Page 19 - OHS, June 2021

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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 to be seen at night, increasing safety. There are many options, including t-shirts, vests, jackets and pants.
Hi-Vis Color Options
Both fluorescent lime and orange are known to affect conspicuity in daylight conditions positively 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
Those who work in an industry where they are in close contact with moving vehicles or machinery should be equipped with hi-vis apparel.
choices. While both offffer enhanced visibility, they have difffferent 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 heavily foliage.
Reflective Striping
Hi-vis workwear is more than just the color of the garment. It must include reflective striping. Reflective striping or tape is applied to hi-vis to increase its visibility by reflecting light. The more tape there is, the more the clothing will stand out. It is what makes the ‘H’ and ‘X’ patterns on upper body workwear. Tape can be continuous or broken; the latter offers improved comfort.
Reflective tape can also be contrasting. Reflective tape is silver, but contrasting tape includes hi-vis striping below the reflective layer. Often, contrasting tape on lime garments is orange and tape on orange garments is lime. Clothing with contrasting tape meets the highest safety standards as reflective tape.
How Hi-Vis is Measured
Every orange or lime piece of clothing cannot be considered hi- vis. To be classified as quality hi-vis, clothing must meet specific standards set by organizations that are influenced by industry experts, consumer groups and government bodies. In the U.S., we use ANSI and in Canada, they use CSA.
ANSI-rated hi-vis meets either a Roadway (R), Off-Road (O) or Public Safety (P) performance class. Type R hi-vis provides daytime and nighttime visual enhancements. It is ideal for workers working near roadways. Type O provides moderate visibility and is ideal for off-road workers. Type P is often worn by public safety workers like police and EMS.
ANSI also distinguishes hi-vis apparel by class. Each class indicates workwear that is ideal for specific situations.
■ Class 1: Good visibility for low-risk workers, traffic is under 25 mph or the jobsite is a safe distance from the roadway.
■ Class 2: Additional high visibility materials, provides detection and identification of workers from longer distances.
■ Class 3: Greater visibility of workers through a full range of body movements in complex and non-complex backgrounds.
■ Class E: Garments do not meet ANSI safety requirements when worn alone but when worn with a class 2 or 3 garment, the overall ensemble meets a class 3 standards.
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JUNE 2021 | Occupational Health & Safety 15