CAN CSA Z96-09 High Visibility Safety Clothing

The “CAN CSA Z96-09 (R2014) High visibility safety clothing” standard developed by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) describes the requirements for occupational clothing that visually signals the presence of the user. Again, this standard describes the conditions for professional clothing that aims to draw attention to the user in dangerous situations under any light condition and when illuminated by vehicle headlights.

This standard includes performance requirements for colour, back reflection and minimum areas as well as configuration of materials. Performance requirements are also described for the physical properties of background materials used in the production of high-visibility safety clothing. This standard provides testing methods to ensure that a minimum level of visibility is maintained when clothing is subjected to ongoing maintenance procedures.

The CAN CSA Z96-09 standard provides performance requirements for conspicuous materials to be used in high-visibility safety clothing and specifies clothing classes, minimum areas and placement of these materials. High contrast between clothing and the work environment increases eye-catchingness.

Likewise, this standard specifies the minimum amount of retro-reflective material, along with requirements for the placement of colors and materials for clothing used in order to increase the visibility and safety of employees.

Generally speaking, standards developed by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) are used to express a requirement, that is, a provision that the user must fulfill in order to comply with the standard.

Meanwhile, there are two different standards for high-visibility clothing. The CAN CSA Z96-09 standard deals with the design and manufacture of such garments, while the CAN CSA Z96-15 standard specifies guidelines for the selection, use and care of such garments. Both of these standards are considered industry best practices for daytime workers.

There are three classes of high-visibility clothing, depending on their retroreflective properties, the color and gloss of the background material, and the type of coverage provided by high-visibility components:

• Class 1: Provides good visibility with minimal coverage required
• Class 2: Offers superior visibility with medium coverage
• Class 3: Provides maximum coverage and visibility in low light conditions

According to these standards, a hazard assessment must be performed on the job site to provide an estimate of all known or potential hazards that employees may encounter while performing their duties. Factors that will be considered in this evaluation are the type of work being performed, the possibility of exposure to flame or heat, whether it is indoors or outdoors, temperature, and the presence of traffic or vehicles. Following the assessment, the employer must put in place a variety of appropriate controls.

High-visibility clothing is considered the last line of defense against accidents. This type of clothing should be issued to emergency responders, workers who have to work underground, and aboveground workers who have to work in low light conditions or at night. Those working in industries involving electrical hazards or gas and oil applications are likely to need clothing with flame-resistant properties as well as high visibility.

Accidents occur in many workplaces due to objects or equipment coming into contact with employees, especially in poor visibility conditions. Therefore, high-visibility clothing helps workers by making them easier to spot by others, especially drivers and equipment operators on the road, both day and night. This protects their health and safety while doing their job.

It is easier to see a person when there is a clear contrast between the employee's clothing and their environment.

Among the numerous testing, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies provided to businesses by our organization, there are CAN CSA Z96-09 (R2014) High visibility safety clothing test services.