Uniforms and protective clothing
Article 2 of Spain’s Royal Decree 773/1997 excludes ordinary clothing and uniforms not specifically intended to protect health or physical integrity from the definition of PPE. Protective purpose and documented performance are decisive.
Garments address different risks, including chemicals, heat, cold or visibility. They are not interchangeable. Protection against one exposure does not imply protection against every other exposure or suitability for any duration or intensity.
What high-visibility clothing does
INSST’s NTP 1219 explains its role in visually signalling the wearer where there is a risk of being struck by vehicles. It combines materials and design to support detection in daylight and when illuminated by headlights in darkness.
Selection depends on assessment: speed, traffic, task, the person’s position, lighting, weather and surroundings. It should not be reduced to choosing the brightest vest. Clothing also does not replace route separation, manoeuvre management or access control.
Performance, class and garment combinations
High-visibility classes relate to design requirements and minimum material areas. Check whether the declared class applies to one garment or a combination. If two pieces are required, wearing only one may not maintain the intended protection.
Review the model’s marking, size, instructions and documentation. Clothing performance against other risks also requires specific checking; a pictogram should not be interpreted without understanding its levels and limitations. Conditions of use must correspond to those assessed for the job.
Size and compatibility during the task
Article 5 of Royal Decree 773/1997 requires suitability for the wearer and compatibility between equipment. Clothing must allow movement and remain worn as instructed by the manufacturer. A garment that is open, covered by another or modified may lose part of its function.
Consider thermal comfort, physical work and other PPE. Fit must not create snagging or restrict necessary movements. A workplace trial helps identify problems that cannot be seen from a commercial specification.
Washing, wear and customisation
Maintenance must follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Dirt, fading, damaged strips or altered materials can reduce performance. The maximum number of cleaning cycles, where declared, does not by itself guarantee service life: use, storage and deterioration also matter.
INSST warns about changes to visible surface area or strip arrangement. Logos, hems or self-initiated repairs can alter the protective design. Their acceptability must be checked, and garments withdrawn when they no longer meet the intended conditions.
Information and checking use
Articles 15 and 17 of the LPRL place PPE within preventive measures while prioritising collective protection. Article 8 of Royal Decree 773/1997 requires explanation before use of the risks covered, when to use it and how to maintain it.
The person must know what to check, how to report deterioration and how to obtain a replacement. The company must ensure that cleaning arrangements do not leave the team without suitable garments and that task or seasonal changes do not introduce incompatibilities.
Hypothetical example: deliveries in a logistics yard
A site needs drivers to detect people working in a yard. It assesses routes, manoeuvres and visibility, first improving traffic separation and organisation. It then selects the appropriate high-visibility ensemble.
A trial shows that a coat covers the strips on the selected garment. The ensemble is reviewed for cold weather and its conditions of use explained. The vest is not considered a sufficient solution while it remains hidden during the activity.
