Weathering the Storm: Waterproof Workwear for Autumn
As the weather shifts and the daylight hours shorten, it’s more important than ever to stay safe and visible when working.
Here’s all you need to know about finding the best waterproof PPE (personal protective equipment) for staying comfortable, dry, and easy to spot throughout the autumn and winter months.
Whether you’re on a construction site, transporting goods, or handling machinery, we have a wide range of hi-visibility workwear to suit.
Why is high-visibility workwear essential in autumn and winter?
Being visible is important at all times when you work in high-risk environments. However, making sure you have hi-vis garments is particularly important during autumn and winter.
While there can certainly be grey, rainy days in the summer or you may be working at night, visibility is typically reduced later in the year, increasing the need for hi-vis workwear.
• Shorter daylight hours: In autumn and winter, daylight hours reduce, meaning you may need to work in dark conditions in the mornings and evenings.
• Poor weather: Rain, fog, high winds, and snow are just some of the adverse weather conditions that tend to be more common in autumn and winter. These conditions can make it more difficult to see others moving around, and can also lead to slippery surfaces.
• Higher risks: These combined conditions make injuries more likely. If colleagues, drivers, and members of the public can’t see you clearly, there’s a higher chance of an accident.
What is the difference between water-resistant and waterproof?
While a lightweight hi-vis waistcoat may be ideal for summer work, autumn and winter tasks call for insulated, waterproof materials. However, you may see some PPE garments listed as ‘water-resistant’ and others as ‘waterproof’.
The difference lies in the level of protection the material offers against rain and how long for. Water-resistant clothing is suitable for light showers, as it repels splashes temporarily, but will eventually let water through with prolonged exposure.
Waterproof clothing, on the other hand, completely blocks water from getting through and offers more permanent protection.
What are the best waterproof materials for PPE?
When looking for the most effective and truly waterproof materials, it’s best to check their class rating.
In the UK, standard EN 343 sets out guidance on water-resistance levels, classifying items on a scale of 1-4. Class 4 garments offer the highest level of protection against water but also offer the best level of breathability.
One of the most effective fabric choices is Gore-Tex. Although Gore-Tex is a brand, it’s often used as a colloquial term for fabrics that combine an ePTFE membrane with laminated layers to create an insulative and waterproof material that’s perfect for high-visibility jackets and workwear. Many of our hi-vis PPE items feature a membrane based on ePTFE.
Nylon and polyurethane-coated fabrics also offer protection from rain and moisture. Don’t forget to check that your waterproof PPE is certified to
EN ISO 20471 standards. This will mean it offers a high level of visibility.
Waterproof PPE from phs BeSafe
Alongside our Bright Gear range of hi-vis workwear, we provide waterproof safety garments to keep you dry and comfortable at all times, without compromising on safety.
Items such as our Foul Weather DANUBE Salopette, Foul Weather COLORADO Jacket, and Foul Weather AMAZON Jacket are lightweight and breathable while having a water penetration and water vapour resistance of Class 4.
Keep your team safe and dry all year with phs BeSafe
No matter the weather, phs BeSafe is here to help tradespeople in all industries stay visible and comfortable.
We stock a wide range of hi-vis safety gear featuring breathable waterproof fabrics, taped seams, and adjustable cuffs to prevent water from seeping in.
Explore our full collection of workwear garments, and feel free to contact us if you have any questions.