![]() When EN ISO 20471 replaced EN471 several improvements were made to the standard. What is EN471?ĮN471 is the old classification standard for high-visibility clothing that preceded EN ISO 20471 before it came into force in 2013. By wearing 2 or more certified products that make up class 3 based on the total area of fluorescent and reflective materialĪ risk assessment of the conditions and risks for a particular worker should be used to determine the suitable class required for the role.By wearing an individual garment rated as class 3.There are minimum requirements for each as per the table below:Ĭlass 3 certification can be achieved in 2 ways: You can see an example of how this looks below:Ĭertification is based on the surface area of both the fluorescent material and the reflective tape. All garments should be labelled with the approved EN ISO 20471 icon and the appropriate class number. What are the different classifications of EN ISO 20471?Ĭertification is split into 3 classes, with class 1 offering the lowest level of protection, class 2 being an intermediate level and class 3 offering the highest level. These requirements ensure that all hi-vis garments are suitable for the intended working conditions. ![]() Physical properties including tensile strength, thermal resistance and dimensional stability are also covered by the standard. In order for a garment to be certified, it needs to have a base colour that meets the required level of fluorescence, a minimum area of reflectivity and the correct placement of this reflective tape. The areas covered with the contrast fabric are generally where dirt is more likely to build up. Some hi-vis clothing features dark-coloured parts that are less sensitive to dirt than the fluorescent material and reflective strips. They are essential for those working at night. Reflective strips require a light source to work and create retro-reflection. These are designed to enhance visibility during the darker hours of the day. This boosts visibility during daylight hours and can also increase visibility at night. There are 3 key components that are used to assess whether a garment meets EN ISO 20471 safety requirements. It is specifically used to asses “high visibility clothing which is capable of visually signalling the user's presence” and assesses the suitability and durability of retro-reflective materials.Ĭertificates are valid for a total of 5 years, which ensures that all hi-vis garments continue to meet the required standards and any update made to the international standards. What are the current regulations?ĮN ISO 20471:2013 is the international standard for the safety requirements and test methods of hi-vis workwear, and is applicable to any high-risk situation. The wearer should be clearly visible from all angles and the design of the reflective strips and fluorescent material should account for this. The main role of hi-vis clothing is to reduce the risk of accidents occurring in these potentially dangerous environments by making the wearer stand out from the background. It is also essential for any poor light conditions (for example working at night, or in a darker environment such as a warehouse). Hi-vis workwear is a mandatory requirement for all industries where work occurs near traffic, cranes & other motorised vehicles.
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