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Hi Visibility (Hi Vis) Standards

EN ISO 20471

This International Standard specifies requirements for high visibility clothing, which is capable of visually signalling the user’s presence. The high visibility clothing is intended to provide conspicuity of the wearer in any light condition when viewed by the operators of vehicles or other mechanised equipment during daylight conditions and under illumination of headlights in the dark.

If you need help or advice on anything to do with Hi Vis please call our knowledgeable customer support staff on 01226 215204 or email safetywear@bos4ppe.co.uk.

High Visibility clothing has a fluorescent surface, combined with reflective material that meets certification requirements in 3 different classes:

Class 3: Highest Level



Highest level of protection – required for any persons working on or near motorways or dual-carriage ways or airports. Must incorporate a minimum of 0.80m2 of background material and 0.20m2 of retro-reflective materials. (4 metres of 5cm wide reflective tape)

Class 2: Intermediate Level



Required for any persons working on or near A and B class roads, also for delivery drivers. Must incorporate a minimum of 0.50m2 of background material and 0.13m2 of retro-reflective material. (2.60 metres of 5cm wide reflective tape)

Class 1: Minimum Level



Minimum level of protection required for any persons working on a private road or to be used in conjunction with a higher classed garment. Must incorporate a minimum of 0.14m2 of background material and 0.10m2 of retro-reflective material. (2 metres of 5cm wide reflective tape)

EN ISO 20471 Class 3 Ensemble (=Class 2 + Class 1)





There are two ways to attain EN ISO 20471 Class 3 with Portwest garments.  Either choose an EN ISO 20471 product that is rated as Class 3 on its own or choose two products that together are Class 3 certified. 

The following are examples of Portwest Class 3 Certified Ensembles:

TX70 + TX72 = EN ISO 20471 Class 3 Certified Ensemble
S478 + TX71 = EN ISO 20471 Class 3 Certified Ensemble
T501 + T181 = EN ISO 20471 Class 3 Certified Ensemble
T501 + T180 = EN ISO 20471 Class 3 Certified Ensemble

EN 342 Protective Clothing – Ensembles and Garments for Protection Against Cold




EN 342 – PROTECTION AGAINST COLD

EN 342 is the harmonised European standard that specifies requirements and test methods for performance of clothing ensembles (ie. two piece suits or coveralls) and of single garments for protection against cold environments.  Garments are tested under the following performance parameters as shown on the pictogram below:

Thermal Insulation

This is tested on a moving manikin. The unit of measurement is Icler and is stated in m2. It measures the amount of energy per square metre required to maintain warmth – the higher the number, the better the rating. X indicates the Thermal Insulation test on a stationary manikin and is not a compulsory part of the standard. The unit of measurement is Icle and is stated in m2.

Air Permeability

Air Permeability measures the ease with which the air can pass through the material. It is a measure of how wind proof the garment is and again the higher the number the better the result. The air permeability on the example below achieves a Class 3.

Resistance to Water Penetration

The final result is Resistance to Water penetration, which achieves a Class 2 below. This is an optional test.

Results shown below are for S485 Hi-Vis Contrast Coverall.


EN 343 – Protective Clothing, Protection Against Rain



EN 343 is the harmonised European standard that applies to garments worn in adverse weather conditions. It specifies the characteristics of protective clothing against the influence of foul weather, wind and cool above -5°c. 

The garments have taped or welded seams to ensure full protection against wind & rain.  All fabrics are tested to ISO 20811 for Water Penetration and breathable fabrics are tested to JIS L1099 method 1B for Water Vapour Permeability.

The standard provides for two performance parameters:

  • X = Waterproofness (3 levels)
  • Y = Breathable properties (3 levels)


EN 17353 Enhanced Visibility Equipment for Medium Risk Situations

The EN 17353 standard is applicable to clothing and devices worn in medium risk situations such as working with slow-working vehicles and areas of work where high risk (EN ISO 20471) high visibility clothing is not required.  Garments and devices are permitted for use in daylight (day) conditions only, dark (night) conditions only, or for both daylight and dark conditions.

Type A: Equipment for Daylight

Equipment is worn by users where the risk of not being seen exists only in daylight conditions.  This equipment uses only the flourescent material as an enhanced visibility component.

Type B: Equipment for Dark Conditions

Equipment worn by users where risk of not being seen exists only in dark conditions.  The equipment uses only the retroreflective material as an enhanced visibility component. 

Type AB: Equipment for Daylight, Twilight and Dark Conditions

Equipment worn by users where risk of not being seen is present in daylight, twilight and dark conditions.  This equipment uses fluorescent material as we as the retroreflective material and/or combined performance material as enhanced visibility components.

The standard replaces EN1150 and EN13356 standards.  For high-risk situations see EN ISO 20471.

RIS-3279-TOM

RIS-3279-TOM Issue 2 Railway Industry Standard (RIS) sets out the minimum specification for high visibility warning clothing in the Rail Industry.

EN 510 – Protective Clothing for use where there is a Risk Of Entanglement from Moving Parts

This standard specifies the properties of protective clothing that minimise the risk of its entanglement or drawing-in by moving parts when the wearer is working on or near hazardous moving machines or devices.

EN 1150 – Visibility Protective Clothing for non-professional use

This European standard specifies the optical performance requirements for high visibility clothing to be worn by adults and by juveniles, and designed for non-professional use.

OEKO-TEX

High Visibility fabrics tested to the OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 guarantees the fabric does not contain any harmful substances detrimental to human health.

EN 13356 – Visibility Accessories for Non Professional Use

This standard specifies the optical performance requirements for accessories which are to be worn, attached to or carried by people and designed for non-professional use. Visibility accessories complying with this standard are intended to signal the users presence visually when illuminated by vehicle headlight on dark roads.

ISO 13688 – Protective Clothing – General Requirements

This international standard specifies general requirements and recommendations for ergonomics, ageing, sizing and marking of protective clothing, and for information supplied by the manufacturer.

Every certified garment in this brochure is also certified to ISO 13688. This standard replaces the old EN340 standard.

EN 14058 – Protective Clothing - Garments For Protection Against Cool Environments

This standard specifies requirements and test methods for the performance of single garments for protection against cooling of the body in cool environments. Cool environments are as a result of a combination of humidity and wind at temperatures of -5°C and above.

At moderate low temperatures garments against local body cooling are not only used for outdoor activities but can be used for indoor activities. In these cases garments often do not need to be made of watertight or air impermeable materials. Therefore, these requirements are optional for this standard.