Hi-vis clothing is designed to make workers more visible during poor lighting conditions. This is especially important for individuals working near moving vehicles, machinery, and equipment.

Hi-vis clothing generally consists of lightweight items to prevent constricting movement and ensure comfortability. Fluorescent colours, such as bright yellow, orange, and green, are used as they are highly visible during light and dark hours.

These colours absorb UV light from the sun and emit it back to create a glow-like effect. Reflective tapes bounce light back to its source, making the wearer visible in low-light conditions.

Hi-Vis Clothing Standards

Hi-vis clothing must adhere to UK standards and regulations to classify as safety wear.

Some of these standards include:

EN ISO 20471: This sets the standard for high-visibility clothing, which makes the wearer visible in low-light settings and by vehicle headlights in dangerous situations.
RIS-3279-TOM: This mandates the use of orange hi-vis clothing for railway workers on and around the tracks.

There are three classes of high-vis clothing which were determined by the EN ISO 20471 regulations. This includes:

Class 1: This is the lowest level of visibility and is usually sufficient for low-risk environments where traffic does not exceed 30 mph. This includes people working away from heavier traffic or in controlled environments.
Class 2: This class offers a moderate level of visibility and is suitable for higher-risk environments. Road construction workers and crossing guards often wear this.
Class 3: This provides the highest level of visibility for the most dangerous environments. This is designed for use on highways and places where high-speed traffic poses a significant risk.

When is Hi-Vis Clothing Required?

In the UK, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 set the requirement for employees to wear hi-vis garments where there are health and safety risks.

Common industries to which this applies include:

Construction and building sites: Workers near or on roadways or those operating heavy equipment are required to wear Class 2 or Class 3 Hi-Vis garments.
Emergency services: Firefighters, police officers, and ambulance personnel must wear hi-vis clothing to ensure they are visible while attending to emergencies.
Road and railway workers: Anyone working on or near roadways or railway lines must wear class 3 hi-vis clothing as they’re at risk from moving vehicles or trains.
Event marshalling and security: Workers responsible for directing traffic, providing security, or managing crowds at events must wear Hi-Vis clothing to be easily identifiable.

How to Select the Right Hi-Vis Clothing

If you frequently work in hot conditions, consider hi-vis garments made from light and breathable fabrics. Insulated and waterproof garments are ideal for wet weather conditions.

For a comfortable uniform that doesn’t restrict movement, opt for velcro closures and elasticated waists.

Additional features, such as zippers, pockets, and hoods can provide more convenience and functionality.

Invest in Durable Hi-Vis Clothing with Beesley and Fildes

At Beesley and Fildes, we aim to make sure our customers are well-protected when working in dangerous conditions.

That is why we provide a selection of comfortable, high-quality hi-vis garments for various industries. Whether you need a sturdy hi-vis bomber to keep out the cold or orange waistcoats to enhance safety, we have it all.

With low prices and durable materials, our workwear is perfect for employees on a budget. Browse our hi-vis workwear today or contact us for more information.