Hi-Vis Safety: Orange or Yellow?
When evaluating high visibility safety apparel, how does one choose between yellow and orange safety vests or work wear? Which color provides the best protection? Our sensitivity to color, the work environment and subconscious responses contribute to our opinion as to which color provides the best protection. When comparing the two colors, many people will say that yellow appears “brighter.” This is true when considering the color of the garment alone, but there are other variables. To answer the question of whether orange or yellow is safer, we will explore a few additional factors and their impact on overall conspicuity, or visibility.
Conspicuity refers to the ability of an object to come to the attention of an observer. This is especially important in complex environments with competing objects - for example, a crew working on a utility pole at a busy urban cross street, or a First Responder on scene at a highway accident. Drivers have so many objects competing for their attention during their daily drive: how do we ensure workers adjacent to the roadway are noticed? We make them conspicuous through contrast and recognition.
Contrast for Detection
Detection can be achieved by using a fluorescent color against a contrasting background. Contrast may also be achieved by combining “high contrast” colors in one garment. For instance, bothblack and fluorescent yellow in high visibility PPE creates a sharp contrast that may be more noticeable in competing back grounds.
Recently while travelling I observed road work and lane closures on a highway with average speeds of 70mph. The barrels were Orange, the workers wore fluorescent yellow and the center median was green grass. From a distance the barrels were much more noticeable in Orange because of the high contrast with the green background. The workers who were in fluorescent yellow high visibility safety apparel blended into the green background. Until the vehicle was within 50 yards they were not even noticeable. Orange against the green grass median created a high contrast for easy detection.
Recognition for Conspicuity
A subconscious response to color is a form of recognition. Colors can help drivers and equipment operators recognize workers. While fluorescent yellow is the brightest color on the chromaticity scale and the most widely used, orange hi-vis PPE has strong recognition as a hazard identifier -orange means “caution” or “watch out.”
Orange has been widely used in road construction signs, cones, barrels and delineators. Orange is also featured in the auto warning triangle. In road construction, orange may be the color of recognition for a driver because it is associated with roadside work. Orange also has a strong position in identifying humans while hunting.
Orange is the required safety color to allow hunters to be recognized by one another in complex backgrounds that are often green or brown. Because this man-made color does not occur naturally in the forest, it is easier for the human mind to recognize fluorescent orange as marking a human figure. Advocates began promoting wearing orange while hunting in the 1960s, as it was the easiest color to see and recognize in the hunting environment.
Which Color Providesthe Best Protection?
We get this question a lot - yellow or orange? It depends.Conspicuity is a combination of detection and recognition. When purchasing protective apparel for workers that are exposed to visibility hazards – whether standard hi-vis workwear or FR hi-vis - keep the job site environment and current visibility regulations in mind. Contrast for detection, ANSI visibility standards and recognition for conspicuity should be considerations for the selection of the appropriate hi-visapparel for your team.
| To explore more variables on the question of ‘Which Color Provides the Best Protection?’, read our white paper Choosing Between Orange and Yellow High Visibility Apparel – Which is Safer? |
Updated: Aug 12, 2020
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dionne Lemer brings more than thirty years of experience in safety product knowledge and training. Starting in the family business, Safety & Supply Company in the 80s, Dionne developed her passion for product knowledge and training. She served the industry on the Washington State Construction Safety Council, ASSE and Labor & Industry. She has conducted training programs in fall protection, respiratory fit testing, gas detection and calibration and hearing conservation and has assisted users in many industries in proper selection and application of fall protection systems, gas detection systems, arc-rated / flame resistant clothing and rainwear and high visibility safety apparel. Dionne joined National Safety Apparel in 2013, bringing her passion and knowledge for High Visibility and FR fabrics to a Product Manager position.
Today, as Senior Product Manager for High Visibility and Rainwear at National Safety Apparel, Dionne develops new products, provides field sales support and product training. With her team, she collaborates to improve customer experiences by providing solutions to the ever-changing needs in flame resistant and standard workwear high-visibility and rainwear. Dionne is currently serving on the ISEA High Visibility Products Group (ANSI 107 Committee).
FAQs
That's why rail workers wear orange, so they can be spotted by the train drivers from distance. If you're working indoors, in a warehouse, on a building site or factory environment, yellow Hi Vis is the best choice. Although orange is great for rural settings, it doesn't show up as well in less well-lit buildings.
Is orange or yellow better for safety? ›
Contrast is the key to visibility. Yellow tends to be more visible in simple environments and dark-colored backdrops, while orange will stand out more in complex environments, such as natural foliage. Sometimes an electrician's environment can vary widely, and a more versatile option is needed to ensure visibility.
What are the best colors for high visibility? ›
Colors with high visibility are incredibly useful for improving safety. Neon orange, yellow, and green hues help make people and objects easily identifiable. This can reduce accidents and increase awareness. Neon orange, green, and yellow uniforms provide maximum visibility in low-lighting environments.
What does the orange safety vest mean? ›
You'll notice a lot of orange vests amongst highway and roadway crews. Additionally, orange safety vests are commonly worn by surveyors and airport personnel. They are designed to provide maximum visibility and contrast with workers' surroundings, even in low light or foggy conditions.
Should I wear orange or yellow? ›
Color Fastness: Hi-vis apparel must maintain its color over time for maximum visibility. Orange tends to fade faster than yellow due to its chemical composition. If your workers will be wearing their safety gear frequently or under harsh conditions, consider choosing yellow over orange for long-lasting visibility.
Is orange or yellow more visible? ›
That said, yellow is the more widespread color because it is the brightest color on the chromaticity scale. It also attracts attention without eliciting the same hazard warning and caution that an orange vest would. For example, crossing guards use yellow hi-vis vests to draw the attention of drivers.
What is the most visible safety color? ›
Consider this: The brightest, most visible color you can wear during daylight hours is fluorescent yellow-green.
Why are high visibility vests yellow? ›
Recognition for Conspicuity
Colors can help drivers and equipment operators recognize workers. While fluorescent yellow is the brightest color on the chromaticity scale and the most widely used, orange hi-vis PPE has strong recognition as a hazard identifier - orange means “caution” or “watch out.”
Does the color of a safety vest matter? ›
Safety vests are available in various colors, and each color has a different meaning. For example, orange is typically used for construction workers, while green is often used for landscapers. Yellow and white are the most common colors for police officers, and red is often used for firefighters.
What colors does OSHA consider high visibility? ›
Section 6E-3 (High Visibility Clothing) states in part: For daytime work, the flagger's vest, shirt, or jacket shall be orange, yellow, strong yellow green or fluorescent versions of these colors. For nighttime work, similar outside garments shall be retro reflective.
In low-light or nighttime situations, visibility can be often compromised. This is why you need to pick safety jackets with bright colors such as yellow, orange, or lime green. With these colors, you can always expect optimal visibility in such conditions. Additionally, ensure the safety jackets have reflective strips.
What color should a high visibility garment be according to the regulations? ›
According to the construction regulations, it must be fluorescent blaze or international orange in colour. Fluorescent blaze is also known as safety orange, which is used on road signs and hunting gear. International orange, on the other hand, has a darker, more reddish tone.
What do the colors of hi-vis vests mean? ›
Very often, rail work is done in green environments. Fluorescent orange is far more visible than yellow in this scenario. Orange won't blend in. Yellow is used more indoors as it is a brighter colour and can be seen better in low-level light.
What does the color orange mean in safety? ›
Orange – marks the dangerous parts of machines or energized equipment which may cut, crush, shock or injure employees. Orange emphasizes these hazards when the guards or enclosures around them are open. Yellow – warns of physical hazards and means caution.
Are blue hi-vis vests legal? ›
In the UK high visibility (hi vis) clothing is available in two colours; hi vis orange and hi vis yellow. Even though there is clothing available in several other colours including black, blue, green, pink and red that has reflective stripes, this is not hi vis clothing and is not compliant with EN 20471.
What do the different colors of hi-vis mean? ›
Very often, rail work is done in green environments. Fluorescent orange is far more visible than yellow in this scenario. Orange won't blend in. Yellow is used more indoors as it is a brighter colour and can be seen better in low-level light.
Does high vis have to be orange? ›
To meet this standard the garment must: Have an approved colour of hi visibility material that encircles the entire upper torso. The colours specified in the standard are Orange-red, Red, Yellow, Orange and Yellow (restricted). The fluorescent fabric should cover at least 0.4m2 of the upper torso.
What skin tone should wear orange? ›
“Those with warm-undertone skin tend to favor hues of orange, yellow, green, off-white, and warm red, while those with cool-undertone skin will look best in shades of purple, fuchsia, pink, white, and blue,” says Newman. “Neutrals and olives are lucky and can wear just about any shade.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dionne Lemer brings more than thirty years of experience in safety product knowledge and training. Starting in the family business, Safety & Supply Company in the 80s, Dionne developed her passion for product knowledge and training. She served the industry on the Washington State Construction Safety Council, ASSE and Labor & Industry. She has conducted training programs in fall protection, respiratory fit testing, gas detection and calibration and hearing conservation and has assisted users in many industries in proper selection and application of fall protection systems, gas detection systems, arc-rated / flame resistant clothing and rainwear and high visibility safety apparel. Dionne joined National Safety Apparel in 2013, bringing her passion and knowledge for High Visibility and FR fabrics to a Product Manager position.