Reflective clothing or signal clothing with high visibility, which is worn professionally must comply with the European standard EN ISO 20471. However, this standard is divided into different classes that describe the degree of visibility of the garment. It is therefore very important for professionals who are exposed to risks on a daily basis due to (possible) poor visibility to wear the correct hi-vis clothing. You can read which one this is for you in this article.
Important note: Since July 1 2019, the color of work clothing for employees within the rail sector has been changed from yellow to orange. The advantage is that orange is better suited to countries around the Netherlands and this makes it easier for employees who work in the railway sector and also in construction to meet the requirements.
3 classes of the EN ISO 20471 standard
As stated before the EN ISO 20471 standard is divided into classes depending on the degree of visibility and reflective capacity. There are 3 classes:
- Class 1: requires 0.14 m2 fluorescent surface and 0.10 m2 reflective surface.
- Class 2: requires 0.50 m2 fluorescent surface and 0.13 m2 reflective surface.
- Class 3: requires 0.80 m2 fluorescent surface and 0.20 m2 reflective surface.
EN ISO 20471 class 1
Hi-Vis work clothing with class 1 can be used in situations with a low risk of collision and low risk of accidents. High Visibility work clothing from class 1 is therefore not suitable for working along public roads. Hi-Vis work clothing with class 1 is suitable for extra visibility within the company and for traffic controllers who work (partly) in daylight at a maximum traffic speed of 30 km/hour.
- Class 1: requires 0.14 m2 fluorescent surface and 0.10 m2 reflective surface.
EN ISO 20471 class 2
Hi-Vis workwear with class 2 ensures good visibility in road construction, courier services and work in dim light. Class 2 work clothing is therefore extremely suitable for working along public roads at a maximum traffic speed of 50 km/h.
- Class 2: requires 0.50 m2 fluorescent surface and 0.13 m2 reflective surface.
EN ISO 20471 class 3
When working in the dark, it is mandatory to wear High Visibility work clothing from class 3. High Visibility work clothing from class 3 is suitable for work situations with an on-site traffic speed of a maximum of 90 km/hour. Optimal visibility in these types of situations greatly reduces the risk of accidents.
- Class 3: requires 0.80 m2 fluorescent surface and 0.20 m2 reflective surface.
Printing of high visibility work clothing
High Visibility work clothing must meet strict requirements. Placing one printing Reflective clothing is therefore also subject to strict rules. As experts with years of experience in printing hi-vis workwear, Unishore Workwear can take care of this for you. The printing complies with both the applicable rules and your aesthetic wishes.
Would you like to order High Visibility work clothing?
Unishore Workwear is your specialist in the field of high visibility workwear, whether it concerns... hi-vis work jackets, hi-vis work trousers, hi-vis poloshirts, hi-vis shirts, hi-vis sweaters & sweaters or safety vests. Make your choice from the wide range of top brands such as: Tricorp, Helly Hansen, Roots, Blåkläder and Havep.