All you need to know about visibility clothing
Design regulated by EU standard The design of high visibility clothing is regulated by EU standard EN ISO 20471 . It states what colours must be used , where the reflective strips must be located and which information must be included with the garments . Requirements apply to the material ’ s properties to ensure maximum visibility and to enable washing without a loss of visibility . The garments must also be designed a certain way to ensure maximum visibility .
Tested by selected test institutes When the garments are approved along with the documentation , a certificate is awarded stating that they fulfil the requirements of standard EN ISO 20471 . The garments are CE marked indicating certification and featuring information on care and how the garment should be used .
High visibility clothing is divided into three classes Garments are divided into different classes depending on their visibility . Classification is mainly dependent on the garment ’ s fluorescent areas and reflective surfaces .
Class 3 : Most visible . Total fluorescent area must be at least 0.8 m 2 and the reflective strips 0.2 m 2 .
Class 2 : Total fluorescent area must be at least 0.5 m 2 and the reflective strips 0.13 m 2 .
Class 1 : Least visible . Total fluorescent area must be at least 0.14 m 2 and the reflective strips 0.1 m 2 .
In all classes , there must be no more than 10 cm between the reflective strips . This means that the zip on a jacket must be closed , for example .
Can be combined with other garments It is possible to combine garments from different classes , however combining classes 1 and 2 does not automatically create class 3 . To attain class 3 , the clothing ’ s total fluorescent area must be at least 0.8 m 2 . Garments of different colours may also be combined . They must , however , be certified together to allow their whole area to be calculated , otherwise only a single garment ’ s area is applicable .
Yellow is the most visible colour The EU standard specifies three approved fluorescent colours : yellow , orange and red . The certificate states that the garments are approved for combining . Tests have shown the colour yellow to be twice as luminous as orange or red . Furthermore , yellow is the only one of the three colours which is fluorescent in direct sunlight and sodium light , which is the type of lighting used in tunnels , for example .
Reflective strips for visibility in the dark Fluorescent colours lose their luminosity in the dark . Garments therefore have reflective strips to reflect the light from vehicle headlamps in the dark . Reflective strips on the legs mean the wearer can be seen from greater distances .
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