autuMn 2017 HI-VIz CLoTHInG children should be seen and not hurt Hi-visibility clothing and goods are key to keeping people safe when they are out and about after dark but how can you be sure the products you sell are up to the job? As the autumn nights draw in, parents will again be looking for high-visibility (hiviz) items for their children to wear or carry, to keep them safe when they are out in the dark. Manufacturers may claim their bags, jackets, hats and tabards will make people clearly visible to motorists and other road users but will they? How can you, as a retailer, ensure that the safety products you sell comply with Trading Standards law? Hi-viz products should reflect brightly, both at night and in poor lighting even when they are wet or have been repeatedly washed Hi-viz clothing is covered by the Personal Protective Equipment regulations 2002 (PPE regulations). European standards BS En 1150 and BS En 471 require such products to reflect brightly, both at night and in poor lighting even when they are wet or have been repeatedly washed or exposed to sunlight. BS En 1150 covers clothing for nonprofessional use and is considered particularly suitable for items aimed at children, cyclists and pedestrians. BS En 471 relates to professional use. the ppe regulations require the manufacturer or their authorised representative in europe to: l Ensure their products satisfy the essential health and safety requirements of the PPE regulations by correct design, production methods and quality control l Have the products tested and approved by an independent, governmentapproved laboratory l Keep a technical construction file that shows what they have done to comply, normally by following BS En 1150 and BS En 471. l Produce and sign a declaration of Conformity, which states that the product complies l Label the product, including with the CE mark, which is a quick indication to a customer that the product complies to make sure you supply a safe and lawful product to your customers, trading Standards would advise retailers of hi-viz products to: l Check the product for a permanent label l Check the label for the CE mark, the BS En 1150 or BS En 471 standard, and the manufacturer and product code For more advice, contact your local Trading Standards office or click here l only buy stock from an established supplier Credit: Alex rankin / Simon Coupe iStock.com / stevanovicigor l Ask for a copy of the declaration of Conformity and supporting test certificates if in doubt For further information please contact your local trading Standards Service