They look good instead of saving lives. The WOC report leaves no doubt
Security Systems

They look good instead of saving lives. The WOC report leaves no doubt

26.05.2022 /

They look good instead of saving lives. The WOC report leaves no doubt The Trade Inspectorate carefully examined reflective clothing, reflective accessories and hearing protection. The audit took place in the second quarter of 2017 in nine voivodeships. The inspectors mainly checked wholesalers and shops.

They looked at 53 products and interviewed 16 of them (30,2%), incl. due to negative results of laboratory tests, errors in the instructions for use and the absence of a declaration of conformity confirming that the manufacturer has carried out the conformity assessment procedure.

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Every second signal vest tested in the laboratory had a low light factor. This means the lack of proper visibility of the user, which poses a threat to his health and life when driving along the side of the road. In the case of reflectors, no such violations were found, but there are reservations to the instructions for use. Most entrepreneurs removed the errors voluntarily. The Chairman of the Competition and Consumer Protection Authority initiated proceedings in five cases.

How to choose a good vest and use it correctly? WOKiK offers:

  • Watch out for gadgets. Companies often give away accessories that resemble reflectors. However, it is not known whether they have the appropriate properties, since they did not pass the conformity assessment procedure. Confirmation that the reflective element complies with the requirements is the CE mark placed directly on the reflector or on an attached label.
  • Important information. Pay attention to whether the manufacturer's name and the type of reflector are indicated on the package or label (1 - free hanging, 2 - removable, 3 - permanently fixed).
  • Instructions for use. It must be written in Polish. You will learn from it, among other things, how and where to mount the reflector, how to use it correctly, under what conditions not to use it and how to store it so that it does not lose its properties.
  • Be on the lookout. Put on a reflector so that it is illuminated by the car's headlights. The lower the better. Thanks to this, the driver will notice you earlier. Don't cover up the highlights with a scarf or bag.
  • Right arm or leg. Attach reflective elements on the side of traffic. If you follow the rules of driving on the left side of the road, put on a reflector on your right arm or leg.
  • Check the condition of the reflectors. If the reflective tape sewn to your clothing or backpack is worn out, for example when washing, replace it. If water gets into the plastic reflector, buy a new one, as the old one has lost its properties due to moisture.
  • Do you have doubts? Contact the Trade Inspectorate.

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