EN-ISO-20471: The European standard for high visibility workwear
Warning clothing with high visibility in all lighting conditions must comply with the European standard for high-visibility clothing, EN ISO 20471. This standard sets requirements for the visibility of employees in different lighting conditions.
The hi-vis clothing is available in three different colors: Yellow, Orange and Red. Rijkswaterstaat sets additional requirements regarding colours. Read more about this RWS standard.
CLASSES
High Visibility workwear is classified into three different classes according to EN ISO 20471. These classes indicate what level of protection the high-visibility clothing has for different situations. Depending on the surface High-Vis and reflective material, a garment is given a certain class:
Required minimum material area for certification according to EN ISO 20471
|
Material |
Class 3 |
Class 2 |
Class 1 |
|
Fluorescent surface |
0.8 |
0.5 |
0.14 |
|
Retroreflective surface |
0.2 |
0.13 |
0.1 |
When high-vis workwear with the EN ISO 20471 standard is worn, it is possible to achieve a higher class by combining different garments, provided that each individual garment is certified and the combination as a whole meets the required surface requirements for the higher class.
CLASS 1
High-Vis clothing from Class 1 can be used in situations where work is done in daylight with a maximum traffic speed of 30 km/h, where people participate passively in traffic. This class is used in low risk situations and is optimal for professionals who work in warehouses or in closed areas where vehicles move slowly.
CLASS 2
Class 2 work clothing ensures good visibility within road construction, courier services and distribution centers. This class is used in medium risk situations where there is passive participation in wrongdoing. Class 2 work clothing is suitable for less fast traffic environments with a maximum speed of 60 km/h.
CLASS 3
When working in the dark and in high-risk situations, it is mandatory to wear High Visibility work clothing from class 3. High-Vis work clothing from class 3 is suitable for work situations with a traffic speed above 60 km/h and offers protection against high risks along busy roads and highways. This optimal visibility greatly reduces the risk of accidents.
Personalizing high visibility work clothing
Companies often wish to print their logo on work clothing. High Visibility work clothing must meet strict requirements. Applying a logo to reflective clothing is subject to strict rules. The minimum surface requirements applicable to the different classes according to EN ISO 20471 must always be taken into account. When a logo is placed on the fluorescent fabric, the visible surface may be reduced, meaning that the garment may no longer meet the requirements of the original class. As experts, we can guide you in this process, so that your company meets all requirements without sacrificing its appearance.
Maintenance
The clothing under this standard requires special maintenance and should be kept clean. The clothing must be cleaned (washed and dried) in a professional manner, so that the standards continue to meet the requirements.
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