How Do Hi-Vis Shirts Work and What Are They Used For?



Innovations in technology had led people to understand the things that are really valuable to them, including safe in any situation. With this in mind, a wide range of companies started to create gears, work clothes and even shirts designed towards safety, such as high visibility shirts, also known as high vis shirts. Green and orange hi vis shirts are categorized as safety clothing and is a type of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) that is been used today in different industries as an added safety feature. These shirts are generally made from a textile material that features reflective properties which are highly visible or seen from any background.

Who Should Wear Hi Vis Shirts?



Personnel safety should be a priority in any industry. Research has proven that wearing the right clothing can make a huge difference in terms of safety precaution. For construction workers, highway patrolmen, railway workers, street workers, engineers, heavy equipment operators, rescue workers, factory works, troopers, linemen, forest rangers, motorcycles riders, etc, wearing high visibility shirts is a must. Other individuals who engage in certain activities such as cyclists, hunters, and runner, should also wear hi vis shirts. The use of this PPE shouldn't be limited to people of specific occupations. It can be useful to anyone who needs to be visible while engaging in their chosen activities.

Which Type of Hi Vis Shirt to Choose?



Different types of hi vis shirst are available and they are designed for specific purposes.

Hi Vis Shirts for Daytime



The suggested colour for high visibility shirts for daytime is yellow, orange, green, pink and even red. In certain industries, health and safety workers are often seen wearing yellow and orange hi vis shirts such as police officers or builders. Lifeboat crews, lifeguards and other water rescuers also tend to wear orange hi vis shirts as it is the best colour that shows up or is highly visible against blue or dark-grey water.

Hi Vis Shirts for Night



The best high visibility shirts for night time are made from reflective materials. These materials have the ability to bounce the light back from the light source and work best in conditions or environments that are dark (there must be a light source). Lighter colour shades such as white or pale hues work great with reflecting light and at the same time, will scatter or spread the light in all direction, making them a good option for low lighted areas or dark places. There are certain materials that are categorized as "retro reflective". This type of characteristic is recommended when efficient bouncing of light is required. It will prevent scattering, thus returning the reflected light to its original source. This is suitable for occupational workers involved in highways or traffic where reflected light will directly bounce back to the driver promoting safety by effectively alerting the passing driver.

What to Consider When Choosing Hi Vis Shirts?



The first thing you should look for is durability. High visibility shirts made from quality materials are durable and are intended to be worn by workers whose occupations expose them to various environment, including outdoor weather conditions during work. The same goes to individuals who engage in activities that require them wearing high visibility shirts such as runners, cyclists or hunters wherein elemental factors could affect them.

Comfort



Hi vis shirts should not only provide a level of safety measure but should also be comfortable to wear. Considering that these shirts are often worn by occupational workers in the field, they should be comfortable enough to wear even while working for long hours every day. Lightweight clothing materials made out of cotton or other types of natural fibres will keep the wearer dry and cool, which is perfect for high visibility shirts. There are also hi vis shirts made from fabrics that have moisture-wicking property. This means that the material can draw out the sweat from the skin, keeping the wearer body cool and dry. Remember that choosing a fabric that is breathable and feature lightweight components is essential to keep you comfortable and able to move with ease, regardless of the environment your work in.

UV Protection 



Those who work in outdoor environments need a hi vis shirt that offers extra protection from harmful sun rays. There are shirts that are made from specialized fabric that offer a level of protection against skin-damaging UV rays. High-quality shirts can offer a high level of sun protection of up 50 UPV, which is excellent for protection against sunburn.

Added Features 



Occupational workers who are exposed to environmental factors or engaged in hard labour will benefit from high visibility shirts that come with added features. Some shirts not only offer comfort and safety but are also designed with added mesh armpit panels that serve as ventilation. With these panels, underarms remail cool and dry throughout long working hours.








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