High visibility clothing is divided into three classes that show how visible it is in different working conditions. The classification is based on the amount of fluorescent and reflective material, i.e. how clearly the wearer is visible in daylight and darkness.
According to EN ISO 20471, there are Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3. This refers to how much of the garment consists of fluorescent and reflective materials.
Class 1 has the lowest visibility and is used where the risk of traffic or machine movements is low. The garments have the least amount of high visibility material and reflectors.
Class 2 has medium visibility and is suitable for work near vehicles or in areas with slightly more traffic. It requires larger areas of colored fabric and reflectors than Class 1.
Class 3 provides the highest visibility and is used where the level of risk is high, for example on roads with speeds above 60 km/h. The garments often cover larger areas of the body, such as jackets or overalls.
| Class | Level of visibility | Typical uses |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Low level | Warehouse work, fenced areas |
| 2 | Medium | Construction sites, low traffic roads |
| 3 | High | High speed roads, emergency services |
The difference is mostly in the amount of visible material - the higher the class, the more fluorescent and reflective surface is required.
Class 1 garments can be simple vests or trousers with narrow reflective bands. They are intended for environments where vehicles are moving slowly or where there is plenty of space between workers and vehicles.
Class 2 garments, such as vests or jackets, have wider reflective bands and more color. They are easily visible in daylight and low light conditions.
Class 3 garments must cover the upper body and arms or legs. They have the largest reflective surfaces and are often combined with other garments to achieve full certification.
The three-class classification is there to adapt visibility to the level of risk at work. It allows employers to choose the right level of protection depending on traffic, light and task.
The system exists to ensure that people working near moving vehicles or machinery are sufficiently visible.
Following the right level of visibility meets the requirements of the EU directive for personal protective equipment. It also makes supervision and safety checks a little smoother.
It's not about design or comfort - it's about functional visibility.
High visibility clothing must meet clear requirements for visibility, safety and labeling. This is all governed by European standards that specify how much fluorescent and reflective material is required, and how the clothing should be certified and labeled.
EN ISO 20471 is the current standard for high-visibility clothing in the EU. It replaced EN 471 and sets requirements for materials, construction and test methods. The standard applies to protective clothing that is visible in daylight, twilight and darkness.
The clothing is divided into three classes:
| Class | Visibility level | Area of use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lowest | Areas with low traffic or limited risk |
| 2 | Medium | Road works or places with moderate traffic |
| 3 | Highest | Heavy traffic, highways or emergency services |
The higher the class, the greater the requirement for visible material and reflective surface. EN ISO 20471 ensures that clothing provides sufficient contrast and reflection in all light conditions.
Each class requires a certain minimum surface of fluorescent and reflective material. The fluorescent fabric is visible in daylight, while reflectors and other reflective surfaces make you visible in the dark when illuminated.
Examples of minimum surfaces according to EN ISO 20471:
| Class | Fluorescent surface (m²) | Reflective surface (m²) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0,14 | 0,10 |
| 2 | 0,50 | 0,13 |
| 3 | 0,80 | 0,20 |
Reflectors must be evenly distributed around the body to create a clear silhouette. If the reflectors are dirty or broken, they will not work as well - the garment may no longer meet the standard.
To be sold as high-visibility protective clothing, garments must be CE marked and tested according to EN ISO 20471. The marking must indicate the class of the garment and the reference to the standard (e.g. EN ISO 20471:2013).
The manufacturer is responsible for ensuring that the clothing is tested by an independent certification body. The label must also show information on washing, maintenance and durability, as this affects the performance of the reflectors.
Only garments that meet all requirements can be used in workplaces where visibility is important for safety.
Warning Class 1 garments are those with the lowest visibility according to EN ISO 20471. They are used where the risk of collision or poor visibility is limited and where other safety measures are available.
Class 1 garments are common in low traffic environments or where vehicles are moving slowly. Examples include warehouse work, indoor logistics, forklift driving and maintenance in confined areas.
They can also be seen on staff working close to but not directly on roadways, such as parking lot attendants or janitors. Class 1 is sometimes used to complement other protective equipment when higher visibility is not needed.
Employers often choose this class when the risk assessment shows that light and traffic do not require a higher visibility class. This makes the garments practical where mobility and comfort are more important than maximum visibility.
Class 1 high-visibility garments have at least 0.14 m² of fluorescent surface and 0.10 m² of reflective material - less than Class 2 and 3.
The colors are usually yellow, orange or red, according to EN ISO 20471. The reflectors are placed so that they are visible when moving, often around the torso and legs.
The material is usually polyester or cotton blends that are durable and reasonably breathable. The design makes the garments lightweight and comfortable, so you can wear them for a long time.
Advantages:
Limitations:
Class 1 garments work best where there is already good light and low risk, but where you still want some visibility for safety.
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Class 2 is used when the work environment presents a moderate to high risk of a person not being seen clearly enough. It provides better visibility than Class 1 and is often used where vehicles or machinery are moving at speeds between approximately 30 and 60 km/h.
Class 2 is quite common on construction sites, in ports, railroad areas and road works where traffic is not extremely dense but still requires increased visibility.
Workers loading and unloading goods, parking lot attendants and daylight rescue workers often benefit from this class.
In industrial areas where heavy machinery is moving around or where the weather can reduce visibility, Class 2 provides a fairly good balance between protection and comfort.
It is also used for search and rescue or other missions where several people are working in different terrain but still need to be seen.
High visibility class 2 garments must comply with EN ISO 20471.
They must have more fluorescent material and reflectors than class 1, but not as much as class 3.
The fluorescent fabric should cover at least 0.50 m² and the reflective material at least 0.13 m².
The colors are usually yellow, orange or red.
This makes the wearer visible both in daylight and when it is a little darker outside.
The reflectors should be placed around the torso and sometimes on the sleeves or legs to create a clear silhouette.
The clothing must be CE marked and made of materials that maintain visibility even after many washes and harsh weather.
After all, the garment needs to provide consistent protection throughout its lifetime.
Warning class 2 provides significantly better visibility than class 1.
It is suitable where the risk level is slightly higher but you still want good freedom of movement and avoid heavy garments.
For those working close to vehicles or machinery, class 2 provides better contrast with the surroundings.
It is often used as the standard level for occupations where you need to be visible both day and night but do not need full coverage as class 3 requires.
| Characteristic | Class 1 | Class 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Low | Medium |
| Typical environments | Low traffic areas | Construction sites, ports |
| Reflective surface requirements | Lowest | Higher |
| Level of use | Basic | Enhanced safety |
Class 3 warning clothing provides the very highest visibility and is used where the risk of accidents is greatest.
They are made for environments with fast traffic, poor lighting or really messy working conditions where you need to be visible from all directions.
Class 3 is most commonly used in roadworks, emergency services and other places where vehicles travel over 60 km/h.
It is often required on highways, major construction sites and when working at night.
Workers directing traffic, doing maintenance or working on railways need to be clearly visible both day and night.
Class 3 warning clothing greatly reduces the risk of accidents by increasing visibility from a distance.
Typical garments include jackets, overalls and high visibility trousers with a lot of fluorescent material.
The combination makes the whole body clearly visible even when moving.
To qualify as class 3 according to EN ISO 20471, a greater amount of fluorescent and reflective surface is required than in classes 1 and 2.
The garment must have at least 0.80 m² of fluorescent background material and 0.20 m² of reflective material.
The reflectors should be positioned so that the wearer is visible from all directions, even when moving.
The reflective tapes are usually placed around the arms, legs and torso.
The material must be durable and withstand many washes without fading.
Common colors are yellow, orange or red - they are most visible against most backgrounds.
If a single garment is not enough for Class 3, two Class 2 garments can be combined.
A common example is a Class 2 jacket paired with Class 2 warning pants.
The combination must be certified together for it to count as Class 3.
| Garment combination | Class level | Certification requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Class 2 jacket + Class 2 trousers | Class 3 | Yes, joint certification required |
| Class 3 jacket | Class 3 | Individual certification |
| Vest class 2 + trousers class 1 | Class 2 | Not enough for class 3 |
This gives a little more freedom to adapt the clothing to the season and work environment without compromising safety.
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High visibility clothing combines visible colors and reflective surfaces to increase safety where visibility is poor.
It should balance visibility, comfort and durability without unduly disrupting freedom of movement or the environment.
Fluorescent materials improve visibility during daylight, dawn and dusk.
It works by absorbing UV light and converting it into visible light, making the garment stand out more against the background.
Common colors are yellow, orange and red - they provide strong contrast.
Reflective material is best in the dark when hit by light, for example from a car.
It often consists of small glass beads or prisms that reflect light back towards the light source.
The combination of fluorescent and reflective surfaces provides protection in different light conditions.
According to EN ISO 20471, the visibility class (1-3) is determined by how much fluorescent and reflective material the garment has.
Class 3 requires the largest surfaces for maximum visibility, while class 1 is for simpler environments.
It's not just the material that counts - the placement of color and reflectors is also important.
Reflective tape is usually placed around the torso, arms and legs to highlight body movements.
This makes it easier for drivers and machine operators to quickly see where people are.
The fit also affects visibility.
Garments that are too loose or pleated can hide reflections when moving.
Therefore, ergonomic cuts and adjustable details are often used to make reflectors visible from multiple directions.
Manufacturers adapt the design to the working environment - rainproof materials for outdoor use or breathable fabrics if it's hot.
Functional pockets, zippers and reinforced seams are usually integrated without reducing visibility.
The production of high-visibility clothing has an impact on the environment through dyeing, textile production and chemicals.
Many manufacturers are now turning to recycled polyester fibers and water-based dyes to reduce emissions and save resources.
Durability is also an environmental issue.
The more durable garments are, the less often they need to be replaced - reducing waste.
Fabrics are tested to withstand many washes without losing fluorescence or reflectivity.
Certifications such as OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and ISO 14001 show that production follows environmental standards.
It makes sense to combine safety standards with environmental concerns so that the clothing protects both the user and the environment.
Safety clothing only protects if it is used and cared for properly.
Materials, washing and things like prints or embroidery affect both visibility and longevity.
The right size and fit also play a major role in comfort and safety.
Warning clothing should be washed according to the manufacturer's washing instructions to keep the fluorescent colors and reflectors bright.
Excessive temperatures or strong detergents can ruin the reflective properties.
Use mild detergents without bleach or fabric softeners - fabric softeners can leave a film on the reflector and reduce its effectiveness.
Wash garments separately from dark clothes to avoid discoloration.
After washing, dry according to the label, preferably air dry.
Tumble drying on high heat can damage the reflectors.
If you work in a dirty environment, you should wash your garments often, as dirt reduces visibility.
After each wash, check that the reflectors are still in place and not cracked or dulled.
If visibility is reduced, replace the garment even if it is otherwise intact - safety must come first.
Printing and embroidery can actually affect the visibility and certification of the high-visibility garment. Placing logos or text over reflective surfaces reduces the reflective surface, and the garment may no longer meet the requirements for its high-visibility class.
It is important to place prints and embroidery on surfaces that do not interfere with the fluorescent or reflective parts. Most manufacturers usually have recommended zones for marking, so it's worth looking at them.
When heat transfer printing, use a low temperature and keep the pressing short, otherwise you risk damaging the material. Embroidery needs to be sewn carefully so that waterproof properties are not compromised.
A quick way to check the impact of the marking is to compare the garment before and after under bright light. Do the reflections look uneven or has the color dulled? If so, it's probably best not to use the garment in a hazardous environment.
The right size and fit are crucial to ensure that high-visibility clothing works as intended. A garment that is too big can get caught in machinery, while a garment that is too small limits freedom of movement and reflective surfaces can disappear from view.
Consider underwear and any layers when choosing your size. Many manufacturers have sizing charts to help, although sometimes it feels like a lottery anyway.
The garment should fit snugly but not be too tight. The reflective strips should lie in even lines around your body, even when you are moving.
If you use a harness or vest on top, check that the visibility works with the rest of the equipment. It might be a good idea to have a colleague check visibility at different distances and in different light.
If the reflectors are covered or not visible from all directions, it is probably worth trying a different size or model.
The choice of high-visibility clothing depends a lot on the risk level of the work environment, lighting conditions and how close you are to vehicle traffic. Visibility is really crucial to reduce accidents, especially where people work near moving machinery or vehicles.
Construction sites and roadworks are often high risk, both because of heavy machinery and traffic that may arrive unexpectedly. Are you working near roads where cars travel at over 60 km/h? If so, you need to be in warning class 3 - i.e. maximum amount of fluorescent and reflective material.
In fenced areas with less traffic, class 2 is sometimes sufficient. It provides good visibility day and night, but is mainly for low-speed areas.
| Risk level | Recommended class | Example of environment |
|---|---|---|
| High (traffic > 60 km/h) | Class 3 | Road works, highway |
| Medium | Class 2 construction site | Construction site, loading zone |
| Low | Class 1 | Confined areas without vehicle traffic |
The employer must carry out the risk assessment and choose the right garments. Clothing must be CE marked and comply with EN ISO 20471.
Requirements in industry and transport vary depending on whether you work indoors, outdoors or in warehouses where vehicles move around. Truck drivers, loaders and logisticians often need Class 2 to be visible in dark environments and among moving vehicles.
In larger terminals or when working at night, Class 3 is often required, especially if visibility is poor. For administrative staff or visitors in lower risk zones, class 1 may be sufficient.
Clothes should be durable and comfortable, otherwise they will just lie around. It is possible to combine jackets and trousers of different classes to achieve sufficient visibility. Reflectors around the arms, waist and legs are important - otherwise you can easily get lost in the crowd.
Ports, airports, emergency services and agriculture all have their own requirements for high-visibility clothing. In airports and ports, Class 3 is often the norm, as vehicles and machinery move fast and erratically.
In agriculture and forestry, class 2 may be sufficient, but if you work near roads or in the dark, a higher class is preferable. Emergency services and security guards often mix reflective and fluorescent materials to be visible both day and night.
The climate comes into play. Winter requires insulating materials, while summer garments should ideally be breathable but still meet the requirements of the chosen high visibility class.
Warning classes are used by Swedish authorities to clearly show the degree of risk in weather events or other threats to safety and society. The classification determines the measures required from both the public and the authorities to limit damage and disruption.
Alert class 1 indicates weather or events that may pose some risk to people and property. The effects are usually quite limited but can affect traffic, outdoor activities or even local power grids.
People should be extra vigilant, keep an eye on government information and perhaps reschedule travel or activities if necessary.
Class 2 alerts involve greater risks and more extensive consequences. The events may cause damage to buildings, traffic disruption or power outages over larger areas.
Authorities are stepping up preparedness, and the public is advised to avoid unnecessary travel and secure loose items.
Alert level 3 is the most severe level and is used for extreme weather or other events that could threaten life, property and public services.
The criteria include very strong winds, major flooding or other conditions where it is actually dangerous to be outside.
Ignoring a Class 3 warning can lead to serious injuries or even life-threatening situations.
Community services can be affected, and rescue operations will be more difficult if people do not follow recommendations or cordons.
Authorities such as SMHI and MSB use several channels to disseminate warnings: radio, TV, apps, SMS - in fact, most of them.
Information is continuously updated to advise people on what to do and which areas are affected.
In a class 1 alert, the authorities are responsible for keeping track of developments and communicating any changes.
They also work with municipalities and emergency services to ensure that resources are available in case things get worse.
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.