What does EN ISO 20471 certified mean?

It confirms the garment meets European visibility standards for fluorescent and reflective materials, ensuring compliance and safety in low-light conditions.

How do I know if my hi-vis clothing is compliant?

Compliant garments display the EN ISO 20471 mark, class level, and manufacturer’s name on the label.

Can branded logos be added to compliant hi-vis clothing?

Yes. ColorCoded applies logos using approved placement and materials that maintain EN ISO 20471 certification.

How often should hi-vis clothing be replaced?

Replace every 6–12 months or sooner if the reflective tape fades or becomes damaged.

Is there a difference between EN ISO 20471 and EN471?

Yes. EN ISO 20471 is the updated standard with stricter testing and performance criteria compared to EN471.

EN ISO 20471 High-Visibility Clothing Standards Explained | ColorCoded Workwear UK

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EN ISO 20471: High-Visibility Clothing Standards Explained

Learn what EN ISO 20471 means, how high-visibility standards work, and why your branded hi-vis workwear must meet safety regulations.

For businesses in construction, logistics, roadwork, and safety sectors, EN ISO 20471 is the key standard that determines whether high-visibility workwear is safe and compliant. This guide explains what it means, how garments are tested, and why your branded hi-vis should meet these requirements.

What Is EN ISO 20471?

Definition: EN ISO 20471 is the European/International standard for high-visibility clothing - ensuring it meets minimum brightness, retro-reflectivity, and coverage levels.
Purpose: Designed to make people more visible in daytime, low light, or night, especially around moving vehicles or machinery.
Scope: Applies to garments with fluorescent and reflective materials used in safety clothing.

Classes & Levels - How Hi-Vis Garments Are Rated

EN ISO 20471 classifies garments into three classes based on the amount of visible surface area:

Class 3 - Highest level of protection (full visibility)
Class 2 - Medium protection
Class 1 - Basic hi-vis, limited use

Each class has minimum surface area requirements for fluorescent material and reflective tape.

Key Components of a Compliant Hi-Vis Garment

Fluorescent Material – The bright base colour (usually yellow, orange, or red) that makes the garment visible in daylight
Retro-Reflective Tape – Reflects light under dark or low-light conditions
Contrast Panels (optional) – To improve shape visibility in certain workwear designs
Proper Placement – Strips must wrap around limbs and torso to ensure visibility from all angles

Testing & Certification

Garments must undergo independent lab testing to verify:

Fabric luminance (fluorescent brightness after aging)
Reflective tapes meeting reflectivity thresholds
Wash durability (maintaining performance over multiple launderings)

Once certified, garments must include a label with class, standard, manufacturer, and care instructions.

Why This Matters for Branded Workwear

Legal & Safety Compliance: Many worksites and contracts require EN ISO 20471-certified apparel
Brand Integrity: Using compliant garments shows your business prioritises safety and professionalism
Durability: Certified garments retain their safety features even through repeated washing, wear, and branding

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FAQ:-

Q: What is the difference between Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 hi-vis?
A: The difference lies in the minimum amount of fluorescent and reflective material - Class 3 has the highest coverage, offering more visibility and protection.

Q: Does my branded hi-vis still meet EN ISO 20471?
A: Yes - when branding is applied properly (with safe embroidery or printing methods) so as not to compromise the required visibility surfaces.

Q: How many washes before hi-vis clothing loses compliance?
A: Certified garments are tested for durability and must maintain performance over many wash cycles; proper care helps extend compliance life.