EN ISO 20471 is the EU standard that sets regulations for high-visibility clothing and their visibility classes. It establishes requirements for both materials and labeling, and there is a whole process for certifying workwear.
This standard exists to ensure that people working in hazardous environments are properly visible to traffic and others. The focus is on high visibility clothing used in construction, road work, and logistics.
The idea is to reduce accidents by making workers more visible. The standard is quite strict about how much fluorescent and reflective material is required depending on the risk level.
It applies within the EU and Norway, so the same safety requirements apply regardless of where the clothing is manufactured or used.
Approved high-visibility clothing according to EN ISO 20471 must be CE marked and have a specification number. The labeling indicates which class the garment belongs to and that it complies with the standard.
To obtain certification, an independent testing institute must check the garment's properties. This includes how well the material reflects light and how it holds up after washing and wear.
The manufacturer must be able to demonstrate that the garment meets the requirements for:
EN ISO 20471 replaced EN 471 in 2013 and tightened the requirements. There are stricter rules for the durability and performance of materials.
New methods for measuring reflectivity and requirements for how to combine different garments were introduced. The aim was to create a global standard, making it easier for manufacturers to sell in different markets.
The system is based on exact requirements for how much fluorescent and reflective material must be present on each garment. The requirements increase from class 1 to class 3, so visibility improves as the environment becomes more dangerous.
High-visibility clothing is divided into three classes depending on how much visible material is present on the garment. Class 1 is the lowest, class 2 is in the middle.
Class 3 is for the most challenging environments, where vehicles travel over 60 km/h. The workplace's risks determine which class is required.
The employer is responsible for conducting the risk assessment and determining which class is needed. Factors such as traffic, speeds, and lighting conditions come into play.
Fluorescent materials must, according to EN ISO 20471, cover at least:
| Class | Fluorescent Area (dm²) |
|---|---|
| Class 1 | 0.14 |
| Class 2 | 0.50 |
| Class 3 | 0.80 |
Reflective materials also have minimum requirements. Class 1 requires 0.10 dm², class 2 needs 0.13 dm², and class 3 at least 0.20 dm².
The reflective tapes must have a certain width and be placed in the right locations. The materials are tested for color, washability, and how well they reflect light.
The three classes differ in how much material is required, what level of safety they provide, and how the garments should look.
Class 1 requires at least 0.14 m² of fluorescent material and 0.10 m² of reflective material. This is for simpler work environments where basic visibility is sufficient.
Class 2 raises the bar to at least 0.50 m² of fluorescent material and 0.13 m² of reflective material. There is a noticeable difference – visibility is improved when needed.
Class 3 requires the most: at least 0.80 m² of fluorescent material and 0.20 m² of reflective material. This is for truly hazardous environments.
Reflective materials should be positioned to form clear bands around the body. Fluorescent materials should cover the major parts of the torso and arms/legs.
The classification is governed by vehicle speeds and the amount of traffic present. Class 1 is suitable where vehicles travel under 25 km/h and traffic is limited.
Class 2 is used when speeds are between 25 and 60 km/h or where there is a bit more activity. This could be construction sites near roads or industrial areas.
Class 3 is for places where things move quickly – over 60 km/h, heavy traffic, highways, railways, airports, and similar.
It is always the employer's risk assessment that determines which class is needed. The garments must match the risk level.
Class 1 garments can be vests, t-shirts, or small accessories like armbands. They do not need to cover the entire body or have sleeves.
Class 2 should cover more – often larger parts of the body, but can still be vests or short-sleeved. The reflective tapes should be placed both horizontally and vertically.
Class 3 requires full coverage: long sleeves, long pants, the entire torso, arms, and legs must have both fluorescent and reflective material.
Sometimes class 1 and class 2 garments can be combined to achieve class 3 certification. This allows for some flexibility.
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Class 1 is the lowest visibility level within EN ISO 20471. The requirements are quite low, and the garments are used where it is calm and the risk is minimal.
Class 1 garments must have at least 0.14 m² of fluorescent material and 0.10 m² of reflective material. The fluorescent material should be yellow, orange, or red to be visible in daylight.
The reflective material is placed where it is most effective in the dark. The material must pass certain tests to be approved.
The garments can be vests, t-shirts, or jackets. Each garment is tested and certified separately.
Warehouse workers often use class 1 clothing, especially in warehouses and logistics where traffic is controlled and slow.
Other examples of applications:
High visibility class 1 is for environments where vehicles move slowly, under 25 km/h. The employer makes their own assessment of the risk level based on traffic and speed where the work is performed.
Class 2 high-visibility clothing requires larger areas of both fluorescent background material and reflective tape compared to class 1. These hi-vis garments are suitable for work environments with moderate traffic and medium risk.
High-visibility clothing certified to class 2 must meet specific requirements for material areas to be properly visible. The fluorescent background material must cover at least 0.50 square meters of the garment.
The reflective material must be at least 0.13 square meters, strategically placed across the garment. The reflective tapes are usually positioned around the torso, arms, and legs to mark movements and body contours.
High visibility is about combining daytime-visible fluorescent material with retroreflective tape. The material must pass tests for colorfastness, washability, and reflectivity according to the standard.
Class 2 is primarily used in ports, railway areas, construction sites, and parking areas where traffic is moderate. Workers are exposed to vehicles at controlled speeds, but visibility is still crucial.
Truck drivers, warehouse workers, and construction personnel often choose class 2 in their daily work. Light conditions change, vehicles move, and it is essential to be seen.
The challenges? Being visible in rain, darkness, awkward working positions – and still being able to move freely. The clothing must work both day and night, it’s not more complicated than that.
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Class 3 high-visibility clothing provides the highest visibility according to EN ISO 20471. Here, specific requirements for material and design apply.
These garments are used where traffic is fast – over 60 km/h – or where safety risks are extreme.
Class 3 requires at least 0.80 m² of fluorescent material and 0.20 m² of retroreflective material. This provides maximum visibility both day and night.
The fluorescent material must cover both the upper body and legs to achieve class 3 status. The colors? Yellow, orange, or red, nothing else.
Retroreflective bands are placed around the waist, over the shoulders, and around arms and legs. This way, the wearer is visible from all directions.
Applications for class 3:
Class 3 certification can be achieved by combining multiple garments or a comprehensive garment. For example: a jacket and pants, where both have a lower class but together achieve class 3.
Hi-vis garments must not be covered by other clothing or equipment. That would obscure the important material and reduce effectiveness.
Material Properties:
The employer determines when class 3 is needed, based on risk assessment. If combining garments to achieve class 3, the entire system must be certified together.
Modern high-visibility clothing is based on two main materials that work together to create visibility. There have been many technical advancements in recent years – better materials, smarter solutions, and higher comfort.
Reflective materials are primarily retroreflective tapes that return light to the source. They contain small glass beads or prismatic structures that cause light to bounce correctly. Glass beads are cheaper, while prismatic materials reflect better.
Fluorescent materials absorb UV light and make it visible in bright colors. The most common are yellow-green and orange-red because they are most visible to the eye. The material must retain its color despite washing and weather.
Hi-vis garments combine these materials. Reflective tapes are placed where they are most visible, and the fluorescent base material covers larger areas for daylight visibility.
Durability varies. Quality materials can withstand hundreds of washes, and reflective tapes can endure many bends without losing effectiveness.
New segmented reflective bands follow the body's movements better than old straight bands. They are flexible, so the reflection works even when the garment is bent or stretched.
Integrated LED systems are appearing in high-visibility clothing for truly hazardous environments. Small, waterproof lights can blink in various patterns. Batteries last longer now thanks to low-energy LEDs.
Microencapsulation of fluorescent pigments ensures that the color lasts longer. The pigments are encapsulated and released slowly, reducing fading.
New hybrid materials combine fluorescent and reflective properties in the same fabric. This reduces the need for extra bands and provides more uniform visibility. The goal is to achieve both functions without compromise.
The choice of EN ISO 20471 class depends on the risks in the environment and vehicle speeds. Different jobs have different needs – there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
The employer must assess the applicable risk level. Vehicle speed is often decisive – over 60 km/h almost always means class 3.
Class 1 is suitable where there is low speed and little traffic. Typically in enclosed environments with only pedestrians or slow vehicles.
Class 2 is for ports, railways, construction sites, and parking areas with moderate traffic.
Class 3 is needed where traffic is fast and risks are high – highways, major roads, places with heavy machinery.
Working close to active traffic? Then a higher class is required.
Warehouse workers mostly work in controlled environments with slow-moving forklifts. Class 1 is often sufficient for indoor warehouses.
Outdoor terminals and loading docks require more. Class 2 is recommended where freight vehicles and forklifts move at moderate speeds.
Hi-vis garments can be combined to achieve a higher class. A class 1 vest plus class 1 pants gives a total of class 2.
Logistics personnel at ramps and transshipment should have at least class 2, especially if they work near external vehicles that are not accustomed to the area.
For smaller individuals, it may be worth choosing a higher class, as less area is visible.
The EN ISO 20471 standard sets clear requirements for fluorescent and reflective materials and specifies when each class should be used. Certified clothing must be checked regularly to maintain protection.
Class 1 requires at least 0.14 m² of fluorescent material and 0.10 m² of reflective material. This provides basic visibility in low-risk environments.
Class 2 has higher requirements: at least 0.5 m² of fluorescent area and 0.13 m² of reflective material. It is suitable for traffic environments up to 60 km/h.
Class 3 is the highest level with 0.8 m² of fluorescent material and 0.2 m² of reflective material. It is needed for high-speed areas over 60 km/h and dark work environments.
Class 1 clothing has quite limited reflective bands. They are often placed horizontally around the waist or sometimes vertically over the shoulders.
The material does not need to wrap around the entire body. It feels quite basic, to be honest.
Class 2 requires that the reflective bands go around both the torso and extremities. They must form closed loops around the body to provide 360-degree visibility.
Class 3 is a step up, with the most extensive reflective pattern. Here, the bands should be present around arms, torso, and legs.
The reflective material covers larger areas. It is designed to be visible, no matter where someone is coming from.
Class 1 is used in low-risk environments such as warehouses and industrial premises. Areas where traffic is low or almost non-existent.
It suits people who mostly stand still or work in controlled environments. It is hardly for those working by the road.
Class 2 is for places with more movement, such as construction sites and traffic environments where vehicles travel at moderate speeds. Road and railway workers typically use this class, especially during the day.
Class 3 is for the really tough environments. Highways, airports, and night work require this level.
People working close to high-speed traffic, such as traffic controllers and emergency services, really need this protection.
Retrofitting reflective material on already certified garments is actually not allowed according to EN ISO 20471. It violates the certification and can affect safety.
However, you can combine two certified garments to achieve a higher class. For example, a class 2 jacket together with certified pants can together meet class 3.
Both garments must, of course, be properly labeled and certified according to the standard. Otherwise, it does not count.
Class 1 requires at least 0.14 m² of fluorescent background material and 0.10 m² of retroreflective material. This is just on the edge for approved visibility in simpler environments.
Class 2 requires at least 0.5 m² of fluorescent material and 0.13 m² of reflective material. These larger areas are significantly more visible than class 1.
Class 3 has the highest requirements: 0.8 m² of fluorescent area and 0.2 m² of reflective material. That is a lot of material, but it is needed in the most hazardous work environments.
A quick visual check every day before work starts is actually quite important. It is about spotting damage to the reflectors or those brightly colored areas.
Be sure to check the seams, looking for stains or wear that could make the clothing less visible. It’s easy to miss small things if you’re in a hurry in the morning.
Once a week, it may be wise to take a more thorough look at the garment as a whole. Especially the reflective material and the strength of the color—those details that really make a difference when it comes to visibility.
If the reflectors start to come off, the color has faded significantly, or if holes or tears have appeared, then it’s time to replace the garment immediately. Sure, if you wash the clothes regularly, they often last longer, but when safety starts to falter, it really doesn’t matter how they look on the outside.
The information on this page is intended as general guidance only and does not replace manufacturer instructions or applicable regulations. Workwise does not guarantee that the content is accurate, complete, or current and is not liable for decisions or actions taken based on this information. Always follow current standards and manufacturer instructions.