Off on a testing job at a London Railway Stn tomorrow. Just wondering why the Rail industry insists on orange hi-vis and not the normal yellow? Luckily I have both....

BTW - Happy Hoggers everyone !!

See post #4 on the following thread.

http://forum.iosh.co.uk/...spx?g=posts&t=106080

Because they are just awkward !!

I believe it is just a historical thing. Railways were the first to introduce hi viz clothing in a big and mandatory way and I think it just stuck.

We are doing some work in Holland on their railways and the men have to wear yellow (with NO orange showing on under clothing) as orange means a 'flagman', who warns of trains coming and is recognisable to drivers.

Correct, yellow at distance can appear to be green to a train driver, indicating a clear signal - proceed at line speed. Whereas orange indicates caution - slow down. When travelling at high speed simple errors can be compounded.

Check that you have the correct orange. There is a standard orange hi-vis, as well as a rail industry orange. You might also want to consider using a detachable version if you're working near operating railtracks. These are designed with velcro on the sides so that they simply tear apart if snagged on a passing train rather than dragging you down the track after it. You should be getting the appropriate PPE provided anyway (no need to buy/use your own)?