High-visibility (hi-vis) safety garments are critical pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE), designed to make the wearer conspicuous in hazardous working environments. They aren't just workwear; they are a vital safety investment. Proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure these garments retain their effectiveness—their fluorescence (the fabric color) and retroreflectivity (the tape)—thereby protecting you and maintaining compliance with safety standards.
Cleaning Procedures: Preserve, Don't Destroy
The most significant risk to hi-vis garments is improper cleaning, which can severely degrade the fluorescent color and damage the retroreflective tape. This ultimately reduces visibility and renders the garment non-compliant with standards like the ANSI/ISEA 107 in the US or EN ISO 20471 in Europe.
1. Always Follow the Care Label
- Maximum Wash Cycles: The care label specifies the maximum number of wash cycles the garment can withstand while maintaining its certified performance level. Exceeding this limit means the garment is no longer compliant, even if it looks okay.
- Temperature: Wash in cool or warm water, generally below $140^\circ\text{F}$ ($60^\circ\text{C}$). Hot water can rapidly fade the fluorescent material and damage the reflective tape's structure.
- Detergent: Use a mild, non-biological, non-abrasive detergent. Avoid bleach, fabric softeners, and stain removers containing harsh chemicals. These substances can break down the fluorescent pigments and interfere with the reflective properties of the glass beads on the tape.
- Drying: Air dry or tumble dry on a low-heat setting. High heat can cause the reflective tape to peel or crack. If air drying, keep the garment out of direct sunlight for prolonged periods, as UV radiation is the primary cause of fluorescent material fading.
2. Specialized Cleaning Tips
- Close all zippers and hooks and loops (Velcro) before washing to prevent snagging and to protect the reflective tape.
- Turn the garment inside out before washing to minimize abrasion on the fluorescent fabric and reflective materials.
- Do not soak or wring the garment.
Soiling and Contamination: A Non-Compliance Risk
The performance of hi-vis materials depends on their ability to be seen in various conditions. Any obstruction or contamination will immediately compromise that ability.
- Dirt, Oil, and Grease: Heavy soiling from mud, oil, grease, or paint can physically cover the fluorescent background and reflective tape, blocking the light source from being seen and reflected. A heavily soiled garment is considered non-compliant and must be cleaned or replaced.
- Covering the Garment: Never cover the fluorescent or retroreflective materials with non-compliant items. This includes:
- Wearing a non-hi-vis jacket or backpack over the vest.
- Affixing large, non-reflective company logos, patches, or signage that covers a significant portion of the designated hi-vis areas.
- Draping tools or cables across the front of the garment.
- Regulatory Note: Standards like ANSI/ISEA 107 define minimum amounts of visible fluorescent background material and retroreflective material required for each performance class. Covering these areas means you no longer meet the minimum requirements.
Proper Storage: Maintaining Integrity
How you store your hi-vis gear when it's not in use is just as important as how you clean it. Improper storage can lead to material damage that compromises safety.
- Hang, Don't Fold: Whenever possible, store garments hanging on a wide hanger. Folding a garment repeatedly can cause permanent creases in the fabric and damage the delicate retroreflective tape, potentially leading to cracks or peeling.
- Keep it Dry and Clean: Store the garment in a clean, dry, and well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, corrosive chemicals, or extreme temperatures. Ensure the garment is fully dry before storage to prevent mildew.
- Isolation: Avoid storing hi-vis clothing next to items that could cause physical damage, such as sharp tools or abrasive surfaces.
- Pre-Storage Inspection: Always perform a quick check for damage or heavy soiling before putting the garment into long-term storage.
General Maintenance and Inspection
Routine inspection is your last line of defense. Before every use, quickly check your hi-vis garment for the following signs of degradation:
- Fading: Check if the fluorescent color appears dull, chalky, or significantly lighter than when it was new. Faded fabric will no longer meet the color saturation requirements of safety standards.
- Tape Damage: Look for cracking, peeling, abrasion, or excessive dirt embedded in the reflective tape. If more than 1/4 inch of reflective material is missing or damaged, it’s time for replacement.
- Tears and Holes: Any rips, tears, or holes, especially in the hi-vis material, should be addressed immediately.
- Functionality: Ensure all closures (zippers, snaps, hook and loop fasteners) are working correctly to ensure the garment fits properly and stays securely fastened.
By adhering to these care and maintenance procedures, you not only extend the life of your equipment but, more importantly, ensure that your PPE continues to provide the maximum level of protection and keeps you fully compliant with essential safety regulations.
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goSafe offers a wide variety of High Visibility Apparel that is customizable on-site by our Customization Department. We also maintain a constant, ready-to-ship supply of FR Clothing and Safety Footwear in our 'Core FR' department. For more information on these products or any of our other safety and PPE products, please contact us at sales@gosafe.com.
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