Delta Plus News The Ultimate Guide to High-Visibility Clothing for Nighttime Safety

The Ultimate Guide to High-Visibility Clothing for Nighttime Safety

Working in low-light conditions presents serious safety challenges, but high-visibility (Hi-Vis) clothing is a crucial tool for keeping workers safe and seen. This guide explains the key components of effective Hi-Vis gear, from the role of reflective tape to the important industry standards that ensure compliance and protection.

A person wearing a bright yellow high-visibility jacket with reflective tape is visible in a foggy, low-light environment. The reflection of a headlight is catching on the tape, making it stand out against the background.
The Ultimate Guide to High-Visibility Clothing for Nighttime Safety

Working in low-light conditions presents serious safety challenges, but high-visibility (Hi-Vis) clothing is a crucial tool for keeping workers safe and seen. This guide explains the key components of effective Hi-Vis gear, from the role of reflective tape to the important industry standards that ensure compliance and protection.

A person wearing a bright yellow high-visibility jacket with reflective tape is visible in a foggy, low-light environment. The reflection of a headlight is catching on the tape, making it stand out against the background.

Osobna zaštitna oprema, Proizvodi, Workwear

Don't get caught in the dark. A guide to understanding why Hi-Vis gear is essential for worker safety.

Update 12.09.25

Reflective and Contrasting Materials: The Secret to Being Seen

High-visibility garments are more than just bright colors; they are designed with specific features to ensure maximum visibility, especially at night. The use of fluorescent fabrics provides enhanced visibility during the day, while retroreflective tape bounces light back from sources like headlights and streetlights at night. This combination of bright base colors, such as lime, orange, or yellow, and contrasting reflective tape dramatically improves how far away a worker can be seen. This contrast is critical in low-light conditions, where it can be the difference between avoiding an accident and a serious incident. 360° reflectivity is a key feature that ensures workers are visible from all angles.






 

Weather Conditions Make Visibility Even More Critical

Poor weather can significantly reduce a driver's ability to see workers. Rain, fog, snow, and glare from wet roads are all conditions that create additional risks on the job site. Fortunately, Hi-Vis gear is designed to combat these challenges. Reflective materials are highly effective in these situations because they bounce light directly back to the source, helping workers remain visible even when visibility is poor.







 

Understanding the Standards: ANSI/ISEA 107 and CSA Z96

To ensure safety and compliance, high-visibility apparel must meet specific standards. In the U.S., the ANSI/ISEA 107 standard sets the benchmark for Hi-Vis safety apparel, outlining requirements for design, performance, and reflectivity. This standard defines three Performance Classes (1, 2, 3), which specify the level of visibility needed for different work environments, as well as Garment Types (O, R, P) for off-road, roadway, and public safety use.

Similarly, in Canada, the CSA Z96 standard governs high-visibility safety apparel and includes specific requirements for fluorescent material and retroreflective tape surface area. Both standards emphasize the importance of 360° visibility. Selecting compliant apparel is essential to ensure workers are properly protected and that safety standards are met.





 

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Whether you're in construction, roadwork, transportation, or another industry, ensuring your team has the right high-visibility apparel is not just a recommendation—it's a critical safety measure. By understanding the importance of reflective materials and adhering to recognized standards like ANSI/ISEA 107 and CSA Z96, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and help keep your team safe in all conditions.  

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