Traffic controllers’ uniforms in NSW are essential when working near construction sites and traffic. To be safe and comfortable to stand outside for long periods of time, traffic controllers need personal protective equipment (PPE).
It is essential that traffic controllers’ uniforms are genuine and protect the workers. In Australia, many hi-vis garments are not compliant for the type of task workers are performing.
So, what do traffic controllers wear? What are the standards for traffic controllers’ uniforms in NSW? Read our warnings to understand why it is essential to pay attention to these.
WHAT DO TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS WEAR?
Hat
Traffic controllers need a hard hat, ideally with a broad brim for sun protection, or a fluorescent strip/band for nightshift. A legionnaire hat is a stronger protection against sunburn.
High-Vis Shirt and Bottoms
Top and bottom have to have reflector strips. Fluorescent shirts have reflector strips and the title of “Traffic Controller” on the back, and ideally front. Trousers should be long.
Shoes
Steel toe-cap boots are traffic controllers’ best friends. You want to invest in a quality, comfortable pair as you spend a lot of time standing during your work day. This type of shoes is sure to keep your feet safe in case something fall or roll over your feet.
Eyes and Ears
It is essential to have perfect visibility and to protect ears properly when working as a traffic controller. When the air quality is not good and / or when it is very sunny, traffic controllers must wear polarised sunglasses to protect eyes from exposure to the sun and to dust, while ensuring full vision.
Working on or near construction sites can cause significant ear damage. Earplugs are essential if the noise level is too high.
HIGH VISIBILITY PROTECTION
Fluorescent shirts with reflector strips are essential for traffic controllers’ own safety and the safety of the community. The traffic controller uniform in NSW must have the text “Traffic Controller” on the back, and ideally front, of the shirt.
Construction sites are required to have a specific policy regarding high visibility so that people on site wear their uniforms correctly and understand that they are ineffective otherwise. Site entry signs at the front gate of a construction site provide an overview of entry conditions for the site.
Because of its reflective properties, hi-vis clothing reduces the risk of accidents in busy areas where there’s regular traffic or hazardous materials. Light and visibility will dictate whether the requirement to wear full body hi-vis clothing or just on the upper body.
AS/NZS 4602.1:2011
For high risk applications such as working near moving traffic, moving plants or equipment.
AS/NZS 1906.4:2010
Chromaticity levels to which fabrics need to be dyed. Natural fibre garments have a lower chromaticity level. For situations where natural fibres must be used, the colour of non-fluorescent materials should conform to the same requirements as specified for fluorescent materials, except that the minimum luminance factor for each colour will be reduced.
STATIC ELECTRICITY CONTROL
AS/NZS 1020:1995
To assist in reducing fire, explosion and being affected by static electricity, garments that comply with this standard are manufactured in 100% cotton fabric, 50% cotton / 50% polyester blend fabric, and 65% polyester / 35% viscose blend fabric.
SUN PROTECTION
AS/NZS 4399:2017
More a bonus rather than a requirement, hi vis clothing has to provide UPF protection. The UPF rating for the clothing must be in the 50 or 50+ Excellent Category. This means how good a fabric is to protect skin against solar ultraviolet radiation.
WATER & HUMIDITY PROTECTION
AS 2001.2.18-1987
This standard specifies that fabrics are treated with a water-repellent / water-resistant coating and will not permit water to pass through it over an 18 hour period.
EN 343
EN 343 is a European Standard for protective clothing. It outlines a minimum level of protection against wet weather and considers the construction of the whole garment, not just the fabrics. Wet weather workwear is tested and classified into two categories (precipitation, fog and humidity, and breathability in those conditions).
WARNING
When purchasing high visibility clothing, workers have to make sure they comply with the Australian Standards. The employer must ensure workers use them appropriately and safely.
To do so, employers can have procedures in place to wear items correctly, train workers to understand how to wear hi-vis garments, observe manufacturer’s instructions regarding washing and cleaning, and regularly inspect the garments.
THE DANGER OF LOW-COST / NON COMPLIANT GARMENTS
Low prices of garments usually means low protection, durability and comfort. In short, non compliant workwear is life threatening.
In fact, low-cost reflective tape in hi-vis workwear is often only good for 30 washes. Consequently, low-cost garments are not compliant and less safe after 6 months. While high quality tape garments can be washed up to 100 times.
How to avoid non-compliant workwear
– First, learn about the standards
– Check the labels on the garment
– And, check the durability of the garment
– Also, check that the garment meets all standards and has passed all testing
– Undertake regular inspections
– In addidtion, make sure the colours are tested for the circumstances under which they are used. Chromaticity, colours that comply with the standards)
– And, check that the taping is compliant, not damaged or broken, and of a compliant width.
Frequency To Replace Workwear
Every 6 months is the average to replace hi-vis garments that are used regularly. In addition, it is good to inspect it daily.
In summary, the requirements and aims of traffic controller uniform in NSW (PPE) is to keep traffic controllers and the community safe. And, remember the items composing this uniform are as vital for the job as any traffic signs.
Also, standards are regularly reviewed, so speak to your workwear provider for more information about Australian workwear standards.
At Absolute Traffic Management we ensure the safety of our workers and the community. So, we make sure our workers are wearing compliant protective workwear that follow the high visibility standards at all times when on site.
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