High Visibility Clothing – Why Quality Matters

Not all high visibility clothing is created equally. Its effectiveness hinges on its adherence to stringent reflective standards, which could be the deciding factor when shielding your organisation from potential legal liabilities. Whilst the high visibility market is inundated with cheap, subpar reflective gear, it is essential to understand why investing in quality products like those manufactured by Colan is not just a choice, but a necessity.

A Brief History Of Reflective Products

In the 1930s, American worker, Bob Switzer, was injured whilst unloading crates at a Heinz Ketchup factory. This event prompted him to develop the first neon-coloured paint by mixing fluorescent materials with wood paint. Before long, Bob and his brother were manufacturing products on a huge scale, and their success caught the eye of the American military. By adapting fluorescent materials, painted panels were used to signal to planes from the ground during World War II.

It took until the 1960s for high visibility clothing to make its way to the UK where its first documented use was by railway workers in Glasgow. The 1974 Health and Safety at Work Act marked a pivotal moment in workplace safety legislation. Enacted to ensure the health, safety and welfare of employees, the Act emphasised the importance of visibility in hazardous environments. Later, the 1992 Personal Protective Equipment at Work regulations mandated the use of reflective clothing and accessories for workers in industries such as construction, transportation and utilities.

In the mid-90s, the European standard EN 471 (now EN ISO 20471) was introduced, setting specific requirements for high-vis clothing, which were intended to make the wearer more visible in low-light or dangerous conditions. The standard sets criteria for the design, performance and testing of reflective products to ensure their effectiveness in enhancing visibility and promoting safety.

3 Classes Of EN ISO 20471

EN ISO 20471 defines three distinct classes of high visibility clothing, each corresponding to different levels of visibility and performance.

Class 1 – This class offers the lowest level of visibility and is suitable for low-risk environments where the speed of approaching vehicles is relatively slow and there is ample separation between workers and traffic. Class 1 garments typically consist of a minimum amount of fluorescent material and retroreflective tape, providing basic visibility for wearers.

Class 2 – Class 2 garments provide enhanced visibility and are suitable for medium-risk environments where workers are exposed to higher-speed traffic or reduced visibility conditions. These garments feature a greater amount of fluorescent material and retroreflective tape compared to Class 1, ensuring improved visibility for wearers in a wider range of working conditions.

Class 3 – This class offers the highest level of visibility and is recommended for high-risk environments where workers are exposed to fast-moving traffic or limited visibility conditions, such as nighttime or adverse weather. Class 3 garments feature the maximum amount of reflective material, providing superior visibility to ensure wearers are easily identifiable from a distance.

High Visibility Clothing Manufactured By Colan

Colan understands the gravity of purchasing substandard products, which is why we prioritise quality and compliance above all else when it comes to our visibility clothing. Our stock undergoes rigorous testing and many of our products adhere to the highest UK and European standards, ensuring they meet regulatory requirements. While it’s true that Colan products may come with a higher price tag than our cheaper counterparts, the peace of mind and assurance of safety they provide are invaluable. By investing in Colan, you’re investing in safety, reliability and trust.

Our diverse product range includes everything from canine products to sportswear, school supplies and charity tabards. To view our complete product range, visit our website. For more information on specific products, custom printing options and bulk order discounts, call 01926 831584 or email enquiries@colan-uk.net.