EN ISO 20471 High Visibility Clothing Standards Explained (2026 Guide)

"EN ISO 20471 is the international standard for high-visibility clothing, ensuring workers remain visible in hazardous environments and low-light conditions. Understanding the different classes and requirements helps businesses choose compliant hi-vis workwear that keeps employees safe on site."

Discover what EN ISO 20471 means for hi-vis safety wear. Learn about classes, requirements & compliance to keep your workforce visible, safe, and compliant.

When it comes to workplace safety, high-visibility clothing isn’t just a recommendation, it’s a necessity. In industries such as construction, roadwork, logistics, and rail, being seen is vital for preventing accidents and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. That’s where EN ISO 20471 comes in.

This international standard sets out the requirements for high-visibility workwear to ensure workers are clearly visible in all light conditions, from daylight to low-light environments. If your team wears hi-vis, understanding this standard is essential.

What Is EN ISO 20471?

EN ISO 20471 is the international standard for high-visibility clothing used in workplaces where visibility is essential for safety.

The purpose of the standard is to ensure workers remain visible in daylight, low-light conditions and when illuminated by vehicle headlights during darkness.

The standard applies to a wide range of industries including:

• Construction

• Highways and road maintenance

• Rail

• Logistics and warehousing

• Waste management

• Airports and aviation

• Utilities and infrastructure

Garments certified to EN ISO 20471 are tested to ensure they provide the required levels of fluorescent and reflective material needed to improve visibility in potentially hazardous environments.

EN ISO 20471 Classes Explained

High-visibility garments are divided into three performance classes.

Class 1 – Minimum Visibility Protection

Class 1 garments provide the lowest level of visibility and are generally suitable for lower-risk environments where workers are separated from traffic or moving machinery.

Examples may include:

• Warehouse environments

• Private sites

• Areas with low vehicle movement

Class 2 – Intermediate Visibility Protection

Class 2 garments provide a higher level of visibility and are commonly used in:

• Road maintenance

• Logistics operations

• Distribution centres

• Utility work

Many hi-vis polo shirts, sweatshirts and jackets fall into this category.

Class 3 – Maximum Visibility Protection

Class 3 provides the highest level of visibility and is typically required in higher-risk environments.

Examples include:

• Highway maintenance

• Rail infrastructure projects

• Emergency response work

• Night-time operations

• Locations with high-speed traffic

Class 3 garments contain the largest areas of fluorescent and reflective material and offer the greatest level of conspicuity.

Tip: Employers must ensure their workers’ clothing meets the class appropriate for the risks they face.

Key Requirements of EN ISO 20471

To meet the standard, garments must include:
- Fluorescent fabric (yellow, orange, or red) covering the required surface area.
- Reflective tape in specific placements (torso and/or sleeves, legs).
- Design considerations so visibility is maintained in all work positions.
- Durability – materials must withstand washing, abrasion, and general wear.

Why EN ISO 20471 Compliance Matters

• Legal Compliance -  Employers have a duty under health and safety law to provide certified PPE.

• Accident Prevention -  Hi-vis clothing reduces the risk of accidents caused by poor visibility.

• Employee Confidence -  Proper protective gear helps staff feel safe and valued.

• Professional Standards -  Wearing compliant workwear enhances your company’s reputation for safety and responsibility.

Choosing the Right Hi-Vis Clothing for Your Workplace

The correct class of high-visibility clothing should always be determined through a workplace risk assessment.

Factors to consider include:

• Vehicle speeds

• Lighting conditions

• Weather conditions

• Proximity to moving machinery

• Duration of exposure to hazards

• Industry-specific requirements

Choosing a higher class of garment does not automatically mean it is appropriate for every task. The correct choice depends on the risks present within the working environment.

Need EN ISO 20471 Compliant Hi-Vis Workwear?

At ColorCoded Workwear, we supply high-quality high-visibility clothing suitable for a wide range of industries, including construction, logistics, rail, utilities and infrastructure.

Whether you require hi-vis vests, polo shirts, jackets, trousers or complete uniform solutions, our team can help you select garments that meet the appropriate visibility requirements for your workplace.

✓ EN ISO 20471 compliant options

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Contact us today for expert advice and a free quotation.

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FAQ's

What does EN ISO 20471 mean?

EN ISO 20471 is the international standard that specifies the performance requirements for high-visibility clothing designed to improve worker visibility in hazardous environments.

What is the difference between Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 hi-vis clothing?

The classes are based on the amount of fluorescent and reflective material incorporated into the garment. Class 3 provides the highest level of visibility, while Class 1 provides the lowest.

Is Class 3 always better than Class 2?

Not necessarily. The correct class depends on the workplace risk assessment and the environment in which the garment will be worn.

Which industries require EN ISO 20471 clothing?

Construction, highways, rail, logistics, aviation, waste management and utilities commonly require EN ISO 20471-compliant clothing.

Can garments be combined to achieve Class 3 protection?

In some circumstances, individual certified garments can be worn together to achieve a higher classification, provided the combination meets certification requirements.

What colours are permitted under EN ISO 20471?

The most common fluorescent colours are yellow and orange, with red also permitted under the standard.

Does washing affect hi-vis clothing performance?

Yes. High-visibility garments should be maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions to ensure reflective and fluorescent materials continue performing effectively.

Is EN ISO 20471 the same as the old EN 471 standard?

No. EN ISO 20471 replaced the earlier EN 471 standard and introduced updated testing and performance requirements.

How do I know if a garment is EN ISO 20471 certified?

Certified garments will display the relevant certification markings and information on the garment label.

Can hi-vis clothing be embroidered with a company logo?

Yes, but care must be taken to ensure branding does not compromise compliance or reduce the garment's visibility performance.