Standards
High Visibility Standards
1906.4.2010
This standard explains the use of hi-visibility fabrics and retroreflective materials. It specifies the chromaticity levels to which fabrics need to be dyed in terms of performance and atmospheric pressures in order to comply safety standards. Natural fibre garments have a lower chromaticity level due to the nature of the fabric. However, only when a polyester garment is deemed a risk to the wearer in certain applications, should cotton or wool be worn in its place.
Class F = Daytime fluorescent
Class R = Retroreflective material
Class RF = Retroreflective and fluorescent
Class NF = High daytime visibility NON Fluorescent
4602.1.2011
This standard refers to how a garment is constructed using fabrics compliant to 1906.4 above. There has to be over 0.2m2 of unbroken fluoro fabric on both the front and back of a garment in the upper torso (not including the sleeves). The fluoro must not be broken with non fluoro fabric within the 0.2m2 area on both the front and back from the top of the shoulders to the waist and MUST encircle the body up to that measurement, so no full side panels up to armpit level are permitted. This standard also explains the position of the retroreflective tapes on the garment and the width and quantity used. These tapes should not detract from the 0.2m2 measurement required.
Class D = Daytime use
Class N = Night time use using retroreflective material
Class D/N = Day/night use
4399
This standard refers to the capability of a fabric to protect skin against solar ultra violet radiation (known as UPF = ultra violet protection factor). This standard is an additional bonus to the garment rather than an essential requirement for hi-visibility standards but often specified from specific industry users.
NOTE: EMBROIDERY ON HI-VISIBILITY SAFETY GARMENTS
Excessively large logos may jeopardise the classification of the garment. Embroidery on wet weather jackets may also impair the waterproofing properties of the garment. Please seek professional advice.
Solutions
Heat stress is the single biggest problem affecting our customers at work
Traditional cool work wear has used lightweight cotton drill to help provide a heat stress solution. The issue with this solution is that the base garments and fabric are essentially the same as traditional workwear so there is only minimal additional cooling achieved. The other major limitation of traditional cool workwear options is the loss in strength and durability from using a lighter-weight fabric.
Symik Workwears solution to heat stress
Syzmik’s new Rugged range of work shirts and pants changes the way cool workwear is developed.
The fabric we use is 100% cotton that is produced in a square weave construction, the construction is a more open weave that allows the maximum amount of air to pass through the fabric.
Current workwear's solutions are not sufficient
Heat stress is not only uncomfortable but can result in serious injury or even death in extreme cases. Under the workplace health and safety act 2011 (AS) it is the legal obligation of employers to put plans in place to mitigate the heat stress risk.
