EN ISO 20471 is the standard for high-visibility warning clothing. It divides garments into class 1, 2 and 3 according to how much visible material they have: the higher the class, the more fluorescent and reflective material. Class 3 is the highest. Here are the requirements, and how to choose.

What is EN ISO 20471?

EN ISO 20471 applies to high-visibility protective clothing that makes the wearer easy to see in daylight and in the dark when light hits the garment, for example from car headlights. The standard sets requirements for the colour and reflection of the materials, for how much material the garment must have, and for how it is positioned. As protective equipment, the clothing must be CE marked.

The three classes

The class is determined by the minimum area of two materials: fluorescent background material (the material that glows in daylight) and retroreflective material (reflective tape that throws the light back towards the source).

• Class 1: at least 0.14 m² fluorescent and 0.10 m² reflective material. Lowest level.
• Class 2: at least 0.50 m² fluorescent and 0.13 m² reflective material.
• Class 3: at least 0.80 m² fluorescent and 0.20 m² reflective material. Also requires the garment to cover the upper body and have either sleeves with reflective strips or long trouser legs with reflective strips.

These are minimum requirements for the amount of material. Smaller sizes have less fabric, so the same model can have a different class depending on size. One example is J.A.K.'s Hi-Viz 4-Way Stretch Trousers, which are class 1 in sizes 76-80 and class 2 in sizes 84-128.

Combining jacket and trousers

Class 1 and 2 can be combined, so that jacket and trousers together achieve a higher class. The combination must be stated on the garment label, and the two items must be worn together. Check the labelling on both items before you count on the higher class.

Colours and reflective strips

• Background material: the standard permits fluorescent yellow, orange-red and red.
• Reflective strips: reflective tape is typically placed around the upper body, sleeves and legs. It makes you visible in the dark when light hits it.
• Combination colours: models such as Yellow/Black and Orange/Black have black panels. The class is determined by the area of fluorescent material, not by the black part.

Which class should you choose?

The standard does not say which class you need. That is determined by the risk of the work, your workplace assessment (APV) and requirements from the client or road authority. The rule of thumb is that the closer to moving traffic, the higher the speed and the poorer the light and visibility, the higher the class.

If the customer or the road authority has set a requirement for a specific class, that is the one you follow.

Maintenance

Wash according to the label's instructions. Faded colours and worn, dirty or cracked reflective strips make the garment less visible. Replace it when it no longer glows or reflects properly.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between class 1, 2 and 3?

The difference is the amount of fluorescent and reflective material. Class 3 has the most and gives the greatest visibility. Class 3 also requires sleeves or long legs with reflective strips.

What colours may hi-vis clothing be?

The background material must be fluorescent yellow, orange-red or red.

Can you combine jacket and trousers for a higher class?

Yes, class 1 and 2 can be combined if the combination is stated on the label and both items are worn together.

Which class should I use on the road?

It depends on the type of road, the speed and requirements from the road authority. Check the requirements for the specific job before you choose.

See our warning clothing and hi-vis, or trousers and overalls and J.A.K.. If you are unsure about the class, call us on +45 89 88 67 26.

Source: EN ISO 20471. This article is for guidance and is not an exhaustive review of the standard.