High Visibility Standards Explained

Are you baffled by all the different safety workwear standards? Here’s a simple breakdown

BS EN 471 - It is the industry standard for High Visibility Clothing and here we will try and explain it in more detail.

Requirements

According to HSE the most common cause of death in the workplace is caused by being struck by a moving vehicle. It is therefore imperative that any high visibility clothing issued to employees conforms to the standards (BS EN471 – European Standard for High Visibility Clothing).

SO WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

High Visibility Clothing conforming to BS EN 471:2003, Class 2 or 3, must have a fluorescent background colour, usually fluorescent Yellow. The retro-reflective materials should comply with EN471:2003.

Reflective material improves visibility in low light situations. This material returns light to a light source, such as vehicle headlights, creating a bright image that motorists are more likely to see from a distance. As a result, motorists and pedestrians have more time to react.

WHAT ARE THE STANDARDS?

There are 3 classes of High Visibility Garments:

CLASS 3 - Highest Protection Level
Band of retro-reflective material shall not be less than 50mm wide. Minimum background material 0.80m sq. Minimum retro-reflective material 0.20m sq.

Examples of Class 3 HiVis items : HiVis Bomber Jackets; HiVis Parka Jackets; HiVis Long Sleeved Vests

CLASS 2 - Intermediate Protection Level

Band of retro-reflective material shall not be less than 50mm wide. Minimum background material 0.50m sq. Minimum retro-reflective material 0.13m sq.

Examples of Class 2 HiVis items : HiVis Sleeveless Vests

CLASS 1 - Lowest Protection Level
Band of retro-reflective material shall not be less than 50mm wide. Minimum background material 0.14m sq. Minimum retro-reflective material 0.10m sq.

Examples of Class 1 HiVis items : HiVis Trousers

It is important to note that to conform to BS EN 471 standards items must have a Yellow, or Orange background. High Visibility items of other colours will NOT conform to UK and EU standards for High Visibility clothing.

A revised version of EN471 was published in 2004, one of the major changes in this version is that horizontal reflective bands can now have an incline of +20%

HIGHWAY WORKS

Produced by The Highways Agency for all its contractors working on main or trunk roads in the UK states "All those working on or near the roads should wear High Visibility warning clothing (Class 2 or 3) complying to BS EN 471 paragraph.

"Shall have two horizontal bands of retro-reflective material not less than 50mm apart from around the torso and bands of retro-reflective material joining the uppermost torso band from the front to the back over each shoulder."

CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF HIGH VISIBILITY GARMENTS - TIPS

As High Visibility garments get dirty, they become less effective. Make sure that garments are washed regularly, or disposed of when permanently soiled.
Do NOT allow sections to be cut off or removed - the level of protection they provide depends on the areas of fluorescent and retro-reflective materials.
Make sure that the garment is worn fastened at all times to ensure maximum protection and reduce the risk of entanglement with moving machinery etc.

REST ASSURED

All of the High Visibility clothing for sale at www.bulkworkwear.co.uk meets the above standards, where applicable.

Please contact us if you have any unanswered questions - we'd be happy to help.