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Maintaining signal clothing is more complex than it seems. Obviously, you cannot simply wash these clothes at home. Only a professional textile service provider can guarantee full compliance with protection and hygiene rules. Mewa offers professional clothing, including maintenance, storage and logistics through its comprehensive service system. With its 46 European branches, the group is the industry leader.
European standard EN ISO 20471 defines in detail the clothing requirements for workers. Depending on their function, they are exposed to a high risk in terms of visibility. This is particularly true for roadworks, waste management, rail transport and municipal services. All these professionals are required to wear signal clothing, certified according to the current international standard EN ISO 20471.
Mewa has four collections of signal clothing that are EN ISO 20471 certified. Mewa Dynamic Reflect combines design and functionality. The clothing offers maximum freedom of movement thanks to its ergonomic cut and has an attractive design. The Hi-Vis clothing feels pleasant to the touch and is very comfortable. The Multiwear clothing offers protection against bad weather and has several layers according to the "onion principle. Thus, you can withstand almost all weather conditions. Finally, Mewa also has the Outdoor Reflect Collection of comfortable, breathable and protective raincoats, winter coats, softshell and fleece jackets.
"Mewa offers certified signal clothing with a complete service system. We advise and assist the customer in the selection of company textiles based on a risk analysis performed by the customer. We take care of all preparation, maintenance and repair work, including collection and delivery. That system relieves the customer and guarantees compliance with protection and hygiene regulations," says Julien Vansantvoort, administrative director of Mewa Belgium.
When choosing occupational and protective clothing, sustainability is becoming an increasingly important criterion for companies. "Our production processes are environmentally friendly and we are committed to preserving natural resources according to the principles of the circular economy. These two elements are part of our DNA," adds Julien Vansantvoort.
Dirty fluorescent materials or damaged retroreflective strips significantly reduce visibility and thus user safety. This is why a regular inspection of signal clothing is essential. At Mewa, professional maintenance and functionality testing of signal clothing are part of the service. Sustainability and the conservation of natural resources are the focus. For example, it is sufficient simply to replace the reflective strips, instead of discarding the protective clothing. Companies and institutions can rely on their signal clothing being professionally washed and, if necessary, repaired according to validated procedures.
Each garment undergoes rigorous inspection by specially trained personnel. The standardized process is supported by technical tools, such as comparison with control samples to check color and retroreflective properties. In this way, Mewa ensures that the garments delivered to the customer continue to perform their protective function even after several washings. Mewa's research department has developed an innovative patented and automated testing system for signal garments. The entire checking process is digitized, which improves reliability. By 2023, this system is likely to be extended to all locations.
Few employers and employees are aware of the risks associated with household washing of work clothes. However, the protective properties of clothing are reduced or even negated by household washing. Why? An inappropriate washing temperature, unsuitable detergents or improper loading of the washing machine irreparably damage the colors and reflective strips of signal clothing. And only a specialist can perform the final check of the protective functions. Maintenance and repair of signal clothing should therefore only be entrusted to authorized textile service providers.
