subject: Questions About Reflective Trim, Tape And Visible Safety [print this page] The ANSI standards for reflective garments and trims leaves little room for questions, but these standards are only for America. Other locations fall under different standards, so this leads to questions about product type, consistency and more. Some questions are more common that others. Below are answers to the most common questions about reflective garments, trim, high visibility garments and other safety clothing.
1. Is the ANSI standard the same as the European EN471 standard- Though the ANSI standards share many aspects of the EN standard, no, they are no the same. It should be noted though that the ANSI standards came after the EN. The ANSI system uses many of the same aspects because the science and performance of these standards had been proven effective. They vary in many respects.
2. Do sleeveless vests qualify as a Class 3 garment? Vests do not fall under Class 3 standards. For a garment to be Class 3, it must offer the highest all around visibility on the wearer, so a vest alone cannot fall under this classification. If a vest is combined with a Class E garment such as pants, coveralls, jacket or rain suit, it can be a Class 3. The outfit must be visible from a minimum of 1280 feet, 360 degrees and through the wearers complete range of motion and activity. An important note: a sleeveless garment such as reflective vests cannot be Class 3 regardless of material used.
3. What is more effective during the day? Some wonder if fluorescent material combined with reflective trim is better than reflective trim during the day. Studies have shown that fluorescent clothing, rather than not, have the best visibility during the day. These colors are orange, yellow, etc. The best way is just to test. If you can see the clothing at 1000+ feet and in a full range of visibility, it's the best choice for the worker.
4. What is most effective at night? Some believe that it is necessary to wear combined-performance garments at night for the most effective visibility. Studies have shown, though, that silver products with reflective properties are equally visible to the human eye when compared to the combined-performance. Color contrasts has little effect on visibility in low-light situations, so the important thing to consider for night time work is the amount of reflective material and trim on your garment.
5. Do workers need retro-reflective materials during the day? Standards are in place to protect every worker and any time. Yes, workers should wear reflective material during the day. Weather can change from sunny to grey and rainy, or the workday can extend into the twilight hours, and pedestrian workers still need to be seen. Wearing reflective trim on your garments at all times allows for you to be ready for any sort of situation.
