Factors to Reflect on When Choosing High Visibility Workwear
Using the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is critical to preventing occupational hazards. For workers in environments where they are exposed to moving vehicles or low light conditions – such as construction crews, utility workers, landscapers and delivery drivers - PPE includes high visibility apparel. When properly outfitted, workers can be seen sooner and at a greater distance, thereby increasing their safety.
According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, “the human eye responds best to large, contrasting, bright or moving objects. Worker visibility is enhanced by high colour contrast between clothing and the work environment against which it is seen.”1
When selecting High Visibility workwear for your team, there are multiple factors to consider to help maintain safety on the job and compliance with the CSA Z96-22 Standard.
Hi-Vis Apparel Compliance
The CSA Z96-22 Standard identifies three classes of garments and levels of retroreflection required for high visibility safety apparel. The three classes are based on body coverage provided with each class covering minimum areas of the torso and limbs.
The retroreflective levels are based on the performance of the striping in dark conditions from moderate to great distances. It also includes a level specific to flame-resistant garments. The exact specifications can be found in the CSA Z96-22 Standard.
Understanding Your Team’s Visibility Needs
To help determine which class and retroreflective level is needed for your crew, it is important to verify any legislative requirements for your jurisdiction. The CSA Standard also recommends conducting a hazards assessment at every job site to identify both known and potential hazards that workers may face while performing their tasks.2
A hazards assessment will include evaluating risks such as complex backgrounds, vehicle traffic, location (indoors or outdoors) and lighting conditions.
Proper Apparel Care and Maintenance
To maintain maximum protection, high visibility workwear must be well-maintained and replaced when the garment becomes damaged or soiled. The CSA Z96-22 Standard states that garments must be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. An acceptable care program includes inspecting the garment before and after each use to ensure it is clean and in good condition. For optimal performance, garments must be laundered and repaired in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.2
Benefits of an Apparel Management Program
Successful apparel management in a business requires strategic analysis and consistent, direct oversight. A uniform management provider can help build a workwear program that meets your business’ needs and offers convenient benefits, such as:
- Quality garments with CSA-compliant striping and personalization options
- Professional laundry services that meet or exceed compliance protocols (proper water temperatures, water softness and cleaning agents)
- Routine garment pick-up and delivery service
- Workwear inspection for damage and/or contamination
- Garment repairs and replacements as needed
Learn more about how a managed workwear program can benefit your business. Contact Cintas today.
*Pursuant to federal and provincial Occupational Health and Safety legislation, an employer bears sole responsibility for selecting the type(s) of personal protective equipment (PPE) to be used by its employees. All purchasers of PPE, AR/FR/Visibility garments and/or laundering services from Cintas bear full responsibility for selecting the PPE appropriate for use by their employees. Cintas makes no representation, warranty, or covenant with respect to the flame resistant, retroreflective and fluorescent qualities of the garments and/or PPE or with respect to their fitness or suitability for any particular use or purpose. The purchase of any goods or service from Cintas is subject to Cintas’ Standard Terms and Conditions and/or any other applicable written contract executed between the purchaser and Cintas relating to such purchase.
1https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/prevention/ppe/high_visibility.html#section-1-hdr
2Canadian Standards Association. (2022). High-visibility Safety Apparel (CSA Z96-22). Mississauga, ON: CSA Group