In highly volatile, heavy machinery filled workplaces such as the manufacturing line, construction site or other highly trafficked areas, not being seen – by a coworker, equipment operator or rescue team – can have disastrous, sometimes fatal consequences.
That’s why, since 1999 when ANSI (American National Standards Institute) introduced the first standard for high-visibility clothing, any crews working day or night on road construction projects are covered with brightly colored shirts, vests and head protection, among other wearable items.
The most recent adaptation of the original Hi-Viz standard is ANSI/ISEA 107-2015: American National Standard for High-Visibility Safety Apparel and Accessories. Additionally, both OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and the U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) recognize the ANSI/ISEA 107 standard as the industry consensus standard for the performance requirements of high-visibility work wear.
Stay Safe: Wear High Visibility Colors
Based on the current ANSI 107 standard, acceptable high-visibility colors include fluorescent yellow-green, fluorescent orange-red and fluorescent red.
Additionally, the amount of high-visibility clothing that a worker must wear is classified in accordance to the perceived dangers that exist in his or her working environment, with Performance Class 1 requiring a minimal amount of clothing that differentiates the wearer from his or her surroundings to Performance Class 3 which, among others, requires clothing with retroreflective properties.
Comfort Matters
Along with color contrasts and reflectivity, both comfort and durability are also important factors to consider when choosing high-visibility wearables. After all, items that are uncomfortable to wear are less likely to be worn consistently. Along the same lines, items should be designed so as not to inhibit movement or create a hazardous situation by accidentally getting caught in a piece of moving equipment. Many manufacturers offer items designed with break-away or tear-away features for this very reason.
Stand Out with Hi-Viz Gloves from Armor Guys
One piece of apparel that can be overlooked when considering hi-res gear are gloves. While not making up the largest visible area on a person, the hands are arguably one of the most readily used in an emergency situation. In some professions, such as traffic management, crowd control and law enforcement, having highly visible hand protection can be a real benefit.
Armor Guys, a world leader in the design, development and manufacturing of premium hand and arm protection products and a division of QS Group, offers several types of protective gloves, including a 7g Hi-Vis Green Fleece, made with its proprietary Taeki5® Liner, appropriate for almost any working environment.
Experience and Quality Matters
For the past 20 years, Armor Guys has developed some of the finest gloves and protective sleeves for hundreds of general purpose, cut resistance, heat resistance and chemical resistance applications.
Operating in factories that are both ISO 9001:2000 certified for quality management and ISO 14000 certified for environmental management practices, QS Gloves manufacturing facilities feature advanced equipment, such as seamless knitting machines and flat dipping production capabilities that produce high-quality, long-lasting and high visibility products to help keep every worker safely in view.
The extensive Armor Guys’ online catalog provides further information on all featured products. For guaranteed quality and security, contact Armor Guys today.