From safety helmets, eye protection, safety gloves, respirators, to safety shoes, there are many different types of personal protective equipment that can be worn to protect against risks at work. However, when it comes to workplaces such as road construction sites, high-vis clothing is one of the most important.
High visibility clothing is essential for workers who need to ensure that others can see them on the job site, but just like other protective gear, it doesn’t last forever – and using hi-vis gear beyond its lifespan could cost you dearly.
When is the time to replace your high visibility clothing?
Normally, hi-vis clothing will last for about six months based on standard usage. Obviously, it can last longer if it is not used daily, and those working in extreme and hazardous conditions will need to replace it sooner. The lifespan of your hi vis clothing is mostly determined by how it is used and cared for.
You should always look for wear and tear, and check that the garment still meets visibility standards. It's important to check if your item of workwear:
- Has faded, i.e., the fluorescent fabric has discoloured and became dull in its appearance.
- Is damaged, especially if the reflective strips have become damaged or worn.
- If the fluorescent item of workwear is no longer visible from a distance
- Is excessively dirty, and you can no longer clean it to a high standard.
- Is badly ripped
- Is no longer comfortable.
You need to feel safe, secure, and overall, confident in your safety gear.
If you have any doubts about your hi-vis workwear effectiveness, it's probably time to change.
Keeping your hi-visibility clothing in good condition
Hi-vis clothing is an essential part of trade people's personal protective equipment – but it doesn't last forever. Replacing it when you need to not only keeps you looking smart, but it also keeps you safe and protected.
To help keep your hi-vis workwear in good condition and last longer, check out some of our top tips below:
- Store all hi-vis clothing out of direct sunlight - sunlight will make the colours fade quicker, reducing its effectiveness.
- Keep your clothing clean – While cleaning your workwear is not always possible, especially for those who work in construction sites especially, but wiping and removing dirt at the end of each day will help to prevent dirt from building up.
- Don't squash your clothing into the smallest of spaces - It puts additional stress on the garment's fibres, making them break down faster.
- Wipe down in between full washes to help extend the lifespan of the garment.
- Always check the label - Not all high visibility clothing is suitable for a machine wash, so it’s important to follow the instructions so as not to diminish your clothing's high performance.
Wearing hi-vis clothing is one of the best strategies to protect the workers, especially on road construction sites, and other sites with heavy machinery use. Hi Vis clothing can be just as critical as respirators, safety goggles, hand protection and helmets.
For a complete range of PPE and other site safety equipment, visit www.southland.com.au