Page 27 - Elite Promotional Marketing

Working under the Sun

Hazards of Sunlight
A major source of Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, has a wide range of positive
health effects but, long-term sunlight exposure is known to be associated
with the development of skin cancer, skin aging, immune suppression and
eye diseases such as cataracts.
Sunburnt (Erthema)
The best-known acute effect of excessive UV radiation exposure. The
severity of the effect depends on the wavelength, intensity, and duration of
exposure.
Over the longer term, UV radiation induces degenerative changes in cells of
the skin, fibrous tissue and blood vessels leading to premature skin aging,
photodermatoses and actinic keratoses. Another long-term effect is an
inflammatory reaction of the eye. In the most serious cases, skin cancer and
cataracts can occur.
All personnel working outside should be prepared to protect themselves
from over exposure of ultraviolet radiation.
Fabric
Polyester Ratings
Polyester fabrics will meet the CSA/ANSI requirements for Class 1, 2 and 3 UPF
garments, and are the most widely used.
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. It is the ratio of the average
Nylon effective ultraviolet radiation (UVR) irradiance transmitted and calculated
Nylon fabrics will not pass due to the dye running from washing. through air to the average effective UVR irradiance transmitted and
calculated through fabric. It is the amount of ultraviolet radiation that a fabric
FR-Treated PVC and PU Polymer blocks. Fabrics are tested for UPF ratings.
FR-treated PVC and PU polymer film garments can achieve Class 1 (much The following fabric qualities contribute to the chances that a particular
higher grade Yellow/green PU fabrics “could” meet Class 2). With FR treated garment will have a good UPF rating:
PU and PVC it is next to impossible to meet the “y” chromaticity coordinate
requirements (ask for a test report if you are unsure). • Darkness of color
It can be very difficult to verify if a Hi-Vis garment actually meets both the • Tightness of weave
background and striping retroreflection requirements. Both CSA and ANSI • Fiber Thickness – Heavier is better
require minimum testing results in original state as well as after 5 washes – • Resilience / stretch ability
it is highly recommended that you ask your provider for the appropriate
independent test reports of the fabric and the tape in both original state and UPF Rating UV Protection Blocks
after 5 washes.
UPF 15 - 24 Good 93.3% - 95.9% of UV radtiation
UPF 25 - 39 Very Good 96% - 97.4% of UV radtiation
Vi-brance Tape UPF 40 - 50+ Excellent 97.5% of UV radtiation
®
Working with our innovative suppliers, Viking
®
introduces its own reflective material. Vi-brance ® The UPF ratings for the level of protection found in the fabrics are classified
reflective material has been independently by ASTM International as follows: These ratings comply with AS/NZS 4399
tested to meet CSA / ANSI requirements. Vi-brance meets CSA-Z96-15 / Australian/New Zealand Standard for Sun Protective Clothing, tested under
®
ANSI 107-2015 standards. You can rely on Viking ’s Vi-brance reflective AATCC Test Method 183.
®
®
material to keep you safe and visible.
Most garments of a weight of 280gsm or higher should achieve UPF 50.
®
Viking UPF 50+
Garments use specially treated pre-washed fabrics that blocks 97.5% of UV
radiation in regular as well as lighter weight garments like T-shirts. The
protection will not wash out with normal wear and care.

WWW.VIKINGWEAR.COM 27