Types of Safety Vests Commonly Used and How to Choose Them for Your Project
Safety vests are mandatory PPE often worn by workers in construction, mining, or manufacturing projects, as they increase visibility from a distance and reduce the risk of accidents. In this article, we discuss popular safety vests, their key features, and tips for choosing the right one to comply with Indonesian OHS regulations.
What is a Safety Vest and Why is it Important?
Imagine this vest like a regular vest but without sleeves, made of lightweight material like polyester or perforated mesh, complete with reflective stripes that glow when hit by lights—making workers clearly visible even in dark or crowded areas. Its main function is to increase visibility in bad weather, at night, or near heavy trucks, to the point of reducing the risk of collision by up to 70% according to OSHA and SNI standards. That's why in Indonesian projects, this vest is a requirement for K3 compliance, protecting the safety of workers in the disaster-prone construction sector.
List of Commonly Used Safety Vest Types
Various types of safety vests are tailored to project needs, from construction to logistics.
- Standard Reflective Vest : Most common for general projects, with horizontal/vertical stripes for 360 degree visibility.
- Perforated Mesh Vest : Ideal for Indonesia's tropical climate, high ventilation prevents overheating in outdoor projects.
- Surveyor Vest : Equipped with many pockets for measuring tools, popular in civil or highway projects.
- Breakaway Vest : Automatic release when caught, safe for heavy areas such as mines or ports.
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High-Vis Vest with Radio Pocket : For project supervisors, supports team communication in wide locations.
Important Components and Features of Safety Vests
Key components of a safety vest include reflective strips made of prism or glass beads that can withstand 25 washes, Velcro or snap fasteners, and water/abrasion-resistant materials. Key features like multi-function pockets, ID loops, and an ergonomic design ensure comfortable work for 8-12 hours. Choose an ANSI/ISEA certified vest for high durability in dusty or rainy projects.
Commonly Used Visibility Levels or Classes
Visibility classes are divided based on environmental risk according to the EN ISO 20471 standard.
- Class 1 : Low risk (parking, warehouse), minimum strip 0.14 m².
- Class 2 : Medium risk (city roads, small projects), coverage 0.50 m² for a visibility of 150m.
- Class 3 : High risk (toll roads, nighttime), full coverage of 0.80 m² is mandatory for large projects in Indonesia. Adjust the class based on the project risk assessment for maximum effectiveness.
Routine Maintenance and Inspection of Safety Vests
Routine care includes hand washing with neutral soap at temperatures below 40°C, avoiding bleach to maintain the brightness of the reflective strip. Check monthly for cracks, faded strips (light test), or torn Velcro; replace if visibility drops below 50%. Store in a dry place away from UV light for a lifespan of up to 2 years on intensive projects.
Common Mistakes When Choosing a Safety Vest
Many people make the mistake of choosing non-standard colors (not yellow/neon orange) that are less visible, or tight sizes without an adjustable fit. Avoid prioritizing low prices without certification, ignoring visibility classes, or purchasing without field testing. Choose a trusted supplier like MokoWorkwear for quality vests that can withstand Indonesian projects—contact the team for a catalog and wholesale quote today.
Need a quality safety vest for your project? Contact MokoWorkwear now for a complete catalog, special wholesale offers, and fast delivery to your doorstep—order today and safely comply with K3!
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