Occupational Safety and Protection: High-Visibility Work Vests

In many work sectors, safety and visibility are key factors in reducing risks and preventing accidents. High-visibility work vests are one of the most important garments within personal protective equipment, as they allow workers to be clearly seen in low-light environments or where there are moving vehicles and machinery.

However, not all reflective vests are the same or suitable for every task. In this article, we will explain when they should be used, what features they must meet, and what factors to consider when choosing the right model for the work environment. Additionally, we will cover key points on maintenance and customization.

Table of contents

When Should We Use High-Visibility Work Vests?

The use of reflective clothing is essential to prevent accidents in high-risk environments. According to the EN ISO 20471 standard, high-visibility work vests must be certified and provide an intermediate level of protection, allowing the worker to be visually identified without ambiguity.

These reflective vests are mandatory for individuals working in situations where they may not be clearly visible, such as:

ropa laboral alta visibilidad

  • Road and Highway Workers: Road maintenance operators, construction teams, or signage crews in traffic areas.

  • Delivery and Transport Vehicle Drivers: Such as those operating in ports, airports, or logistics centers.

  • Workers in Industrial Areas and Warehouses: Especially where there is moving machinery, such as forklifts.

  • Emergency Services and Security Forces: Firefighters, ambulance personnel, and police officers during nighttime operations or in low-visibility conditions.

  • Airport and Railway Workers: Where visibility is crucial to prevent accidents involving heavy vehicles.

Essential Features of a High-Visibility Work Vest

For a reflective vest to properly fulfill its function, it must meet certain technical requirements established by the EN ISO 20471 standard. These include:

  • Fluorescent and Retroreflective Material: The fluorescent fabric enhances visibility during daylight, while the retroreflective stripes reflect light in dark conditions.

  • Torso Coverage: It must fully cover the body and not be obstructed by other clothing items.

  • Approved Colors: Yellow, orange, or red are the most effective, as they enhance the user’s visibility.

  • Reflective Band Dimensions: A minimum of 0.50 m² of fluorescent material and 0.13 m² of retroreflective material is required, equivalent to 5 cm wide stripes.

ropa laboral alta visibilidad

Additionally, the high-visibility work vest must be worn both during the day and at night, as the lack of contrast with the environment or the effect of light can impact the visibility of workers to drivers and machinery operators.

Types of Reflective Vests: Which One to Choose for Work?

Not all high-visibility reflective vests are the same. Different models are designed to suit various working conditions and safety levels. At T2S Ibérica, we offer vests with advanced technology and high-quality materials, complying with the EN ISO 20471 standard and meeting the needs of all types of low-visibility work environments:

ropa laboral alta visibilidad

These are the most commonly used in sectors such as construction and road maintenance. They provide optimal visibility and are certified to ensure worker safety in traffic and machinery environments.

The 545 AIR Vest is a lightweight, ultra-breathable, and ergonomic vest with certified reflective stripes. Available in yellow and orange.

Many of the high-visibility work vests from T2S Ibérica can be customized with logos, names, corporate elements, or any other design requested by the client, without compromising the minimum surface area of retroreflective material required by current regulations. This option is ideal for companies looking to enhance their corporate image without sacrificing safety. At T2S Ibérica, we can customize the high-visibility garments you need for your entire team.

These high-visibility work vests feature additional vertically positioned reflective bands, enhancing visibility from all angles. This allows workers to be detected more easily by drivers and machinery operators, thereby improving safety in work environments with low visibility risks or moving machinery.

The 547 ECO vest with sleeves is designed with sleeves, vertical reflective stripes, and horizontal reflective bands for greater coverage and safety, made from recycled materials. The 546 ECO vest is also an excellent option, featuring four reflective bands around the entire garment to ensure high visibility for maximum workplace protection.

Some reflective vests feature reinforced closures to provide greater comfort and safety in high-risk situations, preventing the vest from accidentally opening while the worker performs their tasks.

For enhanced safety and efficiency, we suggest the KIP-COOL vest with a zipper closure, as well as a cooling system for high temperatures and an antibacterial finish to eliminate unwanted odors. If you prefer a model with a Velcro closure, we recommend the 543 ECO vest, made from eco-friendly materials for greater sustainability and protection.

These high-visibility work vests provide practicality without compromising the visibility or safety of your team. They are designed for workers who need to carry small tools or equipment conveniently and comfortably.

At T2S Ibérica, we offer the SAFARI AIR vest with multiple functional pockets. It is ideal for workers who need to store tools as part of their PPE, helping to reduce movement and optimize time.

LED vests represent an innovation in workplace safety, combining fluorescent material with active lighting. They are ideal for workers operating in extremely low-visibility environments, such as tunnels, roads, high-traffic areas, nighttime work, or adverse weather conditions. These high-visibility work vests offer enhanced visibility with flashing or steady lights and can be powered by rechargeable batteries or long-lasting cells.

The SAFARI LED vest is equipped with LED lights, ultra-breathable, and cut-resistant material for greater comfort, visibility, and protection. On the other hand, the MODU LED vest is perfect for those needing pockets, side zippers, and more powerful, long-range visibility. Both high-visibility work vests have a 16-hour battery life, USB recharging in 5 hours, and 3 lighting modes (slow flash, fast flash, and continuous light). They are multifunctional with features such as an ID badge holder, a mobile phone pocket with pen compartment, two lower gusseted pockets, a plastic ring, and more.

Multi-risk work vests are designed to provide additional protection in industries where multiple hazards are present, such as electrical discharges, exposure to flames, chemicals, or extreme weather conditions. These vests combine high visibility with flame-retardant and anti-static materials, offering comprehensive protection for workers in environments that require resistance to fire, extreme heat, or chemical splashes.

The SILEX vest is a flame-retardant and anti-static vest made from lightweight, flexible, and comfortable materials, ideal for industrial and electrical environments. It features a microphone attachment system and two flame-retardant front closures with hook-and-loop fasteners. You can also consider the HAROUN vest, a multi-risk model with additional protection against chemicals and flames.

Related articles

High-Visibility Work Vests: Maintenance and Lifespan

High-visibility work vests do not have an unlimited lifespan. Wear and tear can affect the effectiveness of the reflective materials, compromising worker safety. Therefore, it is important to consider the following aspects:

  • Washing Frequency: According to the manufacturer’s recommendations, a certified vest maintains its reflectivity for up to approximately 25 washes. Beyond this point, it may lose its properties.

  • Suitable Cleaning Products: Abrasive products or bleach should not be used, as they can damage the retroreflective bands.

  • Periodic Inspection: Regularly check the condition of the vest and replace it if it shows signs of wear, tears, or loss of reflectivity.

  • Proper Storage: Store it in a clean, dry place, avoiding prolonged exposure to sunlight when not in use.

ropa laboral alta visibilidad

Additionally, if you are looking to choose the most durable high-visibility work vest for yourself, it is essential to consider the work environment and the specific needs of the user.

What is the most visible color in a high-visibility work vest?

ropa laboral alta visibilidad

According to a study by the Spanish Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT), the colors red, orange, and yellow are the most effective at increasing user visibility on the road. However, the key factor is the retroreflective stripe, as it is the element that reflects light in dark conditions.

Therefore, while the background color improves daytime perception, it is essential for the reflective vest to comply with standards for reflective bands and fluorescent materials.

Additionally, although the reflective vest is a crucial safety item, it is recommended to complement it with other reflective clothing, such as pants with retroreflective stripes or high-visibility jackets. This enhances worker visibility and reduces the risk of accidents.

T2S Ibérica: Safety Begins with Being Seen

The use of high-visibility work vests is an essential measure to protect workers in hazardous environments. Whether on roads, in factories, warehouses, or airports, ensuring that the vest meets regulations and is used correctly can make the difference between safety and a potential accident.

At T2S Ibérica, we offer a wide variety of certified high-visibility reflective vests, as well as retroreflective clothing and materials for road signage. Check out our catalog and equip your team with the best protection!

ropa laboral alta visibilidad

Contact us

FAQ’s

The use of reflective vests is mandatory in work environments where there is a risk of being struck by vehicles or low visibility, such as on roads, at airports, construction sites, industrial warehouses, and in emergency services. According to the EN ISO 20471 standard, vests must be certified and ensure that workers are visible under any lighting conditions.

The design of the high-visibility work vest directly impacts worker safety. Beyond the fluorescent color and retroreflective bands, there are other key elements that can enhance protection and comfort in various work environments:

  • Reflective Band Distribution: Vests with both horizontal and vertical stripes improve visibility from all angles, essential in areas with traffic or moving machinery.
  • Safety Closure: Models with zipper or Velcro closures provide a secure and quick fit, preventing accidental snagging on tools or equipment.
  • Breathable Material: Vests like the 545 AIR from T2S Ibérica feature lightweight, ventilated fabrics, ideal for high-temperature environments.
  • Functional Pockets: Models such as the SAFARI AIR offer extra storage for tools, enhancing mobility and productivity.
  • Additional Features: Vests with LED lights provide enhanced visibility for nighttime work and in high-risk environments.

At T2S Ibérica, we offer a wide catalog of high-visibility work vests designed to ensure maximum safety, functionality, and comfort across all labor sectors.

Standard reflective vests rely on fluorescent material and retroreflective bands to enhance visibility, whereas LED vests incorporate active lighting to maximize visibility in extremely dark conditions, such as tunnels or high-traffic roads. At T2S Ibérica, we offer models like the SAFARI LED vest and the MODU LED vest, which provide 16-hour battery life and multiple lighting modes.

To select the right high-visibility work vest for your daily work needs, consider the following factors:

  • Work Environment: If there is a risk of low visibility, traffic, or moving machinery, choose vests with vertical stripes or LED lights for enhanced safety.
  • Level of Protection: Multi-risk vests provide resistance to flames, chemicals, and electrical discharges.
  • Comfort and Functionality: Models with pockets, zipper or Velcro closures facilitate mobility and tool storage.
  • Customization: Many companies choose personalized reflective vests with their logo to reinforce their corporate identity.

The lifespan of a reflective vest depends on usage and maintenance. In general, a certified vest retains its properties for up to 25 washes, after which reflectivity may decrease depending on the model. To extend its lifespan:

  • Wash with mild detergents and without bleach.
  • Avoid washing temperatures above 40°C (104°F).
  • Do not iron or tumble dry at high temperatures.
  • Store in a dry place, avoiding prolonged sun exposure.