The railway industry is one of the most safety-critical sectors, requiring workers to be appropriately equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE) to mitigate risks and ensure efficiency.
Railway workers face multiple hazards ranging from moving trains to extreme weather conditions, whether working on tracks, in maintenance yards or at stations.
Railway PPE must meet industry standards to maintain compliance and safety — while providing comfort and durability for long shifts. This article explores the essential categories of railway PPE, the risks they mitigate and how investing in high-quality workwear enhances worker safety and operational efficiency.
Why is railway PPE important?
Railway work presents a wide range of hazards, including:
Low visibility conditions: Increasing the risk of accidents.
Extreme weather exposure: Leading to discomfort and reduced performance.
Fire and arc flash hazards: Posing serious safety threats.
Heavy machinery and moving trains: Requiring protective wear to enhance awareness and safety.
Ensuring railway workers have the correct PPE minimises these risks, helps maintain regulatory compliance and improves overall workplace efficiency.
Key categories of railway PPE
1. High-visibility (hi-vis) clothing
One of the most critical aspects of railway PPE is high-visibility workwear. Rail workers operate in environments where being seen can be the difference between safety and disaster.
Regulations such as RIS-3279-TOM mandate hi-vis clothing that meets specific color and reflective requirements.
Essential hi-vis garments for rail workers
Hi-vis jackets: Fluorescent and reflective for maximum visibility in all conditions.
Hi-vis trousers: Ensuring full-body visibility for trackside workers.
Hi-vis coveralls: Providing all-over protection and enhanced visibility.
Ensure compliance with the Johnsons Workwear hi-vis clothing range.
2. Flame-resistant (FR) clothing
Railway workers operating near live tracks or electrical equipment require flame-resistant PPE to reduce the risk of burns and injuries caused by electrical arcs, fire or heat exposure.
Key flame-resistant PPE items
Flame-resistant jackets and trousers: Designed to self-extinguish and limit burn injuries.
Flame-resistant base layers: Adding an extra layer of protection against fire hazards.
Flame-resistant gloves: Protecting hands from extreme heat and electrical discharges.
Find compliant, flame-resistant workwear with Johnsons Workwear.
3. Weatherproof and thermal PPE
Rail work doesn’t stop for bad weather. Railway professionals must be equipped with weatherproof and thermal PPE to remain comfortable and protected against the elements.
Must-have weatherproof PPE
Waterproof jackets and trousers: Ensuring dryness in heavy rain conditions.
Thermal base layers: Retaining body heat in cold environments.
Insulated gloves and boots: Keeping extremities warm and functional.
Stay protected with Johnsons Workwear’s weatherproof gear.
4. Protective footwear
Railway workers spend long hours on their feet, often on rough or slippery surfaces. Protective footwear is crucial for preventing foot injuries and ensuring stability.
Essential features of railway footwear
Steel toe caps: Protecting against impacts and crushing hazards.
Slip-resistant soles: Preventing falls on wet or oily surfaces.
Insulated designs: Providing thermal protection for cold weather work.
Explore protective clothing and footwear with Johnsons Workwear.
5. Safety helmets and eye protection
Rail environments present head injury risks from falling objects, low-clearance spaces and moving equipment. Proper head and eye protection is essential.
Essential head and eye protection
Safety helmets: Protecting against falling debris and low-hanging obstacles.
Eye protection: Preventing dust, sparks and debris from causing injury.
Hearing protection: Shielding workers from prolonged exposure to high noise levels.
Compliance and regulatory standards for railway PPE
To ensure railway PPE meets legal safety requirements, all protective clothing must comply with key industry regulations:
RIS-3279-TOM: Governing hi-vis railway workwear in the UK.
EN ISO 20471: European standard for high-visibility clothing.
EN ISO 11612: Protective clothing against heat and flame.
EN 343: Weather-resistant clothing regulation.
Non-compliance with these standards can lead to accidents, fines and operational disruptions.
To get a more complete understanding of the various compliance solutions, check out our rail and transport workwear compliance blog.
Choosing the right PPE provider
Investing in the right railway PPE provider ensures workers remain protected while companies maintain compliance and operational efficiency. Johnsons Workwear offers:
Managed rental and laundering services: Keeping PPE clean and compliant.
Custom branding options: Reinforcing company identity while maintaining safety.
Expert consultation: Helping businesses select the correct PPE for their workforce.
By partnering with a trusted provider like Johnsons Workwear, rail companies can guarantee compliant, high-quality PPE solutions that keep workers safe in every condition.
View our industries page for more information.