Blog | HIVIZOLOGY

Leo Workwear completes removal of PFAS-based treatments from its supply chain

What are PFAS (Fluorocarbons)? Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as fluorocarbons, are a group of synthetic chemicals widely used for their water and stain-resistant properties. They have been used in various industries, including textiles, to enhance durability and performance. Why are PFAS Harmful? PFAS are often referred to as "forever chemicals" because they do not naturally break down in the environment, leading to long-term contamination. T

Leo & UV-U-SEE: The ultimate system for UV protection

Outdoor workers face many visible risks every day, but one of the most serious is invisible: ultraviolet radiation. UV exposure is a long-term occupational health risk, particularly for people working outside for extended periods. UK construction workers make up around 8% of the nation’s workforce, yet account for 44% of occupational melanoma deaths. At the same time, 86% of skin cancer is preventable. That is why UV protection should be treated as an essential part of PPE, n

How to Spot a Non-Conforming Hi-Visibility Garment

A practical guide to protecting your workforce Thousands of non-compliant high-visibility garments are sold every year. On the surface, they may look the part, some fluorescent colours, reflective tape, familiar designs, but beneath that, many fail to meet the requirements of ISO 20471. The result is that workers are put at unnecessary risk. So how can you tell if a garment is doing its job, or just pretending to? Why this matters High-visibility clothing isn’t a bran

Do You Need Class 2 Trousers?

Understanding where compliance really matters One of the most common questions we’re asked is: “Do you sell ISO 20471 Class 2 trousers?” Whilst it’s a fair question, it’s usually based on a misunderstanding. Where the confusion comes from: Chapter 8 of Traffic & Signs Manual incorrectly references “class 2 reflective material” which was last relevant in a standard (EN 471) that was superseded 13 years ago. This has been confused with class 2 garments, referring to the overall

Better with Braces

Why shoulder braces make high-visibility clothing safer When it comes to high visibility clothing, not all Class 3 garments are created equal. On paper, two garments may both meet the requirements of ISO 20471 Class 3, yet in practice, their real-world performance can differ significantly. One of the most overlooked, yet critical, design features is the inclusion of shoulder braces. This isn’t about aesthetics. It’s about visibility when it matters most. What the standards sa

Why The Mid Layer Matters

Layering is often a misunderstood concept in high visibility workwear. It is not simply about adding warmth. It is about managing heat, moisture and protection as a complete system, whilst always maintaining conformance to ISO 20471 (the standard for high visibility clothing). In safety-critical environments, that balance matters. Our high-performing layering system consists of three parts: Base layer – sits against the skin, helping transfer moisture away from the body Mid