Retroreflectometer

A Retroreflectometer is used to check the performance of retroreflective tape. Every roll of tape is tested to ensure it meets and exceeds the standard requirements. The retroflectometer measures the coefficient of two rotating angles. EN ISO 20471 states the reading should not be below 330 (cd/lx.m2) however at Portwest they insist on a reading of 400 (cd/lx.m2) plus.

Spectrophotometer

A spectrophotometer is used to check the chromaticity – “colour intensity” – of fabric. They use this to ensure every roll of fabric meets the requirements of EN ISO 20471 and RIS-3279-TOM.

RIS-3279-TOM

RIS imposes a higher concentration for high visibility orange fabric for railway workers. This increases the conspicuous nature of the fabric and ensures that the rail worker is more visible.

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)

This is a railway group standard that specifies the minimum specification for high-visibility warning clothing in the UK Rail Industry ensuring workers are conspicuous when on or near railway lines.

RIS-3279-TOM is based on the European standard EN ISO 20471. It defines the minimum areas of high-visibility orange background materials to be used within a garment and the minimum level of photometric performance criteria for the reflective tape. The standard requires a reflective tape reading of ≥ 330 (cd/ lx.m2), however Portwest insist on a reading of ≥ 400 (cd/ lx.m2).

RIS-3279-TOM imposes a higher concentration for high-visibility orange fabric for railway workers. This increases the conspicuous nature of the fabric and ensures the rail worker is more visible. A spectrophotometer is used to check the chromaticity (colour intensity) of the orange high-visibility fabric. Portwest check every roll of fabric to ensure the fabric meets the requirements of RIS-3279-TOM.

Portwest's Texpel™ SOS - Splash, Oil, and Stain - is a premium fabric finish which repels oil and liquids, causing them to bead up and roll off the fabric surface. The finish also helps release stains in the washing process, keeping garments looking cleaner for longer.

Portwest's HiVisTex™ Pro retroreflective tape offers excellent freedom of movement due to its segmented construction. Lightweight and flexible this high performance heat applied tape has thousands of glass beads per centimetre squared which work like thousands of tiny mirrors reflecting light back towards its source.