Bright safety colors help get people's attention.
For those working in or around conditions that may pose danger, wearing the appropriate safety clothing and using safety colors is one step toward keeping out of harm's way. Safety clothing needs to extend from the top of the head to the bottom of the feet. Incorporating safety colors, those that draw immediate attention, can further help protect against external dangers.
Above the Shoulders
Protective clothing includes items worn above the head and neck. Examples of protective clothing depend on the situation at hand, though common items are used for multiple safety concerns. Helmets, hard hats or other head gear is essential when working in and around unstable environments where the potential exists for something to fall on your head. The eyes are another sensitive area that should be protected by wearing safety rated goggles to prevent eye injuries from flying or rogue debris. Additional safety gear can include face masks, oxygen masks, air filter masks and whole head coverings to protect against miniscule particles of an unknown or unsafe nature.
The Rest of the Body
Safety clothing can range from firefighter turnout gear to non-porous whole body suits to protect against chemical vapors. It is important to use clothing made of fibers or materials rated for the agent or item you are striving to protect your body against. For example, firefighters must wear gear made to withstand high heat and those working in nuclear plants must wear clothing that blocks as much particulate penetration as possible. Another area that needs to be protected are feet. You should always wear shoes or boots that can help safeguard against the elements, external hazards and other conditions that may penetrate through typical, everyday footwear.
Yellow
One of the primary safety colors associated with emergency preparedness is yellow. The brighter the shade of yellow the better. In fact, firefighters, emergency personnel and police officers often wear stripes of fluorescent or reflective yellow so that they are visible --- even in dark or hazy environments. Using the brightest yellow possible as a basis for or as an accent color to safety gear helps others see and find you in the event that you need to be located quickly.
Orange
Orange is another color that has almost become synonymous with safety clothing and concerns. Orange traffic cones, yield signs and reflective patches are highly visible and are prominent enough to cause others to pay closer attention to what is happening. Using orange clothing is one way to make sure that you can be seen in all levels of lighting. In addition, even adding a few stripes of bright orange, reflective material to clothing can help make your body stand out when headlights approach or when search lights are passing overhead.
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