Are you planning to order high-visibility safety clothing (HVC) for your workers? Perhaps you're unsure about the regulations established by CSA Z96-F15?
This determines in particular the ratio of body coverage using high visibility clothing according to 3 classes established according to the risk of the job occupied.
Let us quickly guide you to the class of clothing that suits your work environment and the context in which workers operate.
Classification of high-visibility clothing according to the risk associated with use
Safety bibs, jackets, sweaters, coats, pants, and coveralls are designed for different types of work. The higher the risk, the more comprehensive the body coverage.
Class 1 - Low risk employment - minimum security cover
Harnesses fall into this category, as do black sweaters, jackets, or coats with reflective stripes over contrasting stripes. They are used primarily:
- For warehouse staff, as well as for receiving and shipping goods
- In low-risk parts of factories with slow-moving vehicles
- In professions such as surveying
- In a garage or lumberyard
- For staff collecting baskets in a parking lot
These jobs may present higher risks in certain environments or contexts. This is why the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) has well documented all the criteria to consider when choosing the class of high-visibility safety clothing.
Class 2 - Medium risk job - higher body coverage ratio
Bright/fluorescent bibs, T-shirts and sweaters, as well as jackets and coats, are in Class 2. Color combinations include fluorescent/bright orange or fluorescent/bright yellow.
Workers wearing this type of VSHV are mainly found on the roadside and are represented, among others, by:
- School crossing guards and any other parking supervisors
- Investigators and emergency personnel
- Representatives of public organizations and services
Class 3 - High risk employment - maximum body coverage
Coveralls, jackets and trousers or coats and overalls are the maximum visibility coverage in workwear. However, they must be fluorescent, not black.
The highest-risk occupations are often related to roads, weather, or vehicles that travel at higher speeds or on a regular basis. For example:
On construction in general
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For workers working on the road network
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In factories with high traffic and potential for distraction
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With any other profession that risks a context of low light or darkness
Flame retardant, waterproof and lined high visibility clothing
HUSKY's high-visibility clothing is designed for the greatest comfort of the workers who wear it. This factor is important in working conditions requiring safety clothing. This clothing provides protection and should not hinder movement or restrict the wearer in any way.
For these reasons, sweaters, coats, overalls, coveralls, and other high-visibility clothing are tailored to the personnel's conditions. Some are made of materials resistant to intense heat, others are lined for winter, and still others are waterproof.
In any case, manufacturers make sure to create clothing that breathes and keeps people dry for as long as possible, in addition to incorporating numerous adjustments.
How to maintain safety clothing with reflective strips?
Although the manufacture of VSHVs requires several tests to resist tearing for safety, rain, heat and cold for comfort, the fact remains that the reflective part of the fabric is more fragile than the general material.
To ensure optimal visibility, clothing should be washed regularly, but to extend its lifespan, advise your employees to avoid putting it in the dryer.
Before ordering your high visibility clothing (VSHV)
Confirm the actual classification of each position held by your employees. A risk assessment of each job is required within your company. This may be carried out by your safety representative, in consultation with you and your staff.
Contact us if you have any questions about delivery times, special sizes, or any other information before placing your order.
