aboutpulsar.com
GUIDE TO HI-VIS
MAXIMUM PROTECTION
PULSAR® pride themselves on designing and manufacturing high-performance apparel that keeps the wearer both protected and comfortable - as proven by our technologically advanced collections.
The highest level of protection class hi-visibility garments should pass a certain standard before made an official safety garment and deemed as PPE. Each garment is tested and passed to a standard and specification to either Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3.
Class 1: Lowest Level of Protection
Class 2: Intermediate Level of Protection
Class 3: Highest Level of Protection
FLUORESCENT MATERIALS
Fluorescent material absorbs invisible ultraviolet light from sunlight, and through special pigments, appears brighter to the wearer and viewer. This material only functions when there is natural sunlight. Fluorescent colours provide the greatest amount of contrast against most backgrounds and so when deciding on what colour hi-viz you should wear, you must consider your surroundings and the colour that will reflect the most light in particular environment. The 3 colours, approved in the EN ISO 20471 are Yellow, Orange and Red and here at PULSAR® we offer a full range of orange and yellow hi-viz options.
REFLECTIVE TAPE
Reflective tapes are designed to enhance visibility during poor light conditions and are created to return light in the direction of the lights source. Reflective tape is essential for working during the dark as it is the only part of the garment that will reflect the light and promote visibility. A high-performance reflective tape supplied by RFX® is specially selected and manufactures exclusivity for PULSAR®, ensuring the highest level of visibility, even after repeated laundry. Sew on, heat applied or stretchy tapes are used throughout the PULSAR® collections.
QUESTIONS TO BE ASKED WHEN
SELECTING HI-VIZ
Is it suitable for the risk?
For some jobs, a hi-viz vest may be suitable for the wearer. However, for other jobs, there may be a higher risk of potential hazards occurring, therefore more hi-viz would be required. Hi-viz clothing should provide adequate protection both during the day and night in adverse weather condition.
How do I know which class garments to get?
The level of danger affects what class hi-viz is recommended to make you stand out and stay safe. Choice of clothing should take into account ambient and artificial lighting conditions at the workplace and the effect of conditions such as the weather (snow and fog). There are three classes of hi-visibility clothing and garment types are grouped into three classes based upon the consicuity provided, with the classes dictating the minimum quantities of background and retro-reflective materials used.
Is it compatible with other forms of PPE?
If two or more types of PPE are work, they should not interfere with each other. At PULSAR® we offer multiple garments that interact with one another to maintain their safety standards. This helps protect the wearer in whatever layer they chose to wear in both wet and cold weather conditions and warmer, milder conditions.
Is it suitable for the wearer?
Hi-viz clothing should be comfortable for the wearer, this is achieved through the fit of the garment. At PULSAR®, we offer a full range of sizes, from XS-7XL and from short to long leg lengths. Alongside this we also offer a full ladies collection designed for optimal fit and true ladies sizes. Hi-viz clothing should cause the minimum restriction in the wearers movement.
CLASS 1
Class 1 are the lowest visibility clothing for lower risk environments. Class 1 safety clothing is meant for workers in areas that don't see a lot of general traffic or hazards. It allows you to only need small accents of visibly reflective materials. If workers are around vehicles with speeds up to 19 miles per hour, it is likely that they will need at least class 1 hi-viz clothing.
REFLECTIVE MATERIAL - 0.10 m2
FLOURESCENT MATERIAL - 0.14 m2
CLASS 2
Class 2 garments are moderate hi-visibility clothing for middle risk environments. Class 2 safety clothing is meant for workers that see regular amounts of traffic from vehicles. If workers are around vehicles with speeds up to 25 miles per hour, it is likely that they will need at least class 2 hi-viz clothing.
REFLECTIVE MATERIAL - 0.13 m2
FLOURESCENT MATERIAL - 0.50 m2
CLASS 3
The most dangerous conditions for workers require class 3 hi-viz to ensure that every part of them is fully visible. A signifier of class 3 hi-viz clothing is that there needs to be enough reflective material in it to allow for a full silhouette outline of the wearers shape. If workers are around vehicles with speeds up to 37 miles per hour, it is likely that they will need at least class 3 hi-viz clothing.
REFLECTIVE MATERIAL - 0.20 m2
FLOURESCENT MATERIAL - 0.80 m2
WASH AND CARE
WEATHER
Selecting the right garment for the right weather conditions is very important. For example, non waterproof garments would absorb any rain and be very uncomfortable. Therefore, it is essential to wear garments designed specifically for
that type of weather, keeping you dry and comfortable.
HOW OFTEN TO WASH?
It is essential to follow and check the wash care label for the correct washing instructions. It will give recommendations on how often the garment could be washed before needing to be replaced, or what to do if the garment gets damaged.
TEMPERATURE
Water temperature can also affect the life of the garment and must be considered when washing garments, as a hot and harsh temperatures can damage the fabric and reflective tape. We recommend washing garments on a 40°C domestic wash.
PH LEVEL
When using detergent and washing soap, the PH level should be as close to 7 (neutral) because excessive use of alkalinity or acidity can discolour the fabric and erode the sewing threads. We recommend washing your garments as synthetics and to not use fabric softener.
AIR/DRIP DRY
Once you have washed your garments, it is important to game them to air/drip dry, rather than using a tumble dryer or radiator. It is essential all garments are hung to prevent them from becoming creased, loosing their shape and being dry the following day.
