Is my high-visibility gear visible enough?
Well, no, not all high-visibility clothing is equally bright.
Wearing them is already a remarkable step towards safety in low-light conditions, but did you know that specific laws have been put in place to ensure that you choose the right equipment for your environment?
Choosing your safety jacket based on what’s at hand is a thing of the past, and the new safety standards explain how to determine what’s best for you.
It’s even easier to find what you’re looking for when companies like Bulwark make clothes that live up to your expectations!
How do I choose my high-visibility equipment according to CSA?
The CSA Z96-15 standard defines three distinct categories of high-visibility clothing, each adapted to specific work environments and risk levels:
Class 1: This class is designed for low-risk work areas, where workers must be visible to traffic moving at speeds not exceeding 50 km/h. Examples of Class 1 use include parking attendants and warehouse personnel.
Class 2: Class 2 garments are suitable for moderate-risk environments where workers are exposed to traffic speeds between 50 and 80 km/h. Road construction and railroad workers are often exposed to traffic speeds between 50 and 80 km/h.
Class 3: Class 3 equipment has the highest level of visibility and is intended for high-risk environments where workers are confronted with traffic moving at speeds over 80 km/h. People working on freeways and roads with low traffic volumes can wear Class 3 clothing.
What criteria must my equipment meet?
Like all your PPE, high-visibility clothing and accessories have precise criteria to meet to guarantee their effectiveness in the workplace.
Fortunately, the CSA Z96-15 standard is very clear when assessing what you need to check on your high-visibility garments, and it’s based on three pillars: material color, garment design and care.
Color and retroreflective materials: High-visibility clothing should be predominantly fluorescent in color, usually yellow, orange or red, to ensure maximum visibility during the day. In addition, garments must incorporate retroreflective materials that reflect light back to its source, making workers visible at night or in low-light conditions.
Garment design: The design of high-visibility garments is crucial for optimum visibility. The CSA Z96-15 standard specifies the minimum quantity and location of retroreflective and background materials to achieve desired visibility levels.
Durability and care: High-visibility clothing must be durable and withstand harsh working conditions. Regular maintenance, including proper cleaning and storage, is essential to preserve the effectiveness of retroreflective materials.
And let’s not forget that the quality of high-visibility clothing can be complemented by a host of other protective features, such as protection against electric arcs, cold or even flames!
Fortunately, Bulwark is here to provide you with all the high-visibility equipment you need and even more to protect you on the job, whatever your needs!
