Visibility is a key factor in remaining safe for different types of
outdoor jobs. Being struck by motorists is fairly common in certain
professions including:
• Crossing guards
• Construction workers working on roads
• Police officers
• Landscapers
Cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians (including joggers) also face
these dangers, especially when on the roads at night. It could be argued
that anyone spending extended periods in the vicinity of a roadway is
in danger of being struck. A particular concern is work done around loud
equipment, where an operator may not immediately see those immediately
in their vicinity. While visibility may not be a factor in all such
accidents, it is in some.
A worker or cyclist will need to take precautions, including the
wearing of
safety clothing like reflective belts and vests that enables
them to be visible at dark, or even so that they stand out from their
surroundings.
One factor to consider when purchasing any kind of safety gear,
including reflective clothing, is effectiveness. This clothing is only
useful if it works. The question that should be asked is will a
particular type of clothing make the wearer more visible to motorists?
One way in which reflective is rated is using the American Standards
Institute/International Safety Equipment Association (ANSI/ISEA)
standard. Specifically ANSI/ISEA 107-1999. The standard exists to allow
those seeking reflective apparel to select the most effective product
and to remain safe. It is seen as a means of determining quality.
Types of Reflective Clothing for Workers
The most common form of reflective gear worn is the reflective safety
vest. They are easy to put on, highly visible and can be worn over any
type of clothing. They come in a number of styles and types and can be
either ANSI 2 or 3. One of the key features of the reflective vests, in
particular, is that they are customizable, meaning that a logo or
company name can be printed on them. The higher the number, the more
reflective material there is in the item. The more reflective the
product, the better for use it is in areas where bad weather is common
or where light may be limited. The color traditionally used for
reflective clothing to be worn during certain hours is yellow-green.
Wearing a yellow-green
reflective vest makes an individual particularly
visible during daylight hours. Orange is traditional in some situations.
Both colors are supposed to have the benefit of allowing the wearer to
stand out from low visibility situations
Running Reflective Gear
Runners should always try to avoid areas that are not well-lit, but
sometimes low-light situations are unavoidable. Like roadside workers,
runners face a high risk of being struck by vehicles. They may face this
risk whether or not they are wearing running reflective gear, but even
so, being more visible is always a good idea. There are reflective vests
and other types of gear designed specifically for use by runners.
Reflective armbands are useful for runners who do not want to cover
themselves with an additional layer of clothing. Reflective armbands
have an additional benefit due to their position. Studies have shown
that drivers see reflective objects more quickly if they are placed on
the knees, elbows, shoulders or waist (such as reflective belts).
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