High Visibility Clothing EN471 Legislation

EN471 LEGISLATION

Where stated, our garments conform to safety regulation EN471:2003. These cover the area of materials used, their colour and retro-reflective properties.

The background material must be fluorescent re-emitting optical radiation at wavelengths longer than absorbed while the retro-reflective material must reflect light emitted by a light source back to that source. The retro–reflective tape must be a minimum of 50mm wide.

There are three classes of garment type based upon the level of conspicuity they provide.

The garments are required to signal the presence of the wearer visually in daylight as well as under illumination by vehicle headlights.

EN471 Class 1
Is the lowest level of conspicuity with minimum background material of 0.14sq.m. and minimum retro-reflective material 0.10sq.m. This is intended for activities of minimal risk.

EN471 Class 2
Minimum background material of 0.5sq.m. and minimum retro-reflective material 0.13sq.m.
This medium standard is probably the most used level of conspicuity.

EN471 Class 3
The highest level of conspicuity is where the minimum level of background must be 0.8sq.m. and minimum retro-reflective material is 0.2sq.m. Typically Class 3 garments are long sleeved with arm stripes and shoulder braces and must be used on roads where the speed limit is above 50mph.

There are many more regulations relating to High Visibility clothing, this information is for guidance only.
The purchaser must ensure that the garments purchased are fit for the purpose for which they are intended to be used.

See the full text of the Standard for details