Portwest Bizflame Hi-Vis FR Zip Vest

Maximise visibility and safety in hazardous environments with the Portwest Bizflame Hi-Vis FR Zip Vest FR615. This sleeveless vest combines Class 2 high visibility with flame resistant and anti-static properties, providing essential layered protection for workers across multiple industries.

The FR615 features a convenient zip front closure – an upgrade from traditional hook and loop fastenings. The zip provides a more secure fit, enhanced durability, and easier operation when wearing gloves. This makes it the ideal choice for workers who need to quickly don and doff their hi-vis layer throughout the working day.

Designed as part of the Portwest Bizflame range, this vest is engineered to be worn over Index 2 or Index 3 flame resistant base garments, creating a comprehensive layered FR protection system without adding bulk or restricting movement.

Key Features & Benefits

Convenient Zip Front Closure The FR615's zip closure offers significant advantages over traditional Velcro-style FR vests. The zip provides a neater appearance, better durability with repeated use, and easier operation – particularly when wearing work gloves. Unlike hook and loop fastenings that can wear out or lose grip over time, the zip maintains reliable closure throughout the garment's lifespan.

Class 2 High Visibility Certified to EN ISO 20471 Class 2, this vest provides an intermediate level of high visibility suitable for most work environments. The fluorescent fabric combined with premium flame resistant reflective tape ensures excellent visibility in daylight and low-light conditions.

Flame Resistant Protection Meeting EN ISO 14116 Index 1 standards, the FR615 provides supplementary flame resistance when worn as part of a layered system over compliant base garments. The inherent flame resistant properties will not wash out or diminish over time.

Anti-Static Properties Certified to EN 1149-5, this vest offers essential protection against electrostatic discharge in environments where static sparks could ignite flammable substances or explosive atmospheres.

Non-Magnetic Construction The nickel-free and ferrous-free design makes this vest suitable for sensitive environments where magnetic interference must be avoided, including certain industrial, medical, and technical installations.

Lightweight & Comfortable The sleeveless design and lightweight fabric ensure maximum comfort and freedom of movement, even during extended wear in warm conditions. The generous fit allows comfortable layering over existing workwear.

Premium FR Reflective Tape Sewn-on flame resistant reflective tape maintains visibility-enhancing properties without contributing to burn injuries in flame exposure situations – unlike standard reflective tape which can melt and cause severe harm.

Safety Certifications & Standards

The Portwest FR615 Bizflame Hi-Vis FR Zip Vest meets the following safety standards:

Technical Specifications

Important Usage Information

The FR615 is classified as an Index 1 flame resistant garment. To achieve full flame resistant protection, this vest must be worn over Index 2 or Index 3 base garments such as FR shirts, FR polo shirts, or FR coveralls.

Layering System Explained:

• Index 1 garment (FR615 vest) = Outermost layer for visibility
• Index 2 or 3 garment (base layer) = Provides primary FR protection
• Combined system = Complete flame resistant protection with enhanced visibility

This approach allows workers to add high visibility to their existing FR workwear without replacing their entire uniform.

FR615 vs FR616 vs FR71 vs FR85: Which Vest Do You Need?

Portwest offers several FR hi-vis vest options. Here's how the FR615 compares:

Choose the FR615 if you want:

• Sleeveless design for freedom of movement
• Zip closure for durability and ease of use
• Class 2 visibility for most work environments

Ideal Applications

The Portwest Bizflame Hi-Vis FR Zip Vest FR615 is designed for professionals working in:

• Oil & gas exploration, drilling, and processing
• Petrochemical plants and refineries
• Electrical utilities and power generation
• Rail industry maintenance and trackside operations (Orange version – RIS-3279-TOM compliant)
• Welding and fabrication environments
• Chemical manufacturing facilities
• Mining operations with fire hazards
• Gas distribution and pipeline work
• Construction sites with hot work permits
• Manufacturing with flammable materials

Why Choose an FR Vest Over a Standard Hi-Vis Vest?

In flame-risk environments, standard hi-vis vests pose serious dangers:

Standard Hi-Vis Vest Risks:

• Polyester fabric melts at relatively low temperatures
• Melted fabric adheres to skin, causing severe burns
• Standard reflective tape can ignite and drip
• Provides zero protection against flash fire or arc flash

FR615 Safety Advantages:

• Self-extinguishes when ignition source is removed
• Won't melt, drip, or adhere to skin
• FR reflective tape won't contribute to injuries
• Maintains structural integrity under heat exposure
• Anti-static properties prevent ignition from static discharge

For any worker in an environment where flame, heat, or arc flash hazards exist, an FR-rated hi-vis vest is not optional – it's essential.

Rail Industry Compliance

The Orange FR615 is certified to RIS-3279-TOM Issue 1, making it fully compliant for UK rail industry use. This certification ensures the vest meets the specific requirements for railway workers, including:

• Enhanced orange fluorescent colour intensity
• Rigorous testing for durability and visibility
• Compliance with Network Rail and other rail operators' requirements

Note: Only the Orange version carries RIS-3279-TOM certification. Yellow versions are not rail-compliant.

Care Instructions

To maintain the flame resistant, anti-static, and hi-vis properties of your FR615 vest:

• Machine wash at maximum 40°C (mild process)
• Do not bleach
• Do not tumble dry
• Drip line dry only
• Do not iron
• Do not dry clean
• Maximum 12 industrial washes recommended
• Inspect regularly for damage that may affect protective properties
• Replace if fabric becomes damaged, torn, or heavily contaminated

The inherent flame resistant qualities will not diminish with proper washing according to care instructions.

Sizing Guide

The FR615 features a generous fit designed for comfortable layering over FR base garments:

The generous fit accommodates layering over base garments. Please refer to the Portwest sizing chart for precise measurements.

Order Your FR615 Flame Resistant Hi-Vis Vest Today

Upgrade your workplace safety with the Portwest Bizflame Hi-Vis FR Zip Vest FR615. Combining Class 2 high visibility, flame resistance, and anti-static protection with the convenience of a zip closure, this sleeveless vest is essential PPE for workers in hazardous environments.

Available now at Hall-Fast – your trusted supplier of quality workwear, PPE, and industrial safety equipment since 1977.

Related Products You May Also Need

• Portwest Bizflame 88/12 FR Trousers FR432
• Portwest Bizflame Hi-Vis FR Long Sleeve Zip Vest FR616
• Portwest FR Polo Shirts
• Portwest Bizflame FR Coveralls
• FR Safety Helmets
• Anti-Static FR Gloves
• FR Safety Boots

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the FR615 and the FR616? The FR615 is a sleeveless vest, while the FR616 has long sleeves. Both feature zip closures. Choose the FR615 for maximum freedom of movement, or the FR616 for extended arm coverage.

What's the difference between the FR615 and the FR71? Both are sleeveless FR hi-vis vests with the same certifications. The FR615 has a zip closure, while the FR71 uses hook and loop (Velcro) fastening. The FR615 is the newer style with improved durability.

Can I wear the FR615 on its own as flame resistant protection? No. The FR615 is Index 1 rated and must be worn over Index 2 or Index 3 FR garments to provide full flame resistant protection.

Is this vest suitable for rail work? Yes – the Orange FR615 is certified to RIS-3279-TOM Issue 1 for UK rail industry use. The Yellow version is not rail-compliant.

Is the FR615 anti-static? Yes, the FR615 is certified to EN 1149-5 for electrostatic dissipative properties, making it suitable for explosive atmospheres.

Why choose a zip closure over hook and loop? Zip closures offer better durability, easier operation with gloves, a neater appearance, and more reliable closure over time compared to hook and loop fastenings.

Will the flame resistance wash out? No. The inherent flame resistant qualities will not diminish with proper washing according to care instructions.