Rail High Vis Clothing Explained

With projects such as Crossrail, HS2, main line electrification, modernisation of the London Underground network and Thameslink. The rise in infrastructure investment over the next three years is significant. This will result in many new businesses taking up contracts in these projects.

So, what to wear? This is one of the most regulated sectors in the UK for PPE.

Rail personnel perform a wide range of essential outdoor work in all weathers. The risks are many and varied. Electrical hazards, visibility issues, oils & chemicals, sparks & flame from cutting & welding, exposure and general construction hazards to name but a few. In many instances the tasks have to be performed within a tight time window so the last thing you want is to be turned off site for non-conforming high vis or stuck in the middle of nowhere in a blizzard and find that your clothing is not as watertight as you were led to believe.

Fit for purpose, comfort and durability are very important. Adopting a multi-layer system should be considered due to our four seasons in one day weather we tend to have. Layers can be added or removed depending on the weather but still be compliant with the governing regulations. Make sure that the layers are designed to fit over each other.

PPE (high vis) workwear has to comply with a series of standards that are specific to the rail industry.

The rail industry’s own standard is GORT 3279. This relates in part to the reflectance / fluorescence of the orange pigment in the clothing.

WARNING – Not all orange high visibility clothing meets this standard. Do not purchase or wear any high visibility clothing that does not conform to this standard. You will be able to check this in three ways.

1. On the printed care label.
2. On the user information sheet that should come with all individual pieces of PPE.
3. By requesting the supplier to forward you a copy of the certificate that relates to the PPE.

In addition to the GORT 3279, all of the relevant EN regulations for high visibility clothing, FR, anti-static, electric arc etc & etc. have to be complied with depending upon the tasks to be performed.

On June 1st 2007, Network Rail also made it compulsory for anyone working on their railway to have adequate breathable clothing. This means that all waterproof / foul weather gear must conform to EN373: 2003 and be class 3 breathable and class 3 waterproof. Again – if not sure then seek proof from your PPE supplier by way of certification copies and check the user information sheet / care label.

During a 6 month review of alternative products within the UK market a leading manufacturer of GORT3279 workwear found that over 85% of products did not stand up to the rigours of wash and high vis tests after wearer trials. Differences between batches of clothing and dye lots were also apparent. Buyers beware. Good quality and durable rail compliant clothing makes sense and is significantly more cost effective.

Granite Workwear Ltd. stocks 3 of the most reliable brands in the business. Pulsarail, Sioen and Cosalt. All three manufacturers invest heavily in product development and have an excellent track record as regards quality and durability.

Sizes ranging from extra small to 7XL, trousers up to a 54” waist and high vis trousers designed for a ladies fit are all stocked in depth. Basically, if we haven't got it in stock them it’s not in the country!

We also print and embroider company logos and names, sometimes with a 24 / 48 hour supply.

Personal Protective Equipment

PPE is defined as “Personal protective equipment”  which would include ‘all equipment (including clothing affording protection against the weather) which is intended to be worn or held by a person at work and which protects him against one or more risks to his health or safety’ e g safety helmets, gloves, eye protection, high-visibility clothing and safety footwear.

The main requirement of the PPE at Work Regulations is that personal protective equipment is to be supplied and used at work wherever there are risks to health and safety that cannot be adequately controlled in other ways.

Here are some potential hazards and ways to protect yourself against possible harm.

The hazards and types of PPE:

Eyes

Hazards: chemical or metal splash, dust, projectiles, gas and vapour, radiation.
Options: safety spectacles, goggles, face shields, visitors.
Our Solution: Safety Glasses, shields and visors

Head

Hazards: impact from falling or flying objects, risk of head bumping, hair entanglement.
Options: a range of helmets and bump caps.
Our Solution: Safety Helmets, headsets and chinstraps

Breathing

Hazards: dust, vapour, gas, oxygen-deficient atmospheres.
Options: disposable filtering face piece or respirator, half- or full-face respirators, air-fed helmets, breathing apparatus.
Our solution: Facemasks and respirators

Protecting the body

Hazards: temperature extremes, adverse weather, chemical or metal splash, spray from pressure leaks or spray guns, impact or penetration, contaminated dust, excessive wear or entanglement of own clothing.
Options: conventional or disposable overalls, boiler suits, specialist protective clothing, eg chain-mail aprons, high-visibility clothing.
Our solutions: Flame retardant overalls, shirts, vests, pants, socks, sweat shirts and jackets

Hands and arms

Hazards: abrasion, temperature extremes, cuts and punctures, impact, chemicals, electric shock, skin infection, disease or contamination.
Options: gloves, gauntlets, mitts, wrist cuffs, armlets.
Our Solution:  WeldersGauntlet, rigger gloves, high vis, gripper gloves, Nitrile gloves, foam gloves,chemical gloves and safety gloves

Feet and legs

Hazards: wet, electrostatic build-up, slipping, cuts and punctures, falling objects, metal and chemical splash, abrasion.
Options: safety boots and shoes with protective toe caps and penetration-resistant mid-sole, gaiters, leggings, spats.
Our solutions:  Safety boot, shoes, trainers toe caps and wellingtons

Hi Visibility Clothing

High-visibility clothing is a type of personal protective equipment that has highly reflective properties. These properties help keep workman safe in potentially dangerous situations.

A European Standard for high-visibility clothing deals with high-Visibility Specifications.
There are three levels of protection:

• Class 1 Class 1 defines the lowest visibility level e.g. High-visibility trousers with two 5 cm reflective bands around each leg. These become Class 3 when worn with a Class 3 jackets.
• Class 2 The class 2 defines an intermediary visibility level. Example: vests. Two 5 cm bands of reflective around body or on one 5 cm band around body and braces to both shoulders.
• Class 3 the class 3 defines the highest level of visibility. Example jacket with long sleeves, jacket and trouser suit. Two 5 cm bands of reflective tape around the body, arms and braces over both shoulders.

At Granite we pride ourselves in standing out for High Vis clothing, especially when it comes to quality, price and more importantly conforming to the EN471 standards. Our many years in this industry means we have vast knowledge and expertise on the high Vis vest market, therefore when buying from Granite you can be sure you have been supplied with the highest quality available.

Whether you’re working in hot or cold weather, Hi-Vis jackets and Hi-Vis waistcoats keep you safe and at the right temperature. Our comprehensive range includes the Hi-Vis Bodywarmer, shirts, jackets, fleeces and coats. Sometimes you need a lighter touch and that’s why we sell our Hi-Visibility Poloshirt which will keep you cool when you’re working hard.

This range is suitable for all sizes, shapes and working conditions and is guaranteed to offer visibility and protection to workers for many years.

For further information on our range of high Vis clothing call us on: 01159640111 or alternatively message us via our contact page, we'd love to hear from you!

Waterproof Thermal Overalls

So what is the choice? - Which ones should I go for?
This depends very much on the activity and the amount of physical effort you will be expending. Some are warmer than others and some of the outer fabrics breathe more efficiently.
Let's start at the least expensive. Both retailing at £49.95 + VAT. There are two good entry level products to choose from:-

The first is the Dickies waterproof and padded overalls:

http://www.graniteworkwear.com/p-Waterproof_padded_overall-158.aspx these are great for driving around on an ATV or the occasional pressure washing. The thermal insulation is quite thick and the outer fabric is not breathable so we would not advice running about too much but great for keeping you warm. There are added features such as the reflective tapes, a padded hood with a Velcro closure and some light reinforcement at the knees.

The second is the Baleno Arctic coveralls:

http://www.graniteworkwear.com/p-Baleno_Arctic_Overalls-7764.aspx new to us this autumn, we have had some good feedback particularly from those north of the border who have had to deal with some torrid weather. Not quite as thermally insulating as the Dickies but with a more durable outer waterproof fabric and a better construction. These would outlast the Dickies and whilst you derriere would always look big in lined overalls - the fit of these would make you look less of a Michelin man. Features include a wind and waterproof integral hood that folds away in the collar and zipped and gusseted ankles to aid in the removal of boots. This would also double as a leisure garment more readily than the Dickies.

The next step up gets us into the High Vis overalls and there is a choice of two excellent products.

The first is the Pulsarail PR505:

http://www.graniteworkwear.com/p-Pulsarail_PR505_High_Vis_Overall-7921.aspx with its accompanying Thinsulate liner, G100/COV that zips into the waterproof outer http://www.graniteworkwear.com/p-Pulsarail_G100COV_Thinsulate_Liner_for_PR505-7922.aspx. The outer is a class 3 breathable and waterproof overall that is also EN471 Class 3 high vis and GORT 3279 Rail use approved. This is a great all year round product that can be used without its liner in the warmer months and then have its Thinsulate liner zipped in for a snug winter warmer. This is also great for laundering the two parts separately and not having to wait too long for them to dry. No corners have been cut with the accessories. This is a real all rounder that covers all of the bases - unless you are going hunting.
The last is saced for those that really feel the cold.
The Sioen Rabul 5616:

A favourite for those that work on onshore windfarms; steel stock holding yards and anywhere else you are likely to find wet brass monkeys.  http://www.graniteworkwear.com/p-Flexothane_Rabul_5616_High_Vis_Thermal_Overalls-7878.aspx & http://www.graniteworkwear.com/p-Flexothane_Rabul_5616_High_Vis_Yellow_Thermal_Overalls-7879.aspx there is an option of Yellow / Navy High vis or Orange / Navy High vis. Both EN471 High vis and with a class 3 waterproof and class 2 breathable outer fabric in Flexothane Classic. These are the only overalls with a stretchable outer fabric that gives easily with the body and has ergonomically cut sleeves for an excellent range of movement. The fabric is well proven over many years of use. These really are the best on the market and the best priced on the web. Just how much would you pay to stay warm and dry all day?

Hi Vis Soft Shell Jackets

Just arrived at Granite Workwear this month is the smartest high visibility soft shell jackets on the market, the Pulsar P534 High Vis Soft Shell Jacket and the Pulsarail PR535 High Vis Soft Shell Jacket

The Pulsar P534 High Vis Soft Shell Jacket has fantastic features, such as:

• Stand up collar
• Two hidden vertical zip hip pockets
• Front flap covering the main zip
• Elasticated waistband with draw cord
• Wrap around branded rubber cuff adjusters
• Thermally applied reflective tape

This smart high visability jacket is also wind proof and stretchy and can easily be zipped in to the P421 unlined storm coat when you really need protecting from bad weather, the jacket also conforms to the technical standard EN471 class 3. Available in sizes S to 3XL and at a fantastic price of £47.94 including VAT, you can't go wrong with Granite Workwear.

With the same features as the Pulsar P534 High Vis Soft Shell Jacket the Pulsarail PR535 High Vis Soft Shell Jacket has a YKK zip front fastening which allows it to be zipped into the waterproof unlined storm coat PR499, also the ;Pulsarail PR535 complies with not only the EN471 class e but the rail spec GO/RT 32791.

Available in sizes S, M, L, XL, 2XL and 3XL order yours online from Granite Workwear today for only £47.94 including VAT.

Granite Workwear exhibiting at LAMMA 2012 for the 6th Year

The 31st LAMMA agricultural machinery show takes place at the Newark and Nottinghamshire Showground, Winthorpe Newark NG24 2NY this year on Wednesday & Thursday 18th – 19th January. A major show in the farming calender for both UK and overseas farmers. With over 800 exhibitors it is one of Europes major agricultural events showcasing equipment for the smallholder up to the largest estates. 30 Years ago it was free to attend and cheap to exhibit and it soon became a place of pilgrimage for all those who love their farm machinery. 30 years later it is exactly the same and has turned into the largest agricultural show in the country.

Granite Workwear Ltd has been exhibiting for the past 6 years and has a healthy relationship supplying the farming industry having grown out of the original business of free range outdoor reared pork and free range eggs. This year we have increased the stand space (Hall 2 / Stand 233) yet again to cope with demand and as usual will be offering several ‘Show Specials’

There’s a strong turnout of livestock equipment manufacturers as well as firms that repair and refurbish equipment.

The show is one of few that can honestly profess to have the visitor at heart. Free parking and free entry have been maintained yet again. Making this an excellent day out and a show not to be missed. It’s not all about big arable kit.

Granite Workwear will be offering our comprehensive range of high quality PPE, High Vis, Safety Boots, Muck Boots, and Overalls and will have a complete range of Thermals to combat the recent weather conditions.

Granite Workwear's Hi-Vis Clothing Range for all applications

Now days many jobs require you to wear Hi Vis clothing at all times. High Visibility clothing is an essential way for workers to stay seen in all weather conditions and environments, that's why here at Granite Workwear we have a wide selection of Hi Vis clothing in yellow, orange and red.

Check out the Pulsar P349 High Vis Overalls, Granite Workwear price only £47.94 including VAT. These overalls are tough and durable and feature a YKK zip with press stud storm flap and 3M Scotchlite reflective tape, the overalls are also Teflon coated to repel grease, dirt and water. With additional knee pad pockets the overalls are available in sizes S, M, L, XL, 2XL and 3XL.

The Pulsarail PR499 High Vis Unlined Storm Coat is now available at Granite Workwear in sizes ranging from XS to 7XL. This jacket is one of the best on the market in the style of a ski jacket it has fully tamed seams for watertight integrity. The jacket has a draw cord waist to ensure it fits the wearer precisely; it also has numerous pockets ideal for mobile phones, pens and A4 documents, only £47.94 including VAT.

For £101.94 including VAT is the Sioen Gladstone 5729 High Vis Red Multi Norm Trousers. These trousers conform to the following standards:

• EN471 Class 1:2 High Visibility
• EN531 and EN14116 Inner index 3 / outer index 1 flame retardancy
• EN1149-5 Anti Static
• EN13034 Protection from liquid chemicals
• EN343 Class 3:3 Waterproof and breath ability

These trousers feature an elasticated waist with a drawstring and are also flame retardant. Now available at Granite Workwear.

View our entire range of High Visability Clothing here.