Reflective Tape Requirements for IRIS 860 sensor detection

SEEN Safety’s IRIS 860 sensor uses infrared laser technology to detect retro-reflective tape on high-visibility workwear (PPE) and marked objects in the workplace. The amount, condition, and position of retro-reflective tape on garments and makers will determine how well it is detected by a SEEN IRIS 860 sensor.

High visibility PPE

Things to check:

• Is there sufficient reflective tape distributed around the garment to provide reliable detection from all directions at the required distance?

• Has the performance of the retroreflective tape been degraded due to repeated washing?

• Is the retroreflective tape actually retroreflective, or is it just decorative?

How much reflective material is needed for detection?

The actual amount of reflective tape needed for detection by an IRIS 860 sensor is influenced by:

• The retroreflective performance (quality) of the tape

• The angle of the tape relative to the sensor (square-on gives the strongest signal)

• How old or worn the tape is

• How far from the sensor the tape is.

If an item of day-night PPE (in new condition) cannot be detected by an IRIS 860 sensor at the required detection distance, it is unlikely that it meets the requirements as PPE for day/night use. To ensure reliable detection can be maintained—even in suboptimal conditions such as wear and tear, water/dirt contamination, where only a small amount of reflective tape is visible to the sensor—the uniform/PPE should have sufficient reflective tape to enable reliable detection at any angle, at more than the minimum required detection distance.

The effect of wear and tear on reflective tape 

Over time, abrasion will cause the retroreflective glass beads to be dislodged, resulting in reduced reflective performance. Eventually the reflective tape may become so worn that it no-longer meets the minimum required standard, and can no-longer be considered to be PPE. If a garment is obviously worn out or faded, it should be replaced.

As reflective tape degrades the maximum distance at which it can be detected by an IRIS 860 sensor reduces. Eventually, even at close range the garment may not be detectable. Any garment in this state is long overdue for replacement.

Washing

Each time an item of PPE is washed, the reflective tape degrades slightly. Standards compliant garments specify how many washing cycles the garment can withstand before it no-longer meets the  standard. 50 wash cycles is normal, but this can be less, depending on the specification of the reflective material and the severity of the wash process. Check the label.

Although IRIS 860 sensors will generally detect items well past their use-by number of wash cycles, take particular care to test and regularly replace items that are washed frequently, such as: 

• Overalls / Coveralls

• High-vis shirts/tee-shirts/base layers/uniforms

Company uniforms that serve as PPE 

When a company uniform serves as PPE, it’s likely to be regularly washed, which will gradually degrade the reflective tape (see above). Additionally, the amount of reflective tape and its distribution on the uniform may be less than ideal. This doesn’t mean your uniform can’t be reliably detected by a SEEN sensor, but you must  thoroughly test your workwear with a SEEN sensor in real-world conditions to confirm it provides reliable detection.

Standards

To comply with an ISO/ANSI type high visibility personal protective equipment (PPE) standard, the reflective tape must meet a minimum quantity, quality, and distribution around the body. SEEN sensors are optimized to detect Class 2 or Class 3 type PPE.

Check your PPE is labeled with an appropriate standard, e.g;

• EN ISO 20471: 2013

• ANSI/ISEA 107: 2020

• AS / NZS 4602.1: 2011

• JIS T 8127: 2020

• The equivalent in your country (probably based on one of the above)

Testing

Here are 3 quick ways to test the retroreflective material on your workwear:

• Place the garment in a dark area and illuminate it with a flashlight held close to your eyes. Retroreflective areas will clearly show as bright white.

• Photograph the item with the camera flash forced on. Bright white areas are retroreflective, dull or black areas are not.

• Aim an IRIS 860 sensor at the garment. The sensor will alert if it can detect the retroreflective material. (Remember to do the test at the maximum required detection range.)

Questions

For more information please refer to our SEEN High-Viz Requirements Guide (PDF)

If you have any questions or concerns about whether your workwear has sufficient reflective tape please email support@seensafety.com.