Everything you need to know about High-Visibility Workwear (Hi-Vis)

Hi-Vis workwear is designed to increase the visibility of the wearer in a wide range of lighting conditions. The garments use bright colours to stand out clearly during daylight or twilight and feature reflective strips that reflect light in the dark, for example when illuminated by vehicle headlights.

Wearing this type of clothing is particularly important in high-risk working environments such as roadsides, construction sites or industrial areas. In these environments, workers are often exposed to moving vehicles or machinery, making enhanced visibility essential for safety.

In addition to the standard characteristics of Hi-Vis clothing – such as bright colours and reflective materials – additional requirements often apply. For example, garments must comply with the international standard EN ISO 20471, which specifies the minimum amount of fluorescent and reflective material required. It is essential that visibility is maintained regardless of the time of day or weather conditions.

EN ISO 20471:2013 – The standard for Hi-Vis clothing

To ensure that Hi-Vis workwear is effective, it must meet the strict requirements of the international standard EN ISO 20471:2013. This standard specifies the minimum amount of fluorescent and reflective material required on a garment, as well as how it should be positioned.

The standard divides Hi-Vis clothing into three classes, based on the surface area of visible material. The garments must remain clearly visible in all working positions, and only clothing that meets this standard provides reliable protection. When selecting workwear, it is therefore important to always check the ISO certification, which guarantees that the garment complies with the applicable safety requirements.

The three classes of Hi-Vis workwear

Hi-Vis clothing is divided into three different classes, depending on the amount of fluorescent and reflective material on the garment:

• Class 1: This clothing provides the lowest level of visibility and contains at least 0.14 m² of fluorescent material and 0.10 m² of reflective material. This class is suitable for environments where the risk of accidents is relatively low, such as warehouses or areas with light traffic.
• Class 2: This level offers a medium visibility range and contains at least 0.5 m² of fluorescent material and 0.13 m² of reflective material. This clothing is often worn by workers along roads where traffic intensity is moderate.
• Class 3: For the highest level of visibility, these garments contain at least 0.8 m² of fluorescent material and 0.2 m² of reflective material. This type of clothing is used in the most hazardous situations, such as night work on highways or during heavy rainfall.

When choosing the appropriate clothing class, it is important to consider the specific risks of your working environment.

How should Hi-Vis clothing be worn correctly?

Hi-Vis clothing must be worn correctly to function effectively. Reflective bands must remain clearly visible, even when you are moving or working in different positions. Consider the following guidelines:

• Ensure that reflective bands around the torso, arms and legs are not covered by other clothing or equipment.
• Choose garments that match your working environment and the risks involved.
• Retroreflective bands should remain visible even in difficult working positions.

By following these guidelines, you ensure optimal visibility and increase your safety.

Maintenance

Proper maintenance of Hi-Vis workwear is just as important as wearing it. Poorly maintained garments can quickly lose their visibility, especially if the reflective strips become worn. Here are some maintenance tips:

• Follow the manufacturer’s washing instructions carefully, as strong detergents can damage the reflective properties.
• Sort garments by colour to prevent fluorescent colours from fading or transferring to other clothing.
• Avoid using bleach or aggressive chemicals that may damage the fabrics.
• Regularly inspect your clothing for wear and tear and replace worn items in time to maintain safety.

Proper maintenance ensures that the garments retain their protective function, keeping you visible in all conditions.

Conclusion

High-visibility workwear plays a crucial role in improving safety in the workplace. By choosing clothing that complies with the EN ISO 20471:2013 standard and wearing and maintaining it correctly, accidents can be prevented.

Visibility is essential in high-risk situations, so always choose the correct class of Hi-Vis clothing and maintain it properly. Safe working starts with being clearly visible.