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VISIBILITY CAN SAVE LIVES – WARNING PROTECTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH EN ISO 20471
Whether on construction sites, in road construction, or when working at dusk: anyone working in hazardous areas must be clearly visible at all times – day and night, in all weather conditions. This is precisely where the EN ISO 20471 standard comes in. It defines precise requirements for high-visibility clothing to make workers clearly visible in all light and weather conditions.The focus is not only on eye-catching colors, but also on measurable criteria: minimum areas of fluorescent material, reflective strips with tested retroreflectivity, and a clear classification into visibility classes – adapted to the respective risk and application environment.
In short: high-visibility clothing in accordance with EN ISO 20471 not only provides visual protection, but is also standard-based and performance-tested. Because: those who stand out stay safe – and that can save lives in an emergency.
WHEN DOES EN ISO 20471 APPLY AND WHAT DOES IT REGULATE?
EN ISO 20471 applies to high-visibility clothing for professional use when people are working on public roads and in similar high-risk areas. It ensures that wearers can be seen early and reliably in all lighting conditions – whether in daylight, in headlight beams, or in poor weather conditions.The requirements are aimed at activities where visibility is essential for survival – such as road construction, railways, municipal field work, or construction sites in public spaces.
The standard focuses on three key requirements:
PERFORMANCE CLASSES – NOT ALL HIGH-VISIBILITY CLOTHING IS THE SAME
High-visibility clothing in accordance with EN ISO 20471 is divided into three performance classes, depending on how much visible material is used. The higher the class, the larger the visible area and the better the visibility in high-risk working environments. The lowest measured area value is always decisive. Only when all minimum requirements are met is the corresponding class assigned.The materials at a glance:
+ Background material – usually in fluorescent yellow, orange, or red
+ Retroreflective material – ensures visibility in the dark
+ Combined material – e.g., printed reflective strips
Performance classes according to EN ISO 20471:
| Class | Background | Reflective material | Combination material |
| 3 | 0,80 m² | 0,20 m² | n.a. |
| 2 | 0,50 m² | 0,13 m² | n.a. |
| 1 | 0,14 m² | 0,10 m² | 0,20 m² |
USE HIGH-VISIBILITY CLOTHING CORRECTLY – FOR GREATER SAFETY IN EVERY JOB
Whether high-visibility vests, jackets, pants, or full suits – the right design depends on the location, lighting conditions, and the respective hazard potential. In high-risk areas such as highways or busy construction sites, high-visibility class 3 is mandatory. For work on factory premises or indoors, class 2 is often sufficient. The prescribed visible areas must not be covered during use – for example, by backpacks, tools, other equipment, or dirt. This is the only way to maintain full protection.Our practical tip: Combine garments of the same standard class for optimum protection. Two combined Class 2 items can together constitute Class 3. Example:
- Class 2 high-visibility jacket + Class 2 high-visibility trousers = total class 3
- Class 1 high-visibility vest + Class 2 high-visibility trousers = total class 2
- Class 2 high-visibility vest + class 1 high-visibility trousers = total class 2
Important to know:
The combination must be tested by the manufacturer and labeled accordingly – for example, with a pictogram and the note “X + Y = class 3.” Only then will the higher protection class be recognized as compliant with the standard and legally binding.
