Hi Vis Classification
- Product Code: HIVISINFO
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The requirements and the facts.
Being struck by a moving vehicle is the second most common cause of death in the workplace today and accounted for 17% of all fatal injuries in 2002/3.
It is therefore essential that any high visibility garments, workwear, clothing, issued to employees conform to all relevant performance standards (EN471, European Standard for High Visibility Clothing), and are worn and maintained correctly for maximum protection.
So what does this mean?
In order to comply with all UK and European legislation, you need to ensure that the high visibility garments you buy comply with the following: High visibility clothing conforming to EN471:2003; Table1, Class 2 or 3, which must be worn at all times. The colour of the background materials should normally be flourescent yellow from Table 2 of EN471:2003. The retroreflective materials should comply with Table 5.
Reflective material enhances your visibility in low light situations. This reflective material returns light to a light source (such as vehicle headlights) creating a bright image that motorists are more likely to see from a distance. As a result, motorists and pedestrians have more time to react.
NOTE: From July 1995 high visibility clothing issued in accordance with the PPE Regulations must carry a CE mark. All garments on our website meet this requirement unless otherwise stated.
EN471 Garment Classifications.
Garment types are grouped into three classes based on the conspicuity provided, with the classes dictating the minimum quantities of background and retroreflective materials to be used.
CLASS 3: High Visibility Coats, jackets with sleeves, coveralls & two piece combination suits
Highest Protection Level: Essential for people working on or near motorways, dual carraigeways, airports and railways.
Bands of retroreflective material shall not be less than 50mm wide.
Maximum background material 0.8m².
Minimum retroreflective material 0.20m²
A revised version of EN471 was published in March 2004. One of the major changes in this version is that horizontal reflective bands can now have an incline of +20º.
CLASS 2: High Visibility Sleeveless waistcoats, tabards & bib/brace trousers
Intermediate Protection Level: Usually defined for use on or near A and B roads, delivery drivers etc.
Bands of retroreflective material shall not be less than 50mm wide.
Minimum background material 0.50m².
Minimum retroreflective material 0.13m²
CLASS 1: High Visibilty Trousers & Harness
Lowest Protection Level:
Where enhanced visibilty is an advantage, but for minimal risk/off road purposes only.
Bands of retroreflective material shall not be less than 50mm wide.
Minimum background material 0.14m².
Minimum retroreflective material 0.10m²
It is also important to take care of and maintain your high visibility garments,
The dirtier high visibilty workwear becomes the less effective the reflective tape and background become, wash them regularly or replace them.
Don't cut parts of the high visibility garment away, the protection they provide depends on the area of flourescent material and retro-reflective tape visible.
Wear your high visibility garment fastened to ensure maximum surface area visible, and also to prevent the garment tangling with moving machinery.
Being struck by a moving vehicle is the second most common cause of death in the workplace today and accounted for 17% of all fatal injuries in 2002/3.
It is therefore essential that any high visibility garments, workwear, clothing, issued to employees conform to all relevant performance standards (EN471, European Standard for High Visibility Clothing), and are worn and maintained correctly for maximum protection.
So what does this mean?
In order to comply with all UK and European legislation, you need to ensure that the high visibility garments you buy comply with the following: High visibility clothing conforming to EN471:2003; Table1, Class 2 or 3, which must be worn at all times. The colour of the background materials should normally be flourescent yellow from Table 2 of EN471:2003. The retroreflective materials should comply with Table 5.
Reflective material enhances your visibility in low light situations. This reflective material returns light to a light source (such as vehicle headlights) creating a bright image that motorists are more likely to see from a distance. As a result, motorists and pedestrians have more time to react.
NOTE: From July 1995 high visibility clothing issued in accordance with the PPE Regulations must carry a CE mark. All garments on our website meet this requirement unless otherwise stated.
EN471 Garment Classifications.
Garment types are grouped into three classes based on the conspicuity provided, with the classes dictating the minimum quantities of background and retroreflective materials to be used.
CLASS 3: High Visibility Coats, jackets with sleeves, coveralls & two piece combination suits
Highest Protection Level: Essential for people working on or near motorways, dual carraigeways, airports and railways.
Bands of retroreflective material shall not be less than 50mm wide.
Maximum background material 0.8m².
Minimum retroreflective material 0.20m²
A revised version of EN471 was published in March 2004. One of the major changes in this version is that horizontal reflective bands can now have an incline of +20º.
CLASS 2: High Visibility Sleeveless waistcoats, tabards & bib/brace trousers
Intermediate Protection Level: Usually defined for use on or near A and B roads, delivery drivers etc.
Bands of retroreflective material shall not be less than 50mm wide.
Minimum background material 0.50m².
Minimum retroreflective material 0.13m²
CLASS 1: High Visibilty Trousers & Harness
Lowest Protection Level:
Where enhanced visibilty is an advantage, but for minimal risk/off road purposes only.
Bands of retroreflective material shall not be less than 50mm wide.
Minimum background material 0.14m².
Minimum retroreflective material 0.10m²
It is also important to take care of and maintain your high visibility garments,
The dirtier high visibilty workwear becomes the less effective the reflective tape and background become, wash them regularly or replace them.
Don't cut parts of the high visibility garment away, the protection they provide depends on the area of flourescent material and retro-reflective tape visible.
Wear your high visibility garment fastened to ensure maximum surface area visible, and also to prevent the garment tangling with moving machinery.