The EN ISO 20471 standard sets requirements for high-visibility clothing used in work environments where there is an increased risk of accidents. It ensures that the wearer is clearly visible in both daylight and darkness through the combination of fluorescent and retro-reflective materials.
EN ISO 20471 aims to increase the visibility of workers in environments where vehicles, machinery or other hazards are present. It applies mainly to professional use, for example in construction, road works, logistics and emergency services.
The standard defines three protection classes based on the amount of visible material:
| Class | Visibility level | Typical uses |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lowest | Warehouses, fenced areas |
| 2 | Medium | Road works, construction sites |
| 3 | Highest | Busy roads, airports |
For a garment to be certified, both the color and the reflective material must meet minimum surface and placement requirements.
These requirements ensure that the wearer is visible from all directions, including from behind, where attention is often limited.
ISO 20471 was developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to create a global standard for high-visibility clothing. It was later adopted by the Comité Européen de Normalisation (CEN) and given the designation EN ISO 20471 when it was implemented as a European standard.
Previously, the standard EN 471 was used, but it was replaced in 2013 by EN ISO 20471.
The new version introduced clearer requirements for testing, labeling and performance to ensure consistency of quality between manufacturers.
Developments have followed technological advances in textiles and reflective materials.
Modern materials provide longer durability and better visibility in different light conditions, making clothing more reliable in practical use.
The difference between ISO 20471 and EN ISO 20471 lies mainly in the scope. ISO 20471 is the international standard, while EN ISO 20471 is its European version, adopted and harmonized by CEN according to the EU requirements for personal protective equipment.
Both versions have the same technical content, but the EN ISO 20471 marking indicates that the garment complies with European directives, including CE marking requirements.
Manufacturers selling in the EU must therefore comply with EN ISO 20471, while ISO 20471 can be used globally where local regulations do not require European certification.
The standard sets out clear technical requirements for the design of high-visibility clothing to ensure high visibility in daylight, twilight and darkness. It regulates both the amount and placement of fluorescent and retro-reflective materials and how these should be combined in the garment design to provide consistent and effective visibility from all directions.
Fluorescent materials should ensure visibility in daylight and low light conditions, such as dawn or dusk.
EN ISO 20471 defines three classes of protection based on the total surface area of this material. The higher the class, the greater the surface area required.
| Class | Minimum fluorescent surface (m²) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0,14 |
| 2 | 0,50 |
| 3 | 0,80 |
The material must meet specific color requirements, usually yellow, orange-red or red. These colors have been tested to provide maximum contrast against most backgrounds.
The garments should retain their color and brightness even after washing and exposure to sunlight.
Manufacturers must therefore use color-fast pigments and test the durability of the material according to the standard's methods.
Retro-reflective materials improve visibility in the dark by reflecting light back towards the light source, such as car headlights.
The standard sets minimum requirements for the reflectance value (cd/lx-m²) and for how the material should be tested after wear, washing and bending.
Reflectors must maintain a certain light output even after use. They must not fade or crack under normal stress.
Certified materials are tested according to ISO 20471 annexes, measuring both the coefficient of retroreflection and durability.
This ensures that the garments perform under real working conditions.
The design requirements aim to provide 360° visibility. Reflective tapes should surround the torso, arms and legs and be positioned to clearly mark the movements of the body.
The standard's guidelines require the reflective bands to be at least 50 mm wide and evenly spaced.
There should be sufficient distance between tapes and seams to avoid shadowing.
The combination of fluorescent and retro-reflective surfaces should provide balanced visibility in both daylight and darkness.
The design of the garments shall not impair comfort, mobility or functionality at work.
EN ISO 20471 divides high-visibility clothing into three protection classes based on the level of visibility and the environment of use.
The classification is governed by the amount of fluorescent and reflective material in the garment and the amount of body coverage.
Class 1 is used in environments with a low risk of collision or where traffic moves slowly, often below 30 km/h. Examples include work in fenced areas, warehouses or indoor maintenance.
Garments in this class have at least 0.14 m² of fluorescent material and 0.10 m² of reflective material.
They provide basic visibility but must not be used as the only protection in busy environments.
Common products in class 1 are trousers, vests or shorts combined with other protective garments.
To achieve a higher level of protection, several Class 1 garments can be worn together and certified as a system according to the requirements of the standard.
Class 2 is used when working near roads with vehicle speeds up to 50 km/h or where visibility is more important than in Class 1 environments.
This level is common for road workers, truck drivers and construction workers.
The garments contain at least 0.50 m² of fluorescent material and 0.13 m² of reflective material.
It provides clear visibility both day and night, especially in low light or rain.
Typical garments include jackets, vests and overalls.
They often have wider reflective bands around the torso and sleeves to highlight movement.
Class 2 is a requirement for many occupations where the worker is close to moving traffic but not in the middle of the roadway.
Class 3 provides the highest level of visibility and is used in high-risk environments with vehicle speeds above 60 km/h.
Examples include road work on highways, emergency services and night work in busy areas.
Garments must cover the upper body and arms or be a combination of several parts that together meet the requirements.
They contain at least 0.80 m² of fluorescent material and 0.20 m² of reflective material.
Class 3hi-vis jackets, trousers and overalls provide maximum visibility from all directions.
They are designed to maintain reflectivity even after repeated washing and wear, which is essential for long-term safety in demanding work environments.
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High visibility clothing according to EN ISO 20471 is based on the combination of fluorescent and retro-reflective materials.
These materials increase visibility in different light conditions and are essential for the wearer to be detected both during the day and at night.
Fluorescent materials are used to increase visibility in daylight and at dawn or dusk. The material converts ultraviolet light into visible light, making colors more intense.
Common colors are yellow, orange and red. These colors provide high contrast against most backgrounds.
The fluorescent pigments are integrated into the fabric fibers or applied as dyes. Quality is influenced by light fastness and the material's resistance to fading, among other factors.
To meet the requirements of EN ISO 20471, the garment must contain a certain minimum surface area of fluorescent material depending on the protection class. The table below shows guideline values for surfaces:
| Class | Minimum fluorescent surface (m²) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0,14 |
| 2 | 0,50 |
| 3 | 0,80 |
Retro-reflective materials reflect light back towards the source. It makes the wearer visible in the dark when, for example, headlights hit the garment.
This effect is achieved with microprisms or glass beads embedded in a carrier film.
The reflective strips are placed around the arms, legs and torso to emphasize body movements. The placement is regulated in the standard to ensure 360° visibility.
The performance of the reflectors is measured in cd/lx-m² (candela per lux per square meter). Class 2 and 3 garments require higher reflectivity values than Class 1.
For high-visibility clothing to maintain its level of protection, materials with good durability and color fastness are required. Washing, sunlight and dirt have a negative impact on both fluorescent and retro-reflective materials.
Manufacturers test garments according to standardized methods for wash resistance, abrasion resistance and ageing. The number of approved washing cycles is often indicated on the label, for example 50 washes at 60 °C.
Reflective material can lose its function if it is damaged or covered with dirt. Regular inspection and cleaning is therefore important to ensure that the garment continues to meet EN ISO 20471 requirements.
EN ISO 20471 covers several types of high-visibility clothing that provide different levels of visibility depending on the working environment and the level of risk. The design, materials and combination options of the garments determine the protection class they meet.
A hi-vis vest is often used as a basic garment in construction, transportation and service. It is easy to put on over other clothing and provides sufficient visibility in low to medium risk environments.
Vests are usually certified to Class 1 or 2. A typical Class 2 vest has at least 0.50 m² of fluorescent surface and 0.13 m² of reflective material.
The most common materials are polyester and mesh. It provides good ventilation and durability.
For added functionality, vests can have a zipper, Velcro closure or pockets for ID cards and tools. In environments with vehicle traffic or moving machinery, the vest should be combined with other high-visibility garments to achieve a higher level of protection.
Highvisibility jackets and trousers are used when a higher level of protection is required, often in road works, industry and logistics. These garments normally meet class 2 or 3.
Jackets are often made of waterproof and windproof materials with taped seams. This makes them useful for outdoor work in different weather conditions.
Trousers have reinforced sections and may be lined for extra warmth. A clear advantage is that the clothing provides 360° visibility, so the wearer is visible even from behind.
Breathable membranes and adjustable cuffs are often used to improve comfort. Employers tend to choose these garments for staff working near traffic or machinery where the risk level is high.
Combination certification according to EN ISO 20471 makes it possible to achieve a higher protection class by wearing two garments together. For example, two Class 2 garments can provide Class 3 certification.
This is useful for workers who need flexibility between different operations. A vest can be combined with a jacket or trousers to meet occasional requirements for higher visibility.
For the combination to be valid, the manufacturer must indicate which product pairs are authorized for joint use. This information can be found in the garment's instructions for use or label.
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EN ISO 20471 sets out requirements for how high-visibility clothing should be tested, certified and labeled. The standard governs both the performance of the materials and how the information should be communicated to the user.
Certification to EN ISO 20471 is carried out by accredited testing institutes following guidelines from CEN (European Committee for Standardization). Garments are assessed on the basis of visibility, reflection and fluorescent surface.
Three classes define the level of protection:
| Class | Visibility level | Area of use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lowest | Low risk, e.g. internal stock management |
| 2 | Medium | Traffic environments up to 50 km/h |
| 3 | Highest | Roads with higher speeds or night work |
The tests cover the retroreflectivity of the reflective material, the color fastness and the brightness of the fluorescent material after washing and wearing. In order to pass, the garment must meet minimum surface areas for both reflective and background materials.
Each certified garment must have a label with clear information about the standard, the manufacturer and the certification body. The label shows the high visibility pictogram and the class (1-3) that the garment meets.
The label shall also include:
If the garment is part of a co-certified system, the label shall indicate which combinations achieve class 3.
The performance of warning garments decreases with use and washing. The manufacturer shall indicate the maximum number of washing cycles the garment can withstand without visibility deteriorating below the limits of EN ISO 20471.
The user should follow the care instructions carefully, especially regarding temperature, drying and the use of chemicals. Damaged or faded garments should be removed from use as the reflective and fluorescent properties will no longer meet the requirements.
Regular inspection and documentation of the condition of the garments will help maintain safety levels throughout their lifetime.
EN ISO 20471 defines requirements for visibility clothing within Europe. Other regions have their own standards that differ in structure and test methods.
For companies operating internationally, it is important to understand the differences between these regulations and how they affect labeling, certification and exports.
EN ISO 20471 and ANSI/ISEA 107 have the same purpose - to increase user visibility in hazardous environments - but they differ in several technical details.
The European standard focuses on performance levels and surfaces of fluorescent and retroreflective materials. The American standard also includes design requirements for combined protective functions.
EN ISO 20471 divides clothing into three classes based on visibility level:
| Class | Visibility level | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lowest | Low risk, for example warehouse work |
| 2 | Medium | Road works with lower traffic |
| 3 | Highest | Heavy traffic or reduced visibility |
ANSI/ISEA 107 instead uses type and performance classes, with Type O, R and P indicating the environment of use and Classes 1-3 indicating the level of visibility.
The American standard also allows for combined protection, such as flame and rain protection, which is not always covered by EN ISO 20471.
International companies have to comply with several different standards, depending on where their products are sold. In Europe, EN ISO 20471 applies; in North America, ANSI/ISEA 107 applies.
Other regions, such as Australia and New Zealand, often have their own standards, but they are almost always based on one of the two major ones.
Manufacturers need to double-check that materials, colors and reflectors actually pass the test methods that apply in each region.
EN ISO 20471, for example, requires testing luminance factor and retroreflectivity after washing. ANSI/ISEA 107 focuses more on performance over time and combined functionality.
Third-party certification is common to show that the garment has been tested to the right standard. This makes it easier for procurement, especially in the public sector or large industrial projects.
When exporting, you may need to comply with both EN ISO 20471 and ANSI/ISEA 107 for the same garment.
This requires quite a lot of planning as test methods and labeling differ, even though the materials are sometimes identical.
The manufacturer must demonstrate compliance with each standard separately.
It is quite common to use dual labels or combined certificates to show that the garment is approved in both systems.
This makes the product usable in multiple markets and reduces the need for separate product lines.
However, sometimes details such as the positioning of reflective bands or color boundaries get in the way of dual labeling.
In these cases, compromises have to be made or special versions developed for different regions.
EN ISO 20471 warning clothing is used in occupations where visibility is crucial.
They protect workers in environments with vehicles, machinery or poor visibility and are adapted to working conditions and risk levels.
In construction, visibility is a must due to heavy machinery, vehicle traffic and variable light.
Hi-vis workwear makes it easier for machine operators and colleagues to spot people moving around the workplace.
Workers often wear class 2 or class 3 garments, depending on the level of risk.
Class 3 is used, for example, when working near busy roads or at night.
The garments combine fluorescent material with reflective tape to be visible both day and night.
Common garments include jackets, vests, trousers and rainwear with certified labels.
Many employers opt for garments with high durability and weather protection as the environment can be both dirty and exposed to the weather.
| Protection class | Typical area of use | Visibility |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Confined areas without traffic | Basic |
| Class 2 Construction site | Construction site with vehicles | High |
| Class 3 | Heavy traffic or night work | Very high |
In road and railroad work, EN ISO 20471 is often required by national regulations.
Workers are exposed to risks from passing vehicles and trains, so hi-vis clothing is necessary to reduce accidents.
The clothing must be visible both in daylight and in headlights.
Class 3 is the most common, as it provides maximum visibility with a larger surface area of fluorescent fabric and reflectors.
Reflectors are strategically placed around the torso, arms and legs to highlight body movements.
In railway environments, high visibility garments are sometimes combined with flame retardant or anti-static properties.
This is important for safety when working near power lines or welding.
In addition to construction and infrastructure, high-visibility clothing is used in transport, logistics, emergency services and industry.
Drivers, terminal workers and parking staff need to be visible in environments with moving vehicles and varying lighting.
Emergency services and security guards often use hi-vis workwear in specific color combinations to distinguish roles.
The garments can be combined with weather protection, cold or heat protection depending on the job requirements.
In industrial environments, high-visibility clothing is used to meet both company safety requirements and statutory regulations.
It also facilitates the identification of staff in risk areas.
EN ISO 20471 sets clear requirements for high-visibility clothing used in high-risk work environments.
The standard regulates protection classes, test methods and how long garments should retain their function after use and washing.
The standard divides garments into three protection classes depending on the amount of fluorescent and reflective material.
Class 3 provides the highest visibility and is used in the highest risk environments, such as road works in the dark.
Class 2 and Class 1 are used for lower risk levels, but still require good visibility.
Materials are tested for color fastness, light reflection and wear resistance.
The performance of reflective materials is measured by retroreflectivity tests, while fluorescent fabrics are tested for how well they retain color and brightness after repeated washes and sunlight.
The certification applies to jackets, trousers, vests, overalls and rainwear used to improve visibility.
The garments can be worn separately or combined to achieve a higher protection class according to the standard.
In many European countries, certified clothing is required for occupations close to traffic, construction sites or other hazardous areas.
The employer is responsible for ensuring that the right level of protection is used based on the workplace risk assessment.
Garments should be replaced when they show clear signs of wear and tear, fading or if the reflectivity has significantly deteriorated.
The manufacturer usually provides a recommended number of washing cycles as a guide to when the garment no longer meets the requirements of the standard.
It is recommended to wash these garments separately or together with similar materials. This will reduce the risk of damaging the reflective surfaces.
Mild detergents should be used. Avoid bleaches and fabric softeners as they can actually reduce both visibility and reflectivity.
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.