Näkyvyyspuvut

Näkyvyyspuvut, also known as high-visibility clothing or hi-vis clothing, are garments designed to make the wearer more visible, particularly in low-light conditions or hazardous environments. Their primary function is to enhance safety by preventing accidents. The effectiveness of näkyvyyspuvut relies on the use of fluorescent colors and retroreflective materials.

Fluorescent colors, such as neon yellow, orange, or red, are highly visible during daylight and twilight hours. These colors absorb ultraviolet light and re-emit it as visible light, making them appear brighter than conventional colors. Retroreflective materials, often in the form of strips or tape, are incorporated into the design of the garments. These materials reflect light directly back to its source, meaning that when illuminated by headlights or other light sources, the wearer becomes significantly more visible to drivers and operators of machinery.

Näkyvyyspuvut are essential personal protective equipment (PPE) in various occupations. They are commonly worn by construction workers, road maintenance crews, emergency responders, railway workers, airport personnel, and anyone working near moving vehicles or heavy machinery. The specific requirements for näkyvyyspuvut, including the amount and placement of fluorescent and retroreflective material, are often dictated by international standards, such as EN ISO 20471 in Europe, which classifies clothing into different classes based on their visibility performance. Proper wear and maintenance of näkyvyyspuvut are crucial to ensure their continued effectiveness in promoting safety.