Originally published: 28 January 2026
Last reviewed for compliance: 28 January 2026
High-visibility (hi-vis) clothing is essential personal protective equipment (PPE) across industries where workers are exposed to moving vehicles, plant, or low visibility conditions ā including construction, logistics, roadworks, rail, utilities, and warehousing.
In the UK, the primary standard for hi-vis PPE is EN ISO 20471. This guide explains:
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What EN ISO 20471 is
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The different hi-vis classes
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Who it applies to
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Employer responsibilities
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How to choose compliant hi-vis garments
This article is written for Health & Safety managers, compliance teams, and procurement professionals.
What Is EN ISO 20471?
EN ISO 20471 is the international standard specifying requirements for high-visibility clothing intended to provide conspicuous visibility of the wearer against complex backgrounds in hazardous situations.
It covers:
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Fluorescent materials (visibility in daylight and low light)
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Retroreflective materials (visibility in dark conditions)
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Design and placement requirements for garments
Under UK health and safety law, hi-vis clothing identified as necessary by a risk assessment must meet EN ISO 20471.
š View EN ISO 20471 compliant hi-vis workwear
https://hivizworkwear.net/collections/hi-vis
Who Must Comply With EN ISO 20471?
EN ISO 20471 is applicable when a workplace risk assessment identifies that:
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Workers are exposed to hazards involving vehicles or moving plant
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Work is carried out in low-light or high-risk visibility conditions
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Tasks demand visibility from a distance and multiple angles
Typical sectors include:
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Construction and infrastructure
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Roadworks and highways
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Rail infrastructure and maintenance
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Warehousing and logistics
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Utilities and public services
Employer Duties (UK)
Under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations, employers must:
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Assess risks and determine if hi-vis PPE is required
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Provide suitable compliant PPE free of charge
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Ensure garments are maintained and replaced when necessary
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Train workers in correct use and care
Hi-Vis Classes Explained: Class 1, Class 2 & Class 3
EN ISO 20471 defines three classes of hi-vis clothing, based on the minimum amount of visible material and reflective surface. The higher the class, the greater the visibility.
Class 1 ā Lower Visibility (Low Risk)
Class 1 provides the lowest level of visibility. Suitable only for areas with minimal risk from vehicle traffic and controlled environments.
Typical use cases:
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Visitor identification on site
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Private yards with slow-moving vehicles
š Shop Hi-Vis Vests (Class 1 options)
https://hivizworkwear.net/collections/hi-vis-vests-1
Class 2 ā Medium Visibility (Moderate Risk)
Class 2 garments are used where there is moderate risk from moving vehicles or plant.
Common environments:
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Warehouses and logistics sites
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Distribution yards
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Utilities and municipal work
Common items include:
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Hi-vis jackets
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Hi-vis polo shirts
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Sweatshirts and fleeces
š Shop Hi-Vis Jackets (Class 2 compliant)
https://hivizworkwear.net/collections/hi-vis-jackets-1
š Shop Hi-Vis Polo T-Shirts
https://hivizworkwear.net/collections/hi-vis-polo-t-shirts
š Shop Hi-Vis Workwear Fleeces & Sweatshirts
https://hivizworkwear.net/collections/hi-vis-workwear-fleeces-sweatshirts-and-hoodies
Class 3 ā Highest Visibility (High Risk)
Class 3 provides the highest level of visibility and is required in environments with high traffic speeds or significant hazards.
Typical use cases:
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Roadworks and traffic management zones
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Night operations
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High-speed worksites
Class 3 garments frequently include:
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Hi-vis coveralls
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Combined jacket/trouser systems
š Shop Hi-Vis Workwear Coveralls (Class 3)
https://hivizworkwear.net/collections/hi-vis-workwear-coveralls
š Shop Hi-Vis Workwear Trousers
https://hivizworkwear.net/collections/hi-vis-workwear-trousers
What Makes a Garment EN ISO 20471 Compliant?
For hi-vis clothing to be compliant, EN ISO 20471 requires:
1. Fluorescent Background Material
Fluorescent fabrics (usually in yellow or orange) improve visibility in daylight and low-light conditions.
2. Retroreflective Tape
Reflective tape returns light towards its source, improving visibility at night when illuminated by vehicle headlights.
3. Garment Design & Placement
The standard specifies:
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Minimum surface areas for fluorescent and retroreflective materials
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Correct placement of reflective bands around the torso and limbs
4. Certification & Labeling
Each compliant garment must:
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Be tested by an accredited body
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Include the EN ISO 20471 label with class designation
Common Compliance Mistakes
Even with compliant garments available, organisations often fail compliance by:
ā Supplying non-certified hi-vis clothing
Fashion or promotional hi-vis garments without EN ISO 20471 certification do not count as compliant PPE.
ā Incorrect Class Selection
Using Class 2 where Class 3 is required increases risk and may fail inspection requirements.
ā Personalisation that Reduces Visibility
Incorrect placement of branding can reduce the visible surface area below compliance thresholds.
ā Failure to Replace Worn Garments
Faded fabric or damaged reflective tape invalidates the compliance of a garment.
Hi-Vis Clothing for Specific Risk Environments
Traffic Management & High-Risk Worksites
For roadworks and complex traffic environments, compliance may require even higher visibility or additional PPE considerations.
š View Traffic Management Hi-Vis Options
https://hivizworkwear.net/collections/traffic-management
Rail Infrastructure & Specialist Standard
Rail work often requires additional specification beyond EN ISO 20471 due to sector-specific rules.
š Shop Hi-Vis Workwear Rail Specification
https://hivizworkwear.net/collections/hi-vis-workwear-rail-specification
Choosing the Right Hi-Vis Workwear
To select compliant hi-vis garments:
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Base decisions on a formal risk assessment
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Determine the required class
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Choose garments that suit the work environment
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Ensure proper maintenance and training
When in doubt, work with a specialist supplier who understands both standards and operational needs.
EN ISO 20471 Compliant Hi-Vis Workwear
Start with the right garments:
š Browse compliant Hi-Vis Workwear
https://hivizworkwear.net/collections/hi-vis
If you need help specifying the correct class, garment type, or personalisation for your workforce, speak to a workwear specialist before placing an order.
