Workers whose job puts them in hazardous traffic conditions are at risk due to the nature of their job. It’s essential that you choose the right high visibility rain gear when working in the rain. However, not everybody understands how to find the best hi vis rain gear.
CHOOSE FROM HIGH-QUALITY MATERIALS
As you might guess, the material that you choose for your rain gear is critical. The right material will keep you dry while also being comfortable.
You want a fabric that’s going to protect you from the elements while still being comfortable. Polyurethane and PTFE membranes are always a good options because they offer great waterproofing without being too hot.
The gear should also be tested by an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited lab to ensure that it meets compliance standards. The facility will test the material to verify its color performance. For those who are unaware, compliant colors include fluorescent orange-red, and fluorescent yellow-green and fluorescent red. In the United States, fluorescent yellow-green is the most common color.
It must also fall within the proposed color box both initially and after 25 fading exposures. This simulates how the material will fade. It is important that the material still be highly visible even after UV exposure over time.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT PERFORMANCE TYPE
Interestingly, some people are unaware of the fact that there are three different types of hi vis rain gear: Type O, Type R, and Type P.
Type O Hi Visibility
Type O is intended for off-road use and is not meant for those who will be exposed to traffic or work on public roadways. This would be for industrial sites with vehicular traffic on private roads such as a refinery.
Type R Hi Visibility
Type R is designed for roadway workers, such as those who work within construction zones or on public access roadways. This generally has the highest level of visibility. Keep this in mind when moving forward so you can make the decision that’s best for you.
Type P Hi Visibility
Type P is for public safety and law enforcement. Emergency responders will also wear type P safety apparel.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT PERFORMANCE CLASS
Similar to how there are different performance types for reflective rain gear, there are also different performance classes. The previously mentioned performance types fall into one of three different classes.
Class 1 Hi Visibility
Class 1 includes only Type O. This is for safety apparel that has the lowest level of visibility. As you might assume, those who do not work on public roadways do not need to wear safety apparel with the maximum level of visibility.
Class 2 Hi Visibility
Class 2 could include Type R or Type P, depending on circumstances. This class is meant to ensure that people from far away are able to recognize and identify someone as a person rather than a traffic control device.
Class 3 Hi Visibility
Finally, class 3 could also include Type R or Type P. This class has the highest level of visibility and aims to ensure that workers do not blend into the background. It also aims to maximize recognition distance while also identifying them as a person.
Choosing the right class will go a long way toward getting the most protection out of this product.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT PROVIDER
Hi Vis rain gear does more than just make the worker easier to see — it provides vital safety protection. Unfortunately, working with the wrong provider could leave you with low-quality products that aren’t able to hold their own when the time comes. When you’re looking for a supplier, make sure to find one that has experience with this type of gear.
They should also have a good reputation. You can check online reviews to get an idea of what others thought of their experience.
Additionally, make sure that the provider is compliant with all the required safety standards. This will give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re getting quality products. After all, safety is paramount.
It can also help you prevent issues that may have otherwise arisen in the future.
When communicating with a prospective supplier, they should have no issue providing information that proves their products meet compliance standards. The provider should be willing to provide a certificate of compliance and share the test reports. If they attempt to dodge this request or aren’t able to answer directly, it’s in your best interest to look elsewhere. Otherwise, you could be putting your workers at risk.
Finally, take the time to compare prices. You don’t want to overspend on this type of gear, but you also don’t want to sacrifice quality by going with the cheapest option. Keep in mind that you often get what you pay for when it comes to purchasing safety apparel.
So, it is typically worth budgeting a larger amount to ensure that you get the best possible results.
FINDING THE RIGHT HI VIS RAIN GEAR DOESN’T HAVE TO BE DIFFICULT
Although it may seem complicated to find the right hi vis rain gear for your workers, it’s much easier than most people anticipate. By following the tips in this article, you can be sure that your employees will have the best gear to keep them safe while they’re on the job. Want to learn more? You can see our selection of Hi Vis Rain Gear here.
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