High-visibility clothing

Frequently asked questions

• Which visibility class do we need?

  Vehicle speed and sightlines in the working area decide. A lower class may suffice in pedestrian-led warehouse areas, while the highest class is preferred on roads and sites with heavy vehicle traffic.

• Does logo printing affect visibility?

  Yes. Printing and embroidery reduce the fluorescent surface and can lower the class. Application area and size are therefore planned so that the surface required by the standard is preserved.

• Does a vest on its own count as high-visibility?

  It depends on the required class. A vest generally satisfies the lower class; where a higher class is required, hi-vis trousers or a full set are needed, since the visible area must be maintained both standing and bending.

• When should hi-vis clothing be withdrawn?

  When it stops returning light. Fluorescent backing fades in sunlight and reflective tape loses brightness when caked with mud; a weekly torch check is the simplest control.

• Does dirty hi-vis clothing still protect?

  Partly. When the fluorescent surface is covered with dirt, daytime visibility drops markedly; when retroreflective tape is covered with mud, night performance is almost entirely lost. Regular washing is part of the protection.

• Is yellow or orange more visible?

  It depends on the background. Against green vegetation and grey asphalt fluorescent yellow stands out; against snow and light surfaces orange separates better. On mixed sites, models combining both colours are preferred.