What Are Hi-VIS Vests Made From?
Have you ever wondered what materials Hi-Vis vests are made with? Glow-in-the-dark products can be questionable, and the process can seem confusing for those who are unaware.
Today, Greenbergs will touch upon how Hi-Vis clothing is made and how to care for your Hi-Vis uniform to keep it in good condition.
Shop our hi-Vis clothing today, with a range of collections and sizes available. All of our products are designed with high-quality materials, ideal for the workplace.
The Purpose of Hi-Vis Vests
Hi-Vis vests serve an important role in a wide range of industries addressed in our previous blog. Their primary purpose is to enhance the visibility of workers in both daylight and low-light environments or when potential hazards, such as weather, may pose a safety risk.
Wearing a hi-vis uniform alerts others that you are a worker on the site and helps you appear more visible to people operating machinery nearby.
The Common Materials Used in Hi-Vis Vests
The choice of materials when creating hi-Vis clothing is essential in creating a product that performs well and adheres to the regulations.
A few materials are used to ensure the hi-Vis uniform works efficiently:
1. Fluorescent Fabrics
Fluorescent fabrics are an important part of hi-Vis clothing as they capture and reflect light better than other materials.
These fabrics are typically made from synthetic materials like polyester or nylon, which resist fading and wear. Colours such as neon yellow, neon orange, and neon green are used as they are clearly visible during daylight hours.
These colours are more effective as they react to ultraviolet (UV) light, which is present in natural daylight, making them appear even brighter.
2. Retroreflective Material
These materials can be found on the strips or stripes on hi-vis uniforms. Retroreflective materials help light directly bounce back to its source, increasing visibility in low-light environments.
The materials often consist of tiny glass or plastic beads embedded in a reflective layer that reflects light sources.
Retroreflective materials make workers more visible under headlights, flashlights, or other light sources, even without ambient light.
3. Mesh Material
Mesh materials are commonly used for workers in warm or humid environments. The breathability of mesh helps regulate the wearer's temperature, ideal for long shifts.
They are typically made from synthetic fibres, known for their durability and resistance to wear and tear. Mesh hi-vis vests are particularly popular in construction work and landscaping to help employees stay cool and comfortable.
ANSI/ISEA Standards
ANSI/ISEA standards are established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). These provide a guideline for the design, construction, and requirements of hi-vis clothing to ensure they perform up to standard.
This includes three primary reasons:
- Safety: All hi-vis clothing must promote the safety of employees in high-risk environments.
- Uniformity: Consistency and uniformity in the design and performance of hi-vis vests across different brands and manufacturers.
- Compliance: Industries must comply with these regulations as a legal requirement in certain workplaces.
The ANSI/ISEA 107 standard is the most referenced for hi-vis clothing. This involves:
- Class 1: Workers who require the lowest amount of visibility, such as those working away from traffic or in low-risk environments.
- Class 2: For people near moving vehicles or in moderately hazardous areas.
- Class 3: Recommended for workers in high-risk environments, such as construction sites or highway work zones. These offer a greater amount of high visibility and more reflective coverage.
Maintenance and Care
It is essential to replace your hi-vis clothing if it shows any signs of wear and tear, such as tearing, compromised reflective tape, or fading.
Ensure that all reflective materials are clean and not obstructed by dirt, dust, or debris. When washing, avoid using harsh detergents, such as bleach, to prevent fading and wash them separately from other items to avoid damage to the reflective materials.