5 Reasons Hi-Vis Vests & Chemical Splash Goggles Help Reduce Workplace Hazards

| | Mallcom India Limited

Between 2017 and 2020, registered factories in India recorded an average of 1,109 casualties every year, according to DGFASLI figures obtained by IndiaSpend through a Right to Information request. These figures highlight why workplace safety needs consistent attention, even when it comes to everyday tasks.

Two common risks deserve particular attention: workers moving around vehicles and exposure to liquids that could harm their eyes. The right hi vis vests help workers remain visible in busy work areas, while chemical splash goggles provide protection against liquid splashes. Both play an important role in reducing avoidable risks. Here are five reasons to consider them, with products from Mallcom as practical examples.

Why Do Hi Vis Vests Make Workers Easier to Spot Around Vehicles?

In busy logistics yards, construction sites and oil and gas facilities, workers often share space with moving vehicles. Even a moment of poor visibility can increase the risk of an accident. This is where hi vis vests can make a real difference. Garments designed as per EN ISO 20471:2013+A1:2016 use fluorescent fabric and retroreflective bands to help workers stand out in daylight and under vehicle headlights at night.

Take the Proclo K383 from Mallcom, for example. It features 50 mm reflective tape on both shoulders and across the chest, and its product page lists the relevant visibility standard. The standard classifies garments into three levels based on the minimum area of fluorescent and retroreflective material, with Class 3 offering the highest level of visibility. Before ordering hi vis vests or high visibility jackets in bulk, check the garment's class and make sure it suits the risks and working conditions at your site.

What Design Details Set One High Visibility Jacket Apart From Another?

Not all high-visibility garments are designed in the same way. Details such as the type of closure, pocket placement and fabric composition can influence how comfortable and practical a garment is during a long shift. The Proclo K383 is made from 130 GSM plain 100% polyester and features black piping, a front zip, an ID card holder and a front chest pocket with a Velcro-adjustable closure. A version made from 100% recycled polyester is also available.

The Proclo K592, on the other hand, uses the same 130 GSM 100% polyester fabric but has a front Velcro closure. It features a single 50 mm reflective tape arrangement across both shoulders and the chest. Both products also list EN ISO 13688:2013, which covers general requirements for protective clothing. When comparing a high visibility jacket, look beyond colour and reflective tape. Consider how workers will wear it, whether they need quick access to identification or tools, and which closure will be most practical for their daily tasks. Checking the listed specifications side by side can help you make a more informed choice.

How Do Chemical Splash Goggles Protect the Eyes?

A splash of paint, a cleaning solution or an industrial chemical can reach the eyes in seconds. Regular spectacles may not provide the level of protection needed for these tasks, which is why choosing the right chemical splash goggles matters. Goggles are designed to fit around the eyes and reduce the gaps through which liquid droplets can enter. When evaluating options, look for the appropriate field-of-use marking under EN 166. A frame marked 3 indicates protection against droplets and splashes of liquids.

The Avior from Mallcom is one option to consider. It features a polycarbonate frame, flexible latex bands and EVA foam. The foam is removable, allowing the wearer to use the goggles for different protection needs, including shock and dust protection as described on the product page. The lens also offers 99% UV resistance and an anti-scratch coating. An interchangeable lens is another listed feature, while chemical splash is among the hazards identified for the product.

When choosing chemical splash goggles, remember that individual features are only part of the decision. Always verify the markings and suitability of the specific model against the chemicals being handled and the conditions in which it will be used.

Which Industrial Safety Goggles Suit Which Jobs?

Different jobs expose workers to different hazards, so it helps to compare industrial safety goggles based on their design and intended use rather than choosing a single option for every situation. The Agena from Mallcom features toughened polycarbonate lenses, UV-protective ventilation, a flexible PVC frame and an adjustable strap. It is also sold as a pack of two.

The Avior, meanwhile, offers an interchangeable lens and a design that includes removable foam. These features give buyers specific details to consider when assessing their requirements. Both products list EN 166 and identify chemical splash, dirt and dust among their hazards. Their listed industries include manufacturing, chemical and paint, repair and maintenance, and construction.

The product pages also refer to EN 167 optical tests and EN 168 non-optical tests. These cover different aspects of eye-protection performance. One of the listed requirements involves a robustness test using a 122 mm steel ball with a force of 100 N.

For buyers, these standards provide a useful starting point for comparing industrial safety goggles across suppliers. However, the final choice should also account for the specific task, the level of exposure and the markings on the exact model being purchased.

When Do Safety Workwear and Eye Protection Work Best as One System?

Workplace safety is easier to manage when protective equipment is selected as part of a coordinated plan rather than purchased as separate items without considering the risks together. Construction sites are a good example. Workers may need to remain visible around vehicles while also handling paints, chemicals or other materials that could splash into their eyes. The Avior, Agena, Proclo K383 and Proclo K592 all list construction among their intended industries.

Bringing safety workwear and eye protection into the same procurement process helps safety officers match equipment to the findings of a workplace hazard assessment. It also makes it easier to review specifications, identify gaps and maintain consistency across teams. Mallcom organises its catalogue by both industry and hazard, with categories such as chemical splash and low visibility. Its product pages also include bulk order enquiry forms, making it easier for businesses to discuss their requirements.

Before placing an order, walk through each work area and identify where vehicles move, where liquids are handled and which tasks create the greatest exposure. Use those findings to decide which equipment is appropriate for each team.

What Should Plant Managers Do Next?

Choosing protective equipment does not have to be complicated, but it should start with a clear understanding of the workplace. Begin by walking through each work area. Note where workers and vehicles cross paths, and identify locations where liquids are poured, mixed, transferred or sprayed. These observations will help you create a practical list of the equipment needed.

Next, bring safety workwear and eye protection into the same purchasing plan. Match hi-vis vests to areas where visibility is a concern and chemical splash goggles to tasks involving potential liquid exposure.
Before finalising the order, check the standards, garment class and relevant markings on each product label. Product descriptions are useful for shortlisting options, but the equipment must also be suitable for the actual hazards at your site.

Mallcom accepts bulk enquiries through the forms available on its product pages. Plant managers can start by shortlisting the Proclo K383, Agena and Avior, then contact the team to confirm specifications, availability and suitability for their requirements.

FAQs

Q. What is the Difference between Hi Vis Vests and a High Visibility Jacket?

The terms can sometimes overlap in product descriptions. The Proclo K383 and Proclo K592 pages from Mallcom describe the garments as Hi-Visibility Jackets and also refer to them as protective hi-vis vests.
Rather than relying on the product name alone, check the garment's construction, reflective tape arrangement and applicable standard. For these products, the listed standard is EN ISO 20471:2013+A1:2016. The class marked on the garment is also important because it indicates the visibility category. The appropriate class depends on the risks and conditions in which the garment will be used.

Q. Which Standard Applies to Chemical Splash Goggles?

EN 166 is a key standard referenced by the Avior and Agena product pages. Under the standard's traditional marking system, a frame marked 3 indicates protection against droplets or splashes of liquids. However, seeing the standard listed on a product page is not enough on its own.

Ask the supplier to confirm the markings on the exact model, including the relevant field-of-use designation, and check whether the goggles are suitable for the particular chemicals and exposure conditions involved.

Q. How are Industrial Safety Goggles Tested?

Industrial safety goggles undergo optical and physical performance checks to help establish whether they meet the applicable requirements. The Avior and Agena product pages refer to EN 167 optical tests, which assess aspects such as refractive power and light transmittance, and EN 168 non-optical tests, which include checks such as field of vision.

The pages also list other checks, including a heated-probe ignition test at 650°C, salt-corrosion exposure and a robustness test using a 122 mm steel ball at 100 N. These details can help buyers compare products, but it is worth confirming the applicable test requirements and certification for the specific model before making a purchase.

Q. Can Safety Workwear be Ordered in Bulk from Mallcom?

Yes. The Mallcom product pages for the Proclo K383, Proclo K592, Agena and Avior include bulk order enquiry options. Businesses can use these forms to discuss their requirements with the team. The Proclo K383 is also available in a version made from 100% recycled polyester, which may be worth discussing if material composition is part of your procurement criteria. The listed size range for the Proclo K383 and Proclo K592 runs from XS to XXL.

Before confirming a bulk order, share the number of workers, the required sizes, the working conditions and the hazards involved. This will help you narrow down the options and confirm the relevant product specifications.

View All