of Hi-Visibility fabric to comply with Health and Safety Regulations?
Dirt, stains, ripped or covered parts of your Hi-Visibility PPE can reduce this minimum area of EN ISO 20471 (the part of the garment that is classed as Hi-Vis) and can deem your garment as non-compliant with the European or UK Standards…in other words, you lost some of your Hi-Visibility and now it does not offer the same protection.
Why it’s important
Hi-Visibility clothing helps drivers see you up to 3 seconds earlier at night. These 3 seconds could be lifesaving and so checking that your PPE is fully compliant before donning can also be considered as lifesaving.
What to do
Inspect your Hi-Vis Garments daily and before each use. Dusty workplaces can cause quicker staining and you may not even notice without proper inspection.
Do not use your Hi-Visibility clothing if it has been washed more than the recommended amount of times. Washing depletes the Hi-Visibility properties in the fabric, so make sure to check the label of your garment.
What to look out for
- Stains
- Dirt
- Rips or tears in the fabric or reflective tape
- Wear of the fabric or reflective tape
- Fading from washing or harsher elements
- Anything covering the garment such as other garments, backpacks etc.
What next
Do not wear your Hi-Visibility garment if you have any doubts about its conformity. Wash your garment if dirty or soiled or replace for a new one if washing does not remove the contamination. You also need to replace your garment if it is worn, ripped or torn.
Although it is not strictly our responsibility to tell you what PPE is best, we have had over 40 years of experience when it comes to PPE for drivers and operators in the Gas Industry. So we have come up with some recommendations below for both ladies and men working in this industry.
We know that refineries/terminals are becoming more stringent on the correct PPE being worn when loading gas, so it is important you have suitable PPE.
To discuss further with us please call 01280 841400 or email sales@hazchemsafety.com .
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