Plan high-visibility clothing for every clothing combination you actually work in. In autumn, this includes a fastened jacket in the morning, a lighter combination after physical work and an additional rain layer. A suitable jacket in your locker is not enough if the required areas are covered later on.
1. Establish the work location and requirements before buying
Note the activity, traffic environment and lighting conditions throughout the job. For high-visibility clothing used at work, the risk assessment determines the requirements. In the road traffic setting covered by DGUV, working in darkness is classed as an increased hazard, for which class 3 is specified. This statement applies to that working situation and is not a general clothing class rule for every private activity at night. DGUV 212-016, sections 3.2 and 5.1.
For example, an inspection at a roadworks site previously began in daylight in the afternoon but is now expected to continue after dark. Do not keep using the same equipment without reviewing it. Those responsible for planning must account for the hours of darkness before the clothing is selected. High-visibility clothing does not replace any required measures to secure the work site.
2. Distinguish between daytime colour and reflective areas
Fluorescent areas provide daytime visibility. Retroreflective strips reflect incoming light, such as light from headlights, back towards its source. They do not emit their own light. These two types of material serve different purposes; a bright colour alone does not provide night-time visibility. DGUV 212-016, sections 4.3 and 4.5.
3. Compare the visible clothing combinations side by side
| How it is worn | What changes | What this means for planning |
|---|---|---|
| In the morning with winter layers underneath | Additional bulk may prevent the garment from fastening. | A vest that only fits over these layers when open is unsuitable for this combination. |
| After removing the outer jacket | The clothing underneath becomes the visible combination. | Plan for this combination separately, using its labelling. |
| With an additional rain jacket | An ordinary outer layer may cover high-visibility areas. | Choose a suitable solution that meets both visibility and rain protection requirements. |
| With equipment or bags being carried | Areas on the back or sides may be covered. | Assess all the equipment together; do not count covered areas as visible. |
Try on the planned garments in a safe environment. Fasten them as intended, extend your arms and adopt your usual working posture. Ask a second person to check the front, sides and back for covered areas. This is about identifying visible gaps and incorrect wear, not carrying out your own standards compliance test. Wear garments fastened, do not roll them up and do not wear ordinary clothing over them that covers high-visibility areas. BGHW: how to wear high-visibility clothing.
For example, a documented combination of jacket and trousers is specified for the job. You want to remove the jacket after unloading. If this leaves only the trousers as high-visibility clothing, the original documentation for the combination no longer applies unchanged. Plan for a lighter combination with appropriate documentation. The classes of different garments cannot simply be added together. DGUV 212-016, sections 4.3 and 7.
4. Before the next use: keep using, clean or replace
Keep the manufacturer's information and care instructions for each garment. Check its condition before use and maintain a clear record of previous care cycles. The stated number of cycles does not guarantee that the clothing will remain suitable until then regardless of its condition. DGUV protective clothing FAQ.
| Finding | Next step |
|---|---|
| Dirt covers high-visibility material | Arrange cleaning as specified and only use the garment again once it is in a suitable condition. |
| Maximum permitted number of care cycles reached | Replace according to the manufacturer's instructions; do not continue using it solely because it still looks good. |
| Severely faded material or damaged strips | Remove from use for assessment by a qualified person or replace as appropriate; remaining wash cycles do not confirm that it is safe to use. |
| Contamination with hazardous substances or biological agents | Follow the workplace cleaning procedure; do not treat it as ordinary household laundry. |
High-visibility clothing with a flame-retardant finish also requires appropriate professional cleaning. Follow the specific instructions for washing temperature, cleaning products and drying. DGUV: caring for protective clothing and BGHW: care cycles.
A visual inspection can identify dirt and damage, for example, but cannot confirm the remaining reflective performance. A photograph taken with a flash therefore does not establish that the garment is fit for continued use. If its condition is in doubt, provide a replacement and involve the responsible person or department. DGUV 212-016, section 8.3.
Add the equipment you need
Once you have established how each combination will be worn, you can compare High-visibility clothing, High-visibility jackets, High-visibility trousers and High-visibility vests to suit your needs. For the outer waterproof layer, see Choosing waterproof workwear; for the general care routine, see Caring for workwear in winter.
