About Reflective Safety Vests
Reflective safety vests are a standard piece of equipment for people working in a wide variety of industries, including construction, law enforcement, surveying and fire control. Reflective safety vests are usually made of water-resistant materials or mesh. The reflective tape on the vests is designed for maximum visibility even during poor weather or in low lighting.
History
Reflective safety vests were first introduced in the 1970s. As traffic density increased and more workers were spending time in high-risk environments, regulators began to mandate reflective vest use. Today there are several U.S. states that require state workers to wear reflective safety vests, though these laws change year to year, according to a video by the Emergency Responder Safety Institute.
Types
Types of reflective safety vests include: breakaway, flame resistant, mesh, public service, surveyor and water roof, according to the website Safety Vests. They come in all standard sizes and can be specially made for children or very large adults.
Materials
Reflective safety vests are typically made of a polyester/nylon blend with PVC reflective strips sewn on the outside, according to Tasco Safety. There are mesh models available for warmer climates. Many safety vests feature Velcro closures, while others use more traditional plastic or metal buckles.
Effectiveness
While it is intuitively obvious that highly-visible clothing should make its wearer safer, there are no specific studies of the effectiveness of reflective safety vests. Still, reflective safety vests are required as part of the uniform for many professionals working in law enforcement, fire safety, construction and air-traffic control, according to Safety Smart Gear.
Recreational Use
Reflective vests are increasingly being sold as sporting equipment for runners or cyclists who require added visibility. Some companies offer athletic clothing with added reflective strips, forgoing the vest, according to Safety Vests.
History
Reflective safety vests were first introduced in the 1970s. As traffic density increased and more workers were spending time in high-risk environments, regulators began to mandate reflective vest use. Today there are several U.S. states that require state workers to wear reflective safety vests, though these laws change year to year, according to a video by the Emergency Responder Safety Institute.
Types
Types of reflective safety vests include: breakaway, flame resistant, mesh, public service, surveyor and water roof, according to the website Safety Vests. They come in all standard sizes and can be specially made for children or very large adults.
Materials
Reflective safety vests are typically made of a polyester/nylon blend with PVC reflective strips sewn on the outside, according to Tasco Safety. There are mesh models available for warmer climates. Many safety vests feature Velcro closures, while others use more traditional plastic or metal buckles.
Effectiveness
While it is intuitively obvious that highly-visible clothing should make its wearer safer, there are no specific studies of the effectiveness of reflective safety vests. Still, reflective safety vests are required as part of the uniform for many professionals working in law enforcement, fire safety, construction and air-traffic control, according to Safety Smart Gear.
Recreational Use
Reflective vests are increasingly being sold as sporting equipment for runners or cyclists who require added visibility. Some companies offer athletic clothing with added reflective strips, forgoing the vest, according to Safety Vests.
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References
http://www.ehow.com/about_7227503_reflective-safety-vests.html
http://www.safetysupplywarehouse.com/v/vspfiles/photos/LUX-SSG2T-2.jpg
https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSVwiLRDiDZATfjfxn-fSbojKyg-6k0yrZQZk1RJTBHH7TUvjutig
