Rain and visibility clothing – Essential for working safely in the winter months

As soon as winter time begins, the workday suddenly seems to get a lot shorter. You start in the dark, and before you know it, dusk sets in. The cold bites your cheeks, and just when you think you can get through, a strong wind comes up, followed by a rain shower that gets you soaking wet within seconds. For those who work outside, such as on construction sites or in road maintenance, this is everyday occurrence during the winter months. Rain gear prevents you from getting soaked, and that brightly colored visibility clothing makes you just barely noticeable at dusk or during a downpour. So the right PPE can literally make the difference between getting home safely and an unhappy ending.

In this article, we discuss the main features of good rainwear and emphasize the importance of visibility clothing. We give tips on how to combine them effectively for optimal protection. In addition, we provide recommendations for suitable PPE that will help you work safely and comfortably.

The Main Characteristics of Good Rainwear

Good rainwear is essential for working safely and comfortably in wet conditions. But what features make rainwear effective and suitable for the winter months? Below we discuss the most important features to look out for when choosing the right rain outfit:

1. Waterproofing
   Good rainwear should keep you dry even during heavy rain. A high water column rating and well-taped seams are essential to prevent water from penetrating
   the clothing.
2. Breathability
   Breathable material prevents excessive sweating during intensive work. It ensures a pleasant wearing comfort and prevents moisture from cooling from the inside.
3. Sterkte
   Regenkleding moet bestand zijn tegen slijtage door ruwe omstandigheden. Sterke materialen zoals polyester met PU-coating of PVC bieden een lange levensduur en bescherming tegen scheuren.
4. Lightweight + Flexibility
   Lightweight and flexible rainwear provides comfort and freedom of movement so you don’t feel impeded from doing your job.
5. Functional Details
   A hood with draw loops and elastic waist ensure a snug fit, while snaps at the sleeves and legs provide additional protection from wind and rain. The integrated underarm ventilation provides good air circulation at the same time, increasing wearer comfort.

By taking these five characteristics into account when choosing rainwear, you will ensure that you are not only protected from the elements, but can also count on clothing that is functional, comfortable and hard-wearing for the winter months.

Our recommendations:

SIOEN 698Z SHEFFER JACKET Art. No.: 2.42.030.00	SIOEN 699Z MURRAY PANTS Art. No.: 2.43.030.00	DOLFING 404.01 JACKET Art. No.: 2.42.245.00

OXXA® WALDO 5100 RAIN SUIT Art. No.: 2.45.115.00	OXXA® WARONA 5400 OVERALL Art. No.: 2.45.400.00

The Importance of Visibility in Dark and Poor Weather Conditions

Visibility clothing is very important at this time of year. Whether you are working along the road, on a construction site or in the logistics industry, the risk of accidents increases when you are not highly visible. It makes you stand out, even in poor visibility due to darkness, rain or fog. Reflective materials reflect light from car headlights, for example, making you visible from afar.

In addition, there are strict standards and regulations that make the wearing of reflective clothing mandatory for certain activities, such as along public roads, highways or on construction sites. Therefore, wearing the right visibility clothing is not only a matter of comfort, but more importantly of safety.

Our recommendations:

OXXA® AGATHA 0962 PILOTJACK Art. No.: 2.60.964.00	HAVEP 4155 PARKA RWS Art. No.: 2.60.878.00	SIOEN 9933 FULLER SOFTSHELL JACKET Art. No.: 2.51.116.00

How to Combine Rainwear with Visibility Clothing?

To work safely and comfortably during inclement weather, it is important to combine rainwear and visibility clothing smartly. Making the right choices will ensure that you stay both dry and highly visible, even in challenging conditions. Here are some practical tips for staying optimally protected.

1. Choose Rainwear that Meets Reflective Standards.
   Make sure your rainwear meets the EN ISO 20471 high visibility standard. This means that the clothing contains sufficient reflective and fluorescent material strategically placed in areas such as the shoulders, chest, back and sleeves. For optimum visibility, the garment must meet the minimum requirements for reflective and fluorescent surfaces. For example, Class 2 requires a minimum of 0.50 m² of fluorescent material and 0.13 m² of reflective material, while Class 3 requires 0.80 m² of fluorescent and 0.20 m² of reflective material. These materials must be well distributed on the front, back and sides of the garment so that you remain visible from all angles, both day and night.
2. Layers for Flexibility
   Wear a reflective safety vest over your raincoat for extra visibility without sacrificing protection.
3. Note the Fit
   Make sure the clothing fits snugly so that the reflective details remain visible and are not covered.

These tips will help you stay dry and visible, even in bad weather.

Our recommendation:

OXXA® ALVIN 0170 TRAFFIC VEST RWS Art. No.: 2.60.170.00

Need help?

Want advice or additional information on suitable rainwear and/or visibility clothing? Contact us today on T. +31 (0)181 47 50 00. Our enthusiastic team will be happy to tell you more!