# What does the EN ISO 20471 standard mean for high-visibility clothing?

> High-visibility workwear is a key requirement in industries where good visibility of the worker is essential.

URL: https://www.utg-vodnik.si/novice/what-does-the-en-iso-20471-standard-mean-for-high-visibility-clothing

**WHAT IS HIGH-VISIBILITY CLOTHING UNDER EN ISO 20471?**

ISO 20471:2013 High-visibility clothing is the international standard for the safety requirements and test methods for high-visibility workwear, used in high-risk situations. It sets out requirements for "high-visibility clothing that is capable of visually signalling the user's presence" and assesses the suitability and durability of reflective materials.

EN ISO 20471 was issued in 2013 and replaced EN 471:2003 A1:2007. Because certificates are valid for only five years, the last garments made to an EN 471 certificate are no longer compliant. If you have not recently updated your workers' hi-vis clothing, you are probably not operating in line with EN ISO 20471, so now is the time to order replacements. All new high-visibility workwear made after 2013 must carry the CE mark and be designed in accordance with the new standard.

As in EN 471, the requirements for background materials, reflective materials and materials with combined properties are divided into three classes. A few important differences should be noted, which we cover later in this article.

**THE THREE COMPONENTS OF HI-VIS CLOTHING**

EN ISO 20471 lays down requirements for high-visibility clothing covering the design and performance of every element of the garment. There are usually three main components:

**1. Fluorescent material**

This increases visibility during the day, and to some extent at night too.

**2. Reflective tape**

These are intended to improve visibility in the darker hours of the day. Reflective tapes need a light source to work and produce a reflection. They are essential for those who work at night.

There are different types of high-visibility retroreflective tape, the most common being "glass bead reflective tapes". These must be carefully maintained so that the garment remains fit for use and fully compliant. The standard specifies that a CE-marked, certified garment must have reflective bands around the legs and sleeves, so bear this in mind when choosing long-sleeved hi-vis clothing, jackets (such as bomber jackets and hi-vis jackets) and hi-vis work trousers.

**3. Contrast material**

Some hi-vis garments are designed with darker-coloured panels, which show dirt less than the fluorescent material and reflective tape, without which functionality would be reduced. The areas covered with contrast fabric are usually those where dirt is most likely to build up – for example at the ends of sleeves or trouser legs and across the stomach on shirts and jackets.

**KEY REQUIREMENTS OF EN ISO 20471 FOR HIGH-VISIBILITY CLOTHING**

The standard covers requirements for the base colour of the fabric, the minimum areas of reflective material and the placement of tape on high-visibility clothing.

The requirements for the minimum area of reflective material (detailed in the table below) can limit the scope for adapting garments. For example, shortening trousers can reduce the area of fluorescent material too much. It also means that [hi-vis trousers](https://www.utg-vodnik.si/en/protective-clothing/trousers-and-skirts?filters=104) must not be tucked into [safety boots](https://www.utg-vodnik.si/en/safety-footwear/boots), as the garment may then no longer comply with the standard. The same applies to wearing garments that hide or cover the fluorescent material, for example wearing a [jacket](https://www.utg-vodnik.si/en/protective-clothing/jackets?filters=104) with no bright material over a [vest](https://www.utg-vodnik.si/en/protective-clothing/vests?filters=104) with bright material.

Three material colours are approved in high-visibility standards: fluorescent **yellow, orange and red**. In addition to the area of each material, requirements are set for the performance of the material and the reflectance level of the reflective tapes. The standard also covers physical properties, including strength, heat resistance and dimensional stability. These requirements ensure that all high-visibility garments are suitable for the various working conditions in which there is a high risk.

There are strict requirements on the amount of "bleeding" between reflective tapes and fluorescent and contrast materials. "Bleeding" refers to residual dye in a material that can stain sensitive parts of high-visibility clothing. Because fluorescent material is always a bright colour, it can be affected by the darker colour of the contrast material. EN ISO 20471 sets an acceptable level of discolouration, which ensures that the fluorescence remains effective.

Although personalised personal protective equipment is an excellent way to promote and distinguish your company in the workplace, you must be careful when adding logos to high-visibility workwear. Areas of reflective material covered by a logo will be excluded from the calculation of the required minimum area of reflective material. Where possible, use reflective logos or place the logo on the contrast material, so that it does not affect compliance with the safety standard for high-visibility clothing.

**UNDERSTANDING HI-VIS CLASSES**

The standard classifies hi-vis clothing into three classes, and all garments must be marked with the EN ISO 20471 icon and the appropriate class number. You can see an example below:

The selection and use of high-visibility clothing must always be based on a risk assessment of the conditions and risks for the individual worker. The class of high-visibility workwear required depends on the risk area in which the worker is located, which also determines the required amount of reflective tape and fluorescent material.

Certification is based on the area of both types of material, and there are minimum requirements for each:

**Class 3**
**Class 2**
**Class 1**

**Reflective tape**
0.20 m²
0.13 m²
0.10 m²

**Fluorescent material**
0.80 m²
0.50 m²
0.14 m²

**Hi-Vis Class 1:**Lowest level of visibility

Products that typically meet Class 1 include hi-vis trousers when worn separately from other hi-vis garments.

**Hi-Vis Class 2:** medium level of visibility

Products that typically meet Class 2 include sleeveless vests.

**Hi-Vis Class 3:** Highest level of visibility

Products that typically meet Class 3 are HiVIS jackets and vests with sleeves.

**Class 3 can be achieved in two ways:**

1. by wearing a single garment rated as Class 3

2. by wearing together certified items that form Class 3 based on the combined area of fluorescent and reflective material

You can tell when items are certified together by looking at the inner label, which will name the combined product.

**HOW DOES EN ISO 20471 DIFFER FROM EN 471?**

When EN ISO 20471 replaced EN 471 in 2013, several improvements were introduced. The new standard makes a greater distinction between different types of risk situation, which users can apply to their own situations to determine the level of protection they need.

Importantly, the requirements now depend on which part of the body the garment covers, rather than on the type of garment as in EN 471. There are five options: torso only, arms and torso, legs, torso and legs, and torso, arms and legs.

Although there are still three classes into which high-visibility clothing can be classified, the requirements for Class 3 have increased. Class 3 garments must now cover the torso and include full-length sleeves or trousers.

If a sleeve covers part of the reflective tape on the torso of the garment, the standard requires that reflective tape must also be present on the sleeves.

Interestingly, the requirements for the strength, tear resistance and tensile resistance of fabrics have been reduced, while colour fastness has been improved to at least grade 4.

The EN ISO 20471 marking has also been updated. It is designed to be clearer, with a single number next to the illustration indicating the class of the garment.

**MAINTAINING COMPLIANCE WITH EN ISO 20471**

EN ISO 20471 describes the test methods and requirements before use in detail, but it does not cover requirements for maintaining compliance after a garment has been worn for some time. However, it is important to inspect and maintain high-visibility workwear to ensure that its performance does not deteriorate over time.

So when should you replace high-visibility clothing? The service life of most high-visibility products is a maximum of 25 washes, unless the label states otherwise. This means you can lose compliance through excessive cleaning. Wearing an over-washed hi-vis garment increases the likelihood of an accident, while insufficiently frequent washing can also affect the garment's performance, as stains and dirt reduce the product's visibility.

For this reason, it is best to have at least two hi-vis garments for each part of the body and alternate their use, to extend their life and wash them less often. With this method, you should aim to replace your hi-vis garments about every three months.

Since you can choose from many different hi-vis garments, it is a good idea to ask your workers about their preferences. Some may prefer short-sleeved polo shirts to short-sleeved **[T-shirts](https://www.utg-vodnik.si/en/protective-clothing/t-shirts?filters=104)**. Others may find a softshell jacket more comfortable and practical for their role than a bomber jacket. Involving employees in choosing high-visibility clothing will not only improve morale and engagement, but also make workers more likely to feel motivated to wear the personal protective equipment provided.

There are ways to extend the life of workwear and personal protective equipment, but once a high-visibility product is no longer able to perform according to its certified class, it is time to replace it.

Keep your team safe and your company compliant. Browse our extensive range of high-visibility clothing**[here](https://www.utg-vodnik.si/trgovina?filters=104&lang=en)** and update your workers' clothing today. You can also view our range of hi-vis clothing [in our store](http://www.utg-vodnik.si/kontakt#trgovina) in Vir near Domžale, where we will be happy to advise you on the most suitable choice.