Page 20 - OHS, June 2021

PPE: PROTECTIVE APPAREL
Like ANSI, CSA has different categories of hi-vis. Retroreflectivity is noted by level. Level FR denotes special low reflective performance appropriate only for apparel designed to protect against brief exposure to flames and electrical flash. Level 1 offers a higher level of retroreflective performance and must be visible in the dark from a moderate distance. Level 2 is the highest retroreflective performance level material/tape that is visible under dark conditions from a great distance. The tape also reflects light making workers visible in the headlights of oncoming traffic.
CSA also has three performance classes that come before the level denotation. All require X back striping. The classes are:
■ Class 1: Offers good visibility with lowest recognition coverage, ideal for workers in parking lots, warehouses, sidewalks, etc.
■ Class 2: Provides moderate body coverage and superior visibility. The upper torso must be fully covered with reflective striping.
■ Class 3: Meets class 2 standards but has the addition of reflective bands encircling worker arms and legs.
Specialty Hi-Vis Apparel
Overtime, there has been an increase in hi-vis clothing options as different industries and applications have different needs for visibility. Designs also change and adapt standards to update in order to better protect workers.
Black Series. If you are looking for workwear with a bit more style, or something that hides grease and dirt better, try black enhanced visibility workwear.
One of the significant benefits of black workwear is its clean appearance. Depending on your work environment and profession, you might be in regular contact with dirt, grease, or other things that could quickly soil your clothes. With lighter colors, dirt is easily noticeable. Black, on the other hand, does an excellent job of hiding unwanted marks. This provides a cleaner, fresher look throughout the workday.
Appearance is not everything though. There are other benefits of black enhanced visibility workwear that the usual fluorescent lime and orange colors cannot compete with. If you work in an
environment with an abundance of bright colors, you will be more visible with darker colors such as black.
X Back Pattern. ‘X’ back apparel is commonly used in places such as Europe and Canada, as it is a mandatory part of the EU and CSA standards. Although not a requirement, in ANSI 107–2020, it is still an excellent way to ensure optimal safety in worksites where the direction the worker is facing is important due to moving vehicles. Choosing apparel with a reflective ‘X’ marking on the back and the standard ‘H’ on the front, warns oncoming vehicles which direction the worker is facing and if they need to alert the worker. This type of apparel is mostly popular among railroad and highway workers.
Parkas and Jackets. Reflective jackets and parkas provide the ultimate winter warmth without sacrificing your safety. Winter workwear options–several of which are waterproof–include fleece lined, quilted lined and windbreakers.
ANSI 201-2019 American National Standard for Insulation and Wash Durability Classification of Apparel used in cold work environments now provides a means for a garment to be classified, based on the material’s ability to keep workers warm in low temperatures and to retain such protection throughout its expected life.
Although ANSI 201 provides a way to measure the warmth of a garment, this standard is exclusively for thermally insulated apparel as opposed to standard safety parkas and jackets. Therefore, it is suggested first to determine the type of activities you will be undertaking and then make an informed decision on which clothing is right for your work environment. Desired warmth could subsequently be achieved through singular items or layering.
Hi-Vis Lifecycle
Hi-vis workwear is made up of versatile options to fit all seasons and weather. Like all personal protective equipment, hi-vis has a life expectancy. There is no specific time when workwear should be replaced, but the industry standard says it is after 25 washes. Being washed and dried can fade the brightness as it does for all clothing. Other signs that hi-vis should be replaced are rips/tears, cracks, permanent stains or damaged reflective striping. Another sign that you should replace your hi-vis is if it is no longer comfortable for extended wear.
High visibility clothing is essential in many industries and for good reason. Choosing the right PPE for your work environment can not only reduce injuries but also save lives. Accidents happen on work sites every day and being correctly protected is a step in the right direction. Nowadays, hi-vis garments come in a variety of designs, catering for several job environments and conditions ensuring all workers are safe in their surroundings. PPE manufacturers and their sales teams or your company’s own Safety Coordinator can help you choose the right hi-vis for your specific needs and environment.
Katherine Faulk is the Marketing Strategist for Pyramex Safety.
REFERENCE
1. https://www.workzonesafety.org/
16 Occupational Health & Safety | JUNE 2021
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