Retroreflective Tape: Big Questions Answered For Industrial Business Owners

Industrial & Manufacturing Blog

Workplace safety practices come in many different forms, but sometimes it is the smaller items that make the most difference. Retroreflective tape is one of those small types of safety equipment that really does not get a lot of attention, but it is important in a workplace setting. Take a look at some of the most common questions about retroreflective tape and the answers you need to know.  

What is the difference between reflective and retroreflective tape?

There is a lot of confusion about this, and it is for obvious reasons. People associate reflective with anything that reflects light away from it. However, reflective tape sends light outward and away in multiple angles, so it casts a less reliable reflected illumination.

On the other hand, retroreflective tape grabs light from any direction but casts that light back out into the atmosphere in the same direction it came. What this means is, when the light hits the retroreflective tape, it is directed back at the light source. 

Why is reflective tape recommended for industrial settings?

In general, retroreflective tape is the norm in industrial settings and not necessarily reflective tape. The retroreflective tape is recommended because there can be low visibility areas in industrial settings where the light needs to be redirected right back at the source.

For example, a construction worker wearing retroreflective tape on their clothing would be easier visible by an oncoming vehicle when the lights sent out by their headlights were directed right back at them. 

Why is it good to have retroreflective tape on hand?

As an industrial business owner, safety is bound to be one of your top concerns. You will probably have a lot of equipment in the building that is meant to keep your employees safe and need that little extra something to make employees and equipment visible.

When you have retroreflective tape on hand, you can use it on whatever you want as needed. A few examples of places retroreflective tape can be used include:

• On safety clothing, such as vests and hard hats
• On ladders, step stools, and other climbing equipment
• Along the edges of pallet racking systems
• On low hanging shelves that fall below average height 
• Along the edges of safety warnings and signage

Overall, retroreflective tape can be a highly effective safety tool for your industrial workplace. If you would like to know more, reach out to a retroreflective tape supplier for further insight. 

25 July 2018