High-visibility workwear is essential when working around moving vehicles and in other hazardous environments. This article is a brief guide to the EN471 classes to help you ensure the safety of your staff.
Classes of Safety Workwear?
The EN471 national standards set specific guidance for reflective clothing. There are three categories based on the levels of visibility (conspicuity) they provide:
Class 1: Lowest level of conspicuity
- Minimum visible area of fluorescent material of 0.14m²
- Minimum visible area of retro-reflective material of 0.1m2
- EXAMPLE JOB ROLES: Warehouse Operatives / Supermarket Trolley Collectors / Parking Attendants
Class 2: Medium level of conspicuity
- Minimum visible area of fluorescent material of 0.5m²
- Minimum visible area of retro-reflective material of 0.13m2
- EXAMPLE JOB ROLES: Railway Construction / School Crossing / Airport Baggage Crew / Roadside Vehicle Maintenance Workers
Class 3: Highest level of conspicuity
- Minimum visible area of fluorescent material of 0.8m2
- Minimum visible area of retro-reflective material of 0.2m2
- EXAMPLE JOB ROLES: Emergency Services / Survey Crews / Highway workers / High-volume parking attendants
When selecting your Hi-Vis, it is better to be over-cautious than to put your workers at risk – you need to ensure that you have the right level of visibility for your workers.
Is it Suitable for the Wearer?
The apparel should be fitted to the wearer, leaving room for clothing to be worn underneath and ensuring a good fit. If the clothing is too big, it becomes a hazard in itself, catching or snagging on machinery, and if the clothing is too small the wearer won’t fit comfortably into the item. The garment should be comfortable to wear and have no rough edges that can cause irritation, it should also be lightweight.
How Should it be Worn?
Your high-visibility clothing should be the top layer of clothing. Any other uniform or equipment, such as tool belts or high-cut boots, should be designed to be worn underneath the Hi-Vis to ensure that visibility isn’t compromised.
How do I Check my Uniform Complies to EN471?
To check if your Hi-Vis complies, inspect the label. The label should inform you of the fact as well as stating the class and reflectivity level of the garment. Other information includes the manufacturer, the model code, the size of the garment and basic cleaning instructions. If your garment is labelled incorrectly, it does not comply to standards and shouldn’t be purchased.
Bild Workwear offer all levels of high-visibility clothing to ensure the utmost safety and visibility. View our huge range of hard wearing and durable high-visibility workwear. Our range, which includes polo shirts, vests, jackets and trousers is also available in flame retardant options and printed or embroidered with your company’s brand. We pride ourselves on quick turnaround and high-standard products.