Reflective Tape

Reflective tape must be at least 50mm wide. Bands of reflective tape must be positioned at least 50mm apart.

Distance From Hem

Reflective tape must be positioned 50mm or more from the end of sleeve or leg.

All Around The Body

Reflective tape must encircle torso and/or limbs to be included in the calculation of the necessary square area of reflective tape. A gap (for fastening system or seam) in the band of reflective tape must be 50mm or less. The total amount of such gaps in every band must not exceed 100mm around the torso and 50mm around the sleeves and legs.

Class 3: Highest Level

Highest level of protection - required for any persons working on or near motorways, dual-carriage ways or airports. Must incorporate a minimum of 0.80m2 of background material  and 0.20m2 of retroreflective materials. (4 metres of 5cm wide reflective tape)

Class 2: Intermediate Level

Required for any persons working on or near A and B class roads, also for delivery drivers. Must incorporate a minimum of 0.50m2 of background material and 0.13m2 of retro-reflective material. (2.60 metres of 5cm wide reflective tape)

Class 1: Minimum Level

Minimum level of protection required for any persons working on a private road or to be used in conjunction with a higher classed garment. Must incorporate a minimum of 0.14m2 of background material and 0.10m2 of retroreflective material. (2 metres of 5cm wide reflective tape)

EN ISO 11612 is the standard for protective clothing which protects against heat and flame. Users for these garments include those who work in oil & gas, welding & allied processes, mining, petroleum and many other industries.

There are a host of specific tests conducted as part of EN ISO 11612, including tests for: Flame Spread, Tensile Strength, Tear Resistance, and Heat Resistance.

Flame Spread Test:

A flame is held against the fabric for ten seconds. After it is removed the fabric should not continue to burn. There should be no hole formation, melting or molten debris.

Tensile Strength Test:

The fabric must be able to withstand a minimum force of 300 newtons while being stretched or grabbed.

Tear Resistance Test:

The fabric must be able to withstand a minimum force of 10 newtons before it will tear.

Heat Resistance Test:

The fabric is placed in an oven at 180oC and must not ignite melt or shrink within the first 5 minutes in order to comply with the standard.

Garments must be laundered according to the manufacturer's instructions; incorrect laundering of flame resistant garments can seriously affect their performance and fit.

The flame resistant finish is retained for the normal life cycle of the garment provided that the care instructions are adhered to.

• If dirty stains are difficult to remove, they can be treated before washing with a liquid detergent applied directly to stains and lightly rubbed.
• Never use chlorine bleach or washing detergents containing bleach as these will reduce the flame resistance properties of the fabric.
• Fabric softeners, starches and other laundry additives are not recommended as they can mask the flame resistance performance and may also act as a fuel in case of combustion.

• Always wash contaminated workwear separately
• Always follow the washing temperature on the garment label.
• Always wash and dry garments inside out to minimize surface abrasion and help maintain the surface appearance of the fabric.
• Zips and Velcro fastenings should be closed during washing.
• To ensure a cleaner wash, avoid overloading the machine so the garments can move freely through the wash and rinse cycles.

• Tumble drying is not usually recommended as the temperature used is often too high and can cause garment shrinkage
• It is vital that cotton or cotton mix garments are not over dried as over drying has been determined to be the main cause of excessive garment shrinkage.
• Do not hang in direct sunlight as this can cause fading