Journal of Fashion Business Vol. 13, No. 6, pp.61~75(2009)
A Color Analysis on Working Clothing in Domestic Machine and Heavy Industry +
* ** Park, Hye-Won․․ Bae, Hyun-Sook Park, Jin-Ah ․ Kim, Jie-Kwan Prof., of Dept. Clothing & Textiles, Changwon National University Assistant Prof., of Dept. Clothing & Textiles, Changwon National University * Prof., of Dept. Industrial Systems & Engineering, Changwon National University **
Abstract
The objective of this research is to the enhance the color function of work clothing : to research and analyze the hue and tone of work clothing colors to be used for machinery and heavy industries in national industrial complexes, Through this research, the color using problems which related with safety workers will be revealed. For this project, total 42 sets of work suits were sampled from 12 different companies in the machinery and construction industries in the national industrial complexes of Gyeongsang Namdo Province and 16 sets of work suits currently being sold in the market. The collected work suits samples were classified according to item types and design. Color measurements were taken thus: After calibration according to ASTM D1729 specifications of standardized configuration settings to match standardized luminous source D65(Daylight 6500K) in color cabinet BOTECK SuperLight-Ⅵ , the RGB values of the work suits were calculated using PANTONE Color Cue TX. The RGB values of the colors thus derived were converted into V/C values using the Munsell Conversion 9.0.6 and analyzed with Munsell's 10-color system and PCCS. The results were presented according to Munsell's color wheel and color and brightness distributions were expressed in table form, as well as presented as a tone map. Following analysis, color hue distribution was found to be concentrated around PB, and brightness distribution toward the low end and mid range of the scale. Saturation values were distributed mostly around the low end of the scale. Following color tone analysis according to PCCS, it became apparent that colors were mainly distributed around dkg, ltg, and g, at low- and mid-brightness and low-saturation. Therefore, it may be concluded that colors used in work suits in the machinery and heavy industries are mainly cool colors, at low- and mid-brightness and low saturation. It is conjectured that such colors were applied uniformly in the workplace in order to serve certain functions, such as concealment of stains and contamination. Therefore, it follows that the utilization of colors, among other functions served by working clothings, must be taken into consideration in order to enhance safety and efficiency. Key Words : working clothing color, color analysis
+ This work was supported by National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF) grant funded by the Korea government(MEST) (2009-0083981) Corresponding author; Park, Hye-Won, Tel, +82-55-213-3494, Fax: +82-55-213-3490 E-mail: [email protected]
61 Journal of Fashion Business Vol.13, No.6
Ⅰ. Introduction reassurance, reinforcing distinction between different types of workers, and serving symbolic The function of color has a close association and aesthetic function, color can contribute with human need, and this is because color has greatly to enhancing the work experience. the power to fulfill many human needs. Research Therefore, research of the coloration of work concerning the uniforms of industrial workers garments as a component of the work has been conducted since the late 1990s, environment is imperative, in order to foster the helping researchers come to an understanding application of colors to work garments that will of the relationship of workers with the garments contribute to a safe and agreeable work they wore at the scene of their work: the atmosphere. manner of wearing, the degree of worker Especially in Korea, where the machinery, satisfaction with their garments, as well as the shipyarding, and electronic and electric industries general state of utilization of a garment's are responsible for 20% of net productivity, functions, and shedding light on the problems these industries are concentrated in Gyeongsang posed by the use of color in garments of Namdo province. The shipyarding, metalworking, specific industries. Research in this field has and machinery manufacturing industries are been especially active after the 2000s, mostly concentrated within National Industrial concerning the ergonomics of work and Complexes (Jinhae, Changwon, etc), while the 1)2)3)4)5)6)7)8)9)10)11) activity car parts and electronic devices industries are Design development research was mainly very active within the Regional Industrial approached from the angle of form, including Complexes (Gimhae, Jinju, Yangsan, Geoje, Milyang, research concerning color: color preferences etc). Currently, there are 1635 metalworking were one of the items in such surveys, and companies, 2513 machinery parts manufacturers, research has been done concerning the process and 828 automobile trailer manufacturers within by which companies designate the colors used Gyeongsang Namdo province, and the number for their merchandise. However, such research of workers within machinery-related industries is mainly took the form of surveys filled out by the about 130 thousand, and makes up 45% of the subjects of the research themselves, and never total number of workers in manufacturing. 12) took the form of an objective assessment of Therefore, it can be said with confidence that work clothing colors. research into the state of affairs concerning In addition, nowhere in the present body of work garments used by machinery and heavy literature are the factors of color, brightness, industries within National Industrial Complexes and saturation dealt with, nor has data been and the proposal of drawbacks to be improved analyzed in those terms. Notwithstanding, upon therein is highly significant. precise color research may bring about essential Therefore, the objective of this research is to contributions to safety at the workplace, analyze the state of concerning the hue and necessitating the gathering and maintenance of tone of work clothing colors used by machinery a precise colorimetric database. and heavy industries within National Industrial If the possible functional values of color are Complexes, as well as work clothing sold on the applied to ensuring safety and psychological market for the same purpose. This research will
62 Park, Hye-Won․․․ Bae, Hyun-Sook Park, Jin-Ah Kim, Jie-Kwan / A Color Analysis on Working Clothing in Domestic Machine and Heavy Industry provide the basic resources to draw on when work garments took the form of surveys and devising coloration fitting the work environment studies of worker satisfaction, the results of and for improvement of the color environment of which showed a high level of dissatisfaction the workplace. concerning color. This was attributed to the fact that work garment colors were, as a whole, too dark, contributing to a tedious atmosphere, and Ⅱ. Literature Review not in keeping with the times. 16)17) In terms of color preferences, it was revealed 1. Preliminary Research that workers preferred colors that would project calm and security over colors that would give a According to research of the state of work bright and cheerful impression. Compatibility with garments as worn by workers during their duties, the company logo and image was the lowest- satisfaction with garments worn was low, and priority consideration. Also, workers that worked 75% of respondents pointed out the need for outside in more hazardous conditions favored improvement of work garments. Investigations more eye-catching colors, because it would into the work environment and garments of allow them to see and distinguish other workers workers at municipal waste incineration plants better. Concern about pollution and staining was revealed that work garments came in mainly 4 also expressed in workers' color preferences, as types, the most common of which was where colors for upper garments were chosen in the the top and bottom garment were separate, not order of Beige > Blue > Gray > Black > Brown joined. These were further classified into > Green > Yellow, but colors for lower garments disposable coveralls in felt, overalls, and were chosen in the order of Beige > Black > insulative winter garments. There were more Gray > Blue > Brown > Green > Yellow. There complaints which mainly came from inappropriate were also concerns about the need for appearance, sizing, and materials used. 13) aesthetics to be reflected, to some degree, in According to research results, the most the design of the garments. commonly worn type of garments were ones Kim Hwa-Jin, who researched reactions to divided into a top component and a bottom colors as they apply to the coloration of work components, in coverall or overall form. Most of garments, found that the majority of workers in the garments were 100% polyester. 92.8% of manufacturing were found to suffer fatigue in respondents were aware of the need for their line of work, and 67.6% of workers specialized work suits, in order to maintain reported eye fatigue. This, along with the fact safety and work efficiency, as well as to protect that about 60% of respondents rated the color the body from the pollution of the workplace. 14) scheme of the workplace「」 monotonous implies Those working in the automobile industry also that the dull color scheme of the workplace pointed out the need for garments specialized decreases efficiency and possibly even for their unique workplace conditions, and for workplace safety. Especially where simple tasks this to be reflected in the construction, form, involving a high degree of physical activity are and the use of their garments, and for the need required, the need to eliminate monotony and to work in a pleasant environment. 15) fatigue from the workplace is especially urgent, Preliminary research concerning the color of
63 Journal of Fashion Business Vol.13, No.6
highlighting the need for differentiation in color Color hold high meaning in the unconscious schemes between industries and even different human mind. The color psychologist Lilian categories of work within the same industry. Verner-Bonds emphasizes that one of the Most workplace color schemes are dominated by greatest revolutions in post-World War II color achromatic colors (86.2%) and were pinpointed technology was the use of colors in factory as the source of many workers' eye fatigue. floors. Through the attention paid to this small Such specific cases and opinions are expected detail, the whole atmosphere of the work to contribute a great deal in the development of environment was altered beyond the expected more effective plan for color schemes. benefits, by boosting worker morale and fixing As explained above, preliminary research, safety issues. One factory in England reported a which focuses mostly on surveys and preference 3/4 decrease in accidents after the introduction research, points toward a great deal of of color into all elements of the factory awareness of the shortcomings of current design. 18) schemes concerning the use of color. However, This effect applies to other types of work there is still a lack of research concerning the environments as well. When deciding on color specific measurement and analysis of color. schemes for work places, it is important to take into account the nature of the work performed 2. Color and Safety Functions in those spaces. In assembly lines and hallways or bathrooms, spaces in which quick, nimble, Safety Colors serve the purpose of increasing and constantly repeated movement is required, safety and providing security in hazardous energetic and bright colors improve efficiency, environments, and are significant in the while quiet and soothing colors are better for preservation of workers' health, safety, and the work places where a high degree of prevention of the loss of human resources. concentration is required, especially for relieving Cultural idioms, consideration of the Purkinje eye fatigue and calming psychological stress. effect, suitability of meaning, excitability, and When the work environment is overheated, cool sedative effects are taken into account when colors such as green and blue have the greatest assessing the intuitive association behind the effect, while warm colors such as ivory, cream, use of safety colors. Korean Industry Standards and peach are better for cold environments. (KS) designate 8 kinds of Safety Colors for use Machines are differentiated according to color in machinery and heavy industries. Red signifies for safety concerns, with the frame work and fire prevention, a command to stop, prohibition; the foundation left uncolored in order not to orange signifies danger; yellow signifies caution; distract operators of the machinery. To compensate, green signifies safety, progress, emergency, and dangerous parts should be colored with a bright rescue. Blue signifies carefulness; violet, color like red or yellow that emphasizes the potential radiation; white, passage and organization; black danger and warns the operator to be on his is used as an accessory hue to highlight the guard. While color mapping policies for factory visual effect of orange, yellow, and white
. These meanings highlight the role of safety concretely, this level of concern does not seem colors in prevention of accidents and the to extend to the colors worn by workers. preservation of workplace safety.
64 Park, Hye-Won․․․ Bae, Hyun-Sook Park, Jin-Ah Kim, Jie-Kwan / A Color Analysis on Working Clothing in Domestic Machine and Heavy Industry
Common Significance of Safety Colors
Safety Significance / Example of Use Color Purpose Fire Prevention Fire prevention signs, easy distinction of fire extinguishing pipes Prohibition "Forbidden" signs Command to Red Emergency termination buttons, stop signal-lights Stop Hazardous chemical warning labels, explosives warning labels, High Danger chemical classifications of Danger signs, easy distinction of pipes containing hazardous material, Danger Interior of switch box covers, interior of machinery safety covers, sides of exposed gears, danger portion of dials Orange Safety facilities life boats, life savers, life vests, beacons, ship buoys, airport in aviation and ambulances, airport fuel trucks nautical settings caution signs, electrocution warning signs, cranes, bumper of indoors locomotives, low girders, columns in some danger of collision, protuberances on floor, the margins of pits, end of floors, hopper Yellow Caution caution warnings and margins of steps of stairways, temporary bridges, electrical wire insulation, barricades on roads, receptacles for grinding hazardous materials or the spaces in which they are used, warning labels on household electrical products Safety Safety map markers and cutouts Guiding markers Evacuation Markers denoting evacuation routes, shelters and signpost showing the way to shelters, entrances to mines, markers denoting special routes Green Sanitation, Sanitation map markers, work sanitation, rescue signals, protective Rescue, gears boxes, stretchers, first aid, signals pointing out the location of Protection and direction to medical relief stations Progress Go signal light command signals Mandative signals commanding the use of safety goggles, gas gauging, etc. Blue (*) Action markers showing state of repair and rest locations for drivers, Exterior of switch box covers radiation signs, radiation border signs, fences around disposal centers Purple Radioactivity for radioactive isotopes, storage facilities, and maintenance regions (*) Blue is to be considered a safety Color when used in its original form. 〔〕Reference http://www.standard.go.kr/code02/user/0B/03/SerKS_View.asp Agency for Technology and Standards, Standard Number KS A 3501
A work garment is a sorts of uniform, and Especially in factories and the technical therefore should be utilitarian and fit the work industries, work garments should designed with environment. Donning the garments of a specific function more in mind than aesthetics, here group should also make the wearer feel identified functional concerns including safety and with the group, as individual agency is abandoned psychological stability, as well as freedom of in favor of group activity, and symbolizes authority. movement and mechanical function.
65 Journal of Fashion Business Vol.13, No.6
Ⅲ. Experiment Methods source D65(Daylight 6500K) in color cabinet and Procedures BOTECK SuperLight-Ⅵ , the RGB values of the work suits were calculated using PANTONE Color 1. Sampling of Work Suits and Classification Cue TX. The RGB values of the colors thus According to Individual Enterprise, Seasons and Design(Form and Detail) derived were converted into V/C values using the Munsell Conversion 9.0.6 and analyzed with 42 sets of work suits were sampled from 12 Munsell's 10-color system and PCCS. The different companies in the machinery and results were presented according to Munsell's construction industries within the national color wheel, and color and brightness industrial complexes of Gyeongsang Namdo distributions were expressed in table form, as Province, along with 16 sets of work suits well as presented as a tone map. currently being sold in the market. Which were classified according to individual enterprise, seasons and design type(form and detail). Ⅳ. Research Results
2. Color Analysis Methods and Procedures 1. Results of classification according to individual enterprise, seasons, design The work suits classified according to type detail and industry underwent further color analysis. 42 sets of work suits classified according to Color measurements were taken thus: After calibration individual enterprise, seasons, design detail type according to ASTM D1729 specifications of standardized with the results shown in
following. configuration settings to match standardized luminous
Classified of Design and analysis of Color Values of Working Clothing in the Machinery and Heavy Industries
enter Color Values -pris Type Form and Details (dominant color, assort color) e PANTONE RGB Munsell
․ Basic Jumper- Type Top garment/ No Bottom garment 13-1006 TC 86 80 71 6.52Y summer /Shirt collar/ Flap Cr 220 204 8.06 pocket/ 1 TC 5 TPX 6 108 6.79 Contrasting color on yoke and collar
A 16-1212 TC 71 63 53 8.97YR ․ Basic Nomad 181 160 6.60 Jumper-Type Top garment/ 7 TC 33 TPX 7 136 2.51 spring/ Sporty-type Top 19-4013 TC fall garment/ No 5.97PB Bottom garment / Dark Navy 18 18 22 1.71 Shirt collar/ Band 38 TC 188 45 47 55 collar/ Flap pocket 1.25 TPX 7
66 Park, Hye-Won․․․ Bae, Hyun-Sook Park, Jin-Ah Kim, Jie-Kwan / A Color Analysis on Working Clothing in Domestic Machine and Heavy Industry
Classified of Design and analysis of Color Values of Working Clothing in the Machinery and Heavy Industries(Continued) enter Color Values -pris Type Form and Details (dominant color, assort color) e PANTONE RGB Munsell ․ Basic Jumper- 17-1502 TPX 53 52 52 2.25RP Type Top garment/ Cloud burst 134 132 5.41 Formal-type 26 TPX 2 133 0.27 trousers/ Shirt spring/ collar/ Flap pocket/ 17-4405 TC fall 51 53 54 5.23B Outer pocket/ Monument 130 136 5.51 Contrasting color 38 TC 188 138 0.64 from shoulder to TPX 2 wrist ․ Basic Jumper- Type Short Sleeved 16-4702 TC B top garment/ 60 61 60 0.78G Limestone summer Formal-type 153 156 6.29 5 TC 21 TPX trousers/ Shirt 153 0.29 7 collar/ Flap pocket/ Outer pocket ․ Sporty-type Top garment/ No Bottom garment / 19-5708 TPX 6.04BG 19 21 22 winter Neckline· Waist· Jet Set 2.04 48 55 55 Sleeves : Rib- 28 TPX 7 0.91 support trim/ Snap closure ․ Basic Jumper- Type Short Sleeved top garment/ Polo Shirt/ No Bottom 11-4604 TC garment / Knit 87 91 90 8.02PB Billowing Sail summer collar / Patch 222 223 8.81 2 TC 10 TPX Pockets / 229 1.13 6 Contrasting color on collar with a C Placket+Button Closure
Classified of Design and analysis of Color Values of Working Clothing in the Machinery and Heavy Industries(Continued) enter Color Values -pris Type Form and Details (dominant color, assort color) e PANTONE RGB Munsell
․ Basic Jumper-Type Short Sleeved Top garment / No 17-0207 TPX 54 54 50 0.41GY Bottom garment summer Rock Ridge 139 139 5.64 D /Shirt collar/ Flap 20 TPX 5 128 0.81 pocket/Contrasting color on collar and pocket opening
․ Sporty-type Top garment/ No 19-4006 TPX 9.51B Bottom garment 17 18 20 winter Caviar 1.68 /Neckline· Waist· 44 47 55 30 TPX 5 0.63 Sleeves : Rib-support trim
70 Park, Hye-Won․․․ Bae, Hyun-Sook Park, Jin-Ah Kim, Jie-Kwan / A Color Analysis on Working Clothing in Domestic Machine and Heavy Industry
Classified of Design and analysis of Color Values of Working Clothing in the Machinery and Heavy Industries(Continued) enter Color Values -pris Type Form and Details (dominant color, assort color) e PANTONE RGB Munsell
2. Results of Color Analysis range is centered around blues (PB, B, BG) and The results of classification of color data for that such colors are distributed around the low work garment samples, organized by Pantone end and middle range of the brightness scale, color values, RGB values, and Munsell values and the low end of the saturation scale. In are as shown in
. Based on this data, hue-brightness distribution, around 5PB was Munsell's 10-color system was used to gauge concentrated and ranged from below value 2. In color distribution, color-brightness distribution, hue-saturation distribution, around 5PB was and color-saturation distribution, while PCCS concentrated also and ranged under chroma 4. was used to gauge tone/hue distribution. Only one item which vivid orange color was Analysis according to Munsell's 10-color distinguished from others. It can be expected for system showed that PB(39%) colors were the special purpose. most common, followed by B(14%) and BG(9%) Analysis according to PCCS showed that color . Analysis of color-brightness distribution distribution was concentrated most highly at dkg and color-saturation distribution revealed that (45%), followed by ltg(25%) and g(23%). Therefore, colors, which were clustered around PB at low- it is apparent that most of the colors used in and mid-brightness and low saturation work uniforms are clustered around low saturation . Therefore, it is apparent that the color and low- and mid-brightness.
72 Park, Hye-Won․․․ Bae, Hyun-Sook Park, Jin-Ah Kim, Jie-Kwan / A Color Analysis on Working Clothing in Domestic Machine and Heavy Industry
Hue Distribution Hue-Brightness Distribution
Hue-Saturation Distribution Tone Position by PCCS
Ⅴ. Conclusion by B(14%) and BG(9%). Analysis of color- Safety Colors serve the purpose of increasing brightness distribution and color-saturation safety and providing security in hazardous distribution revealed that colors, which were environments, and are significant in the clustered around, showed the highest distribution preservation of workers' health, safety, and the around PB at low- and mid-brightness and low prevention of the loss of human resources. The saturation. Therefore, it is apparent that the function of color has a close association with color range is centered around blues (PB, B, human need, and this is because color has the BG) and that such colors are distributed around power to fulfill many human needs. The the low end and middle range of the brightness objective of this research is to find the condition scale, and the low end of the saturation scale. and analyze the hue and tone of work clothing In hue-brightness distribution, around 5PB was colors in machinery and heavy industries in concentrated and ranged from below value 2. In national industrial complexes. hue-saturation distribution, around 5PB was A survey of 42 work suits sampled from concentrated also and ranged under chroma 4. companies and the market. Analysis according Only one item which vivid orange color was to Munsell's 10-color system showed that PB distinguished from others. It can be expected for (39%) colors were the most common, followed special purpose.
73 Journal of Fashion Business Vol.13, No.6
Analysis according to PCCS showed that color Thesis, pp.1-86. distribution was concentrated most highly at 4) Ha, Seon-Joo․․ Hei-Sun Choi Eun-Kyong dkg(45%), followed by ltg(25%) and g(23%). Therefore, it is apparent that most of the Improvement of Work Clothes for Railroad colors used in work uniforms are clustered Workers : Focused on Wearing Evaluation", around low saturation and low- and mid- The Journal of the Korean Society of brightness. Costume, 58(7) , pp.43-59. It is conjectured that such colors were applied 5) Kang, Hee-Chung․ Choi, Hei-Sun (2008), uniformly in the workplace in order to serve "A Study on the Development of Welding certain functions, such as concealment of stains Clothes in Shipyards", Journal of the Korean and contamination. This implies that color Society of Clothing and Textiles, 32(8) , utilization, while playing a large role in planning pp.1169-1178. and in safety considerations, does not seem to 6) Kim, Younghee (2007), "A Functional Design be a factor in designing work garments that of Auto Mechanic's Coverall", Journal of the come into direct contact with workers and the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles, work environment. 31(4) , pp.531-539. Therefore, it follows that the utilization of 7) Choi, Jeong-Wha․․ Kim, So-Young Lee, colors, among other functions served by working Joo-Young (2004), "A Survey on the Actual garments, must be taken into consideration in Condition of Wearing Disposable Coveralls order to enhance safety and efficiency. of Railroad Rolling Stock Maintenance Workers", Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles, 26(1) , pp.1165-1174. Reference 8) Park, Hye-Won․ Park, Gin-Ah (2008), "The Actual Wearing Condition and Preference of the Working Uniform Design in the Industrial 1) Kim, Seong-Suk․ Kim, Hee-Eun (2006), "A Research Study on Construction Field Complex", Journal of Fashion Business, Worker's Working Uniform", Journal of the 12(2) , pp.134-152. Korean Society for Clothing Industry, 8(2) , 9) Yi, Kyong-Hwa (2000), "A Suggestion of pp.203-208. Sizing System for Clean Room Wear", Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing 2) Kim, Hea Ryong․ Suh, Mi A (2003), "A Study on Satisfaction of Worker`s Uniform in and Textiles, 24(7) , pp.1044-1055. the Mechanical Industry", The Research 10) Bae, Hyun-Sook (2001), "Status quo Journal of the Costume Culture, 11(6) , Analysis on the Clothing Practice of pp.867-878. Automaker′ s Uniform", Journal of the Korea Home Economics Association, 27(8) , 3) Kim, Hwa-Jin․ Chae, Geum-Suk (1999), "Research on Color Planning for the pp.992-1003. Improvement of the Work Environment, 11) Park, Soon Ja․․ Shin, Jung Sook Chung, Centering on Worker Garments from the Myung Hee (2003), "The Analysis of Actual Manufacturing Industries", Sook-Myung State of Working Environment Working Women's University Graduate Master's Uniforms for Burning Waste Workers",
74 Park, Hye-Won․․․ Bae, Hyun-Sook Park, Jin-Ah Kim, Jie-Kwan / A Color Analysis on Working Clothing in Domestic Machine and Heavy Industry
Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing 16) Park, Soon Ja․․ Shin, Jung Sook Chung, and Textiles, 27(8), pp.992-1003. Myung Hee, op. cit., pp.992-1003. 12) "The Center of The World Business Utopia 17) Kim, Hea Ryong․ Suh, Mi A, op. cit., Gyeong Nam", Retrieved 2008, 8, 30, from pp.718-734. http://biz.gsnd.net/ 18) Lilian Verner-Bonds (2008), Healing Color 13) Kim, Seong-Suk․ Kim, Hee-Eun , op. cit., for Health & Well Being , trans. Chang-Hwan pp.203-208. Han , Kukje Books, p.54. 14) Kim, Hea Ryong․ Suh, Mi A , op.cit., pp.867-878. 15) Bae, Hyun-Sook, op.cit., pp.115-124. Received September 15, 2009 Revised October 20, 2009 Accepted October 26, 2009