Hi Vis Dungarees

About Hi Vis Dungarees

Hi vis dungarees, also known as high visibility bib and brace overalls, combine full-body protection with essential safety visibility for tradespeople working in hazardous environments. These garments feature fluorescent colours and retroreflective tape that meet strict EN ISO 20471 standards, ensuring workers remain visible to vehicle operators and machinery drivers in all light conditions. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks hi vis dungarees from trusted brands including Portwest and Oxford Weave 300D, offering Class 1 and Class 2 certification options suitable for various risk environments.

Modern hi vis dungarees deliver far more than basic visibility, incorporating practical features such as reinforced knee pad pockets, multiple tool storage compartments, hammer loops, and ruler pockets. Heavy-duty 300D Oxford weave fabrics provide exceptional tear and abrasion resistance, whilst adjustable straps and elasticated sections ensure comfortable fit throughout long working days. Seasonal variations include insulated winter models and lightweight breathable options for year-round compliance and comfort on site.

Applications

Hi vis dungarees are essential workwear for numerous trades and professions where visibility is critical for safety:

• Highway maintenance workers and road crews requiring Class 2 certification
• Construction site labourers and general builders
• Railway trackside workers needing RIS-compliant garments
• Warehouse operatives and logistics personnel
• Civil engineers, groundworkers, and drainage specialists
• Agricultural workers operating machinery
• Refuse collectors and street cleaning teams
• Airport ground crew and baggage handlers
• Utility workers (gas, electric, water maintenance)
• Demolition contractors and scaffolders
• Forestry workers and tree surgeons

Choosing The Right Hi Vis Dungarees

Safety Classification: Determine the required visibility class for your work environment. Class 2 hi vis dungarees are mandatory for high-risk areas including roadworks, busy construction sites, and railway maintenance. Verify whether you need RIS certification for Network Rail projects or specific industry standards.

Material Durability: Heavy-duty 300D Oxford weave fabric offers superior tear resistance for demanding environments, whilst polycotton blends provide better breathability for lighter applications. Look for reinforced knees, bar-tacked stress points, and quality stitching at MyToolShed.co.uk.

Seasonal Comfort: Consider winter-lined options like the PW3 Winter range for cold weather working, or lightweight breathable models for summer months. Ensure the fit accommodates thermal base layers when needed.

Functionality: Assess pocket configuration for tools, mobile phones, and measuring equipment. Professional-grade dungarees should feature dedicated storage, hammer loops, and knee pad compartments for maximum on-site utility.

Safety Information

Hi vis dungarees must comply with EN ISO 20471 to be legally recognised as PPE in the UK. Employers have obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to provide appropriate high visibility clothing for workers exposed to moving vehicles or machinery. Regular inspection is essential—damaged reflective tape, faded fluorescent material, or excessive soiling compromises visibility and renders garments non-compliant. Wash inside out at maximum 40°C using mild detergent, avoiding bleach and fabric softeners which degrade retroreflective properties. Replace dungarees when reflective tape peels, fabric tears significantly, or fluorescent colour fades noticeably.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Class 1 and Class 2 hi vis dungarees?

Class 2 features larger areas of fluorescent background material (minimum 0.5m²) and reflective tape (minimum 0.13m²) compared to Class 1, providing greater visibility in higher-risk environments. Class 2 is typically required for roadside work, busy construction sites, and railway maintenance.

Do I need RIS-certified dungarees for construction work?

RIS (Railway Industry Standard) certification is specifically required only for workers operating on or near railway lines and Network Rail property. For general construction and highways work, standard EN ISO 20471 Class 2 certification is sufficient, though MyToolShed stocks both options to meet all requirements.

How long do hi vis dungarees maintain their effectiveness?

Quality hi vis dungarees maintain effectiveness for 50+ washes when cared for properly. Replace when reflective tape becomes damaged or peeling, fluorescent fabric significantly fades, or structural damage occurs. Monthly inspections help identify when replacement is necessary for continued safety compliance.