Hi Vis Trousers

About Hi Vis Trousers

Hi vis trousers are essential personal protective equipment designed to maximise wearer visibility in hazardous working environments and low-light conditions. Featuring fluorescent background materials combined with retroreflective tape, these trousers ensure workers remain clearly visible to vehicle operators, machinery users, and colleagues on busy sites. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks hi vis trousers meeting UK and European safety standards including EN ISO 20471 classifications and GO/RT railway specifications, making them suitable for construction sites, highways, railways, and industrial facilities.

Our range includes versatile options from leading brands like Portwest, from lightweight breathable trousers for summer site work to insulated winter variants and specialist flame-resistant models featuring BizFlame and Modaflame technologies. The collection encompasses practical designs including the innovative DX4 range with detachable holster pockets, durable Oxford Weave 300D constructions, and waterproof rain-lined options for typical British weather conditions. Many models feature reinforced knee pad pockets, cargo compartments, and triple-stitched seams for durability in demanding trade environments.

Applications

Hi vis trousers are essential PPE for numerous trades and professions working in potentially hazardous environments:

• Construction Workers: Site labourers, groundworkers, and demolition operatives working around heavy machinery
• Highway Maintenance: Road workers, traffic management operatives, and council maintenance crews on public highways
• Railway Personnel: Track maintenance workers and signal engineers requiring GO/RT certified garments
• Utility Workers: Gas engineers, electricity distribution workers, and water authority personnel
• Warehouse & Logistics: Forklift operators and loading bay workers in high-traffic distribution centres
• Emergency Services: Paramedics, fire service personnel, and breakdown recovery operators
• Welders & Fabricators: Professionals requiring flame-resistant hi vis protection in metalworking environments
• Security & Traffic Control: Site security, car park attendants, and event marshals

Choosing The Right Hi Vis Trousers

Visibility Classification: Select the appropriate class for your work environment. Class 1 suits low-risk areas with good lighting, Class 2 is necessary for construction sites and roadside work with moderate vehicle movement, whilst Class 3 provides maximum visibility for motorway work and high-speed traffic environments.

Weather Protection: Consider seasonal requirements—lightweight breathable fabrics for warmer months, waterproof rain-lined options for wet conditions, and insulated winter trousers with fleece linings for cold-weather operations. Over-trousers provide quick protection worn over regular work trousers.

Specialist Protection: Assess additional workplace hazards. Flame-resistant options like BizFlame and Modaflame are essential for welding and petrochemical environments, whilst multi-norm trousers protect against multiple hazards simultaneously including arc flash and chemical splash.

Durability & Features: Heavy-duty fabrics like Oxford Weave 300D withstand abrasion from kneeling and rough surfaces. Look for reinforced knee pad pockets, detachable holster pockets for carrying tools, cargo compartments, and adjustable waistbands for proper fit and comfort during extended wear.

Safety Information

Regular inspection is essential for maintaining protection. Check retroreflective tape for damage or contamination that reduces visibility, and replace trousers when fluorescent fabric fades with UV exposure. Follow manufacturer washing instructions carefully—avoid fabric softeners and bleach which compromise retroreflective properties. Never modify hi vis trousers by removing reflective tape, as this invalidates certification and may breach HSE requirements. Ensure proper fit to prevent catching on machinery whilst maintaining full mobility. For flame-resistant garments, never wear synthetic base layers underneath as these can melt and cause severe burns. Employers must conduct risk assessments under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations to determine correct specifications for specific working environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Class 1 trousers provide basic visibility with minimum 0.14m² of fluorescent material and 0.10m² of retroreflective tape, suitable for low-risk environments. Class 2 requires 0.50m² of background material and 0.13m² of reflective tape, offering enhanced visibility necessary for roadside work, construction sites, and areas with moving vehicles.

How often should hi vis trousers be replaced?

Replace hi vis trousers when fluorescent fabric fades noticeably, retroreflective tape loses effectiveness, or garments develop excessive wear. MyToolShed.co.uk recommends replacement every 6-12 months with continuous outdoor use due to UV degradation, though regular inspections should determine actual replacement timing based on condition and continued compliance with required safety standards.

Do flame-resistant hi vis trousers need special care?

Flame-resistant hi vis trousers require careful maintenance to preserve protective properties. Wash separately using non-biological detergent without fabric softeners or bleach, follow manufacturer temperature guidelines, and avoid tumble drying unless explicitly permitted. Never use starch or spray-on treatments, and inspect regularly for contamination with flammable substances like oils which must be thoroughly removed.