High visibility clothing is an essential health & safety requirement for many industries, workplaces and working environments. Visibility clothing must conform to strict EU guidelines that ensure it is manufactured to the highest quality standards and that designs provide sufficient visibility in a range of working environments and environmental conditions.

High Vis Vests for Drivers

Use in working environments is common place, but most of us are not aware that in many European countries including France and Spain there is a traffic law making it compulsory for drivers and passengers to carry high visibility clothing for use in the event of breakdown. So in addition to the reflective triangle, a high visibility orange or yellow vest or jacket must be provided for each occupant.

The driver’s vest or jacket also needs to be stored so that he or she can put it on before getting out of the car. There is potential for an on the spot fine for non compliance. This new law has important safety implications and helps to make drivers more visible when exiting or working on a broken down car at night. The AA recommend that you check the latest safety advice and road rules for your destination country before you travel.

High Visibility Security Clothing and Workwear

Although the regulations governing the manufacture of high visibility clothing mean high initial quality, it doesn’t follow that such security clothing will last forever, or continue to comply with changing standards. It is advisable that any workwear or safety clothing is regularly checked to make sure that it still complies with legal requirements.

Purchasing high visibility safety clothing is relatively straightforward, with a wide range available for on-line purchase including helmets, goggles and gloves. We are more than happy to help you choose the correct or most appropriate garments and colours. Generally one can be safe in the knowledge that the suppliers of such high visibility attire will ensure that all their products conform to the rigid security guidelines laid down by EU regulation or Health & Safety bodies.

If you are unsure whether your safety clothing no longer conforms then it is best to replace the items without delay. Not only is it vital to ensure that users are suitably protected to the best possible standard, but there is also the consideration for company providers to avoid inadvertently facing claims of negligence for not making adequate or current provision.

Choosing a High Visibility item of Clothing

There are different classes of safety clothing with each class providing a different level of protection or visibility.

Full jackets or overalls with reflective strips provide the highest level of visibility and protection, whilst slip over waistcoat or tabards provide the lowest level of visibility.

Reflective strips are essential for night time use and are particularly useful when walking or running as the added movement enhances the reflective effect.

Highly reflective vests provide maximum visibility in an emergency situation, and should be an essential part of your car safety equipment, whether or not a trip to Europe is planned.

The reflective strips or clothing material can become less effective over time due to wear and tear, and damage through regular washing, UV damage or discolouration.

Even if the item of clothing appears to be still wearable, it is important to replace reflective clothing before its potential impact is diminished.  Keep the old jacket for gardening by all means, but do not rely on its impact in providing essential visibility and protection when needed.

High visibility vests and jackets are very affordable these days and last for many years.

Visit The Outdoor Store to find a range of high quality Outdoor Clothing , Jackets and Waterproofs that are luminescent and also for other items of High Visibility workwear and security equipment.