EN ISO 20471 EN 471 High Visibility Standard
EN ISO 20471: Hi-Visibility Clothing
This European standard specifies the requirements for clothing designed to visibly emphasize the wearer’s presence in hazardous work areas during the day and at night and where there is a risk from moving vehicles or processes.
There are three classifications related to risk assessment and each class requires that minimum areas of Hi-Visibility materials are incorporated in the garment. These minimum areas comprise of background material (the main fabric colour) and retroreflective material (generally reflective tape). This area is measured on the smallest garment in the product range, with all fasteners adjusted to the smallest configuration possible.
Combined Certification for Class 3
If a single Hi-Visibility garment does not mean Class 3 when worn alone, they can sometimes be combined to reach the highest class of certification. For example, if a Jacket is only Class 2 when worn alone, when worn with a Class 1 Trouser, it can reach Class 3. When this is the case, this is stated within the User Information or Manufacturers technical information sheets provided with the garments. Users should also be aware that due to surface area constraints on the background and reflective tapes, some smaller sizes within a single product can be certified to lower Classification than the core product range. Where this is the case, the care label will clearly state the classification to which it is certified.
Use of Logos on Hi-Vis Garments
TESTING
Logos can be applied to these garments providing the minimum area is not reduced or compromised due to their presence. Particular care should be taken on smaller sizes of garments.
The HAZTEC brand uses premium components including Henderson Reflective Tapes.
| Material Measurements in m2 | Class 3 Garments | Class 2 Garments | Class 1 Garments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Background Material | 0.80 | 0.50 | 0.14 |
| Retroreflective Material | 0.20 | 0.13 | 0.10 |
| Combined Performance Material | N/A | N/A | N/A |
NOTE: The clothing class is determined by the lowest area of visible material.