Buyers who understand that rugged, durable gear can last more than one season, keep their budgets in line and the staff feeling appreciated.
Sally Boven
With fall finally here most of us welcome the relief from the heat. Chilly mornings will quickly turn into hot afternoons. PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) during the changing seasons requires being aware of the rapid shifts in temperature and humidity. 聽The waste and recycling industry was the original 鈥減oster boy鈥� for high visibility ANSI certified safety apparel, and continues to drive innovation. 聽The Nation Waste & Recycling Association Safety Committee promotes a minimum of ANSI Class II garments for most activities, with ANSI Class III garments for areas of greater risk.
Keeping Up with Your Needs
Layering is an important approach for haulers. 聽With the combination of exertion from tasks and the variability of temperatures, workers will need their high visibility gear to keep up with their needs. The traditional vests may need to be upsized during the fall to allow for bulky sweatshirts underneath.
ANSI hi vis tee shirts continue in their popularity, for both comfort and assurance of compliance (no one takes them off at lunch!). Long sleeve tees and polos can help bridge the gap of the season. 聽Additionally, fabric weights, such as jersey knits, can be a better match for the fall yard waste and other debris facing the crews. 聽All ofthese are still breathable, with greater stretch and comfort than the traditional stiff polyester work shirts of old.
Waterproofing Solutions
Keeping dry in the rain can be miserable in gear that does not breathe鈥攖he old cheap ponchos of our youth are rejected in favor of breathable fabrics like GORE-TEX庐. The fabric itself must be breathable, not just a quick solution, like grommets in the underarm. The use of layers for rainwear may be most vital for the waste haulers hi vis needs. The use of waterproof zippers, storm flaps, waterproof cuffs, and waistband are mandatory for rainwear. 聽As the sun comes out and jackets are removed, it is important to still sport the ANSI gear underneath. Sweatshirts and three season jackets can zip in and out of our parkas to offer systems gear for all seasons.
Snow and blustery weather call for proper headwear as the loss of body temperature is greatest from an unprotected scalp. Beanies in florescent colors provide additional visibility to the busy worker. Layers are a great friend in the snowy weather, but at some point workers begin to look like Michelin Men鈩�. Quality insulation, such as 3M Thinsulate鈩� can offer comfort below zero degrees, but still provide ease of movement without bulk. Thermal sweatshirts with cotton lining are also popular additions against the chill.
The strategic placement of black for certain sleeve and abdomen areas of garments, help maintain a clean, neat appearance. 聽Frugal buyers understand that rugged, durable gear, that lasts more than one season, can keep their budgets in line鈥攁nd the staff feeling appreciated.
Sally Boven is CEO of the Reflective Apparel Factory(Marietta, GA). She can be reached at (866) 998-2649, via e-mail at [email protected] or visit
www.reflectiveapparel.com.