Posted By Kinnikin All, We have a situation where we have assessed the risk of pedestrians being clouted by FLTs and (more so)powered pallett trucks and have decided that people should wear Hi Vis Jackets in the factory. The problem is that the same people are also reequired to go and service our production lines. This sets the magic eye sensors off as they react to the shiny stripes on the jackets. They have to service the lines too often to take the Hi Vis off every time. So far some of the people turn their jacket inside out (no relective stripes).Some have started to wear Hi Vis T shirts (in that they are 'day glow' yellow coloured again with no shiny stripes. My question is: If they have to wear Hi Vis (by risk assessment) are we allowed to use the Tshirts in this way as they do not comply with the PPE Regs (Neither class 1,2 or 3) Is it acceptable to wear the Jackets inside out? All the Production lines are inside and none of the people have to go outside so all the Hi Vis is required to do is protect them when inside the building. I have suggested that the sensors should be looked at as a solution but I am meeting resistance as the people view the current practice as adequate. Any Thoughts?

Posted By Ron Hunter If your risk assessment identifies a significant risk of collision. PPE is surely not a primary means of eliminating or reducing the risk!PPE is to be considered as the last resort! A proper system of traffic management with segregation,barriers etc is surely more appropriate. I suggest you revisit the initial risk assessment before you look further on the hi-viz issue.

Posted By Barry Cooper Kinnikin We have had the same problem,we allowed personnel to wear hi-vis T-shirts without reflective bands, together with other traffic management controls. We also adjusted the photocells to prevent them being activated by the reflective stripes. The need to meet the standard for reflective clothing was mainly for use on the highways, our risk assessment decided that hi-vis T-shirts provided adequate protection.

Posted By Kinnikin All, Further to my last request. I was watching football the other day and noticed some of the subs were wearing Hi Vis bibs as they were warming up. Will these suffice in my scenario? If so where woiuld we get them from? Thanks Kinnikin

Posted By RP Hi-Vis is related to the amount of florecent material (main colour) shown by the garment in m2. The 'shinny strips' are realy only intended to make the wearer stand out at night, take it the workplace is well lit. So the strips are redundent for daytime working. Suppliers can make these garments without the stripes. The cost of changing the sensors should be considered against the risks. T-Shirt style is acceptable provided it carried the EN471 class 2 label.