Network Rail Hi Vis Clothing – Rail Industry Standards For PPE

Network Rail Hi Vis clothing is mandatory. Not just any Hi Vis clothing either; in June 2007, Network Rail made it mandatory for anyone working on the railway to have high-quality, breathable high visibility clothing. This meant a lot of businesses had to adapt their range to conform to these high standards.

Network Rail also implemented a ‘Full Orange Policy’. What this means is that a High Vis vest is no longer enough; the worker’s entire body needs to be visible, which means high visibility trousers are now a necessity. In addition to this, the high visibility upper body clothing worn needs to have reflective tape that complies with the Railway Group Standard GO/RT3279 and BS EN 471: 2003 Class 2.

Additional PPE equipment required includes safety footwear and a safety helmet. The former must have a protective toecap, mid-sole protection, and provide effective ankle support. Footwear must also comply with BS EN ISO 20345: 2004. In regards to the safety helmet, this must comply with BS EN 397: 1995.

The requirements mentioned above are the minimum requirements that must be followed for anyone working on or near the track. There are some other particular requirements as well. This includes the fact that clothing for the upper body needs to be clearly marked on the back with the Sentinel sponsor of the individual or any other logo or name that has been agreed with Network Rail, such as the project. This should be placed in between the retro-reflective bands.

Finally, for those who have a Personal Track Safety certification, they must have clothing for foul weather. This includes high visibility leggings or over-trousers and a high visibility coat or jacket that meets BS EN 343: 2003 class 3 in terms of water penetration and water vapour resistance and GO/RT3279 for colour resistance. This Network Rail Hi Vis clothing must also comply with BS EN 471: 2003.