Originally published: 9 March 2026
Last reviewed for compliance: 9 March 2026
Hi-vis classes under EN ISO 20471 help employers choose the right level of visibility for the risks on site. The class is based on the amount of fluorescent background material and reflective tape built into the garment. In simple terms, the higher the class, the greater the visibility.
This guide explains:
- What hi-vis classes mean
- The difference between Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3
- Typical environments for each class
- How to choose the correct class from a risk assessment
- Common mistakes that can affect compliance
This article is written for Health & Safety managers, buyers, site managers and employers selecting compliant hi-vis clothing for workers, contractors and visitors.
What are hi-vis classes?
EN ISO 20471 defines three classes of hi-vis clothing: Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3. These classes are based on the minimum amount of visible fluorescent material and retroreflective tape included in the garment.
The class does not simply describe how bright a garment looks. It refers to whether the garment contains the right amount of visible material for the level of risk.
For a full overview of the standard itself, read: EN ISO 20471 Explained.
Class 1 hi-vis explained
Class 1 provides the lowest level of visibility under EN ISO 20471. It is generally only suitable for lower-risk and controlled environments where exposure to traffic or moving plant is limited.
Typical Class 1 use cases include:
- Visitor identification on site
- Private yards with slow-moving vehicles
- Low-risk controlled environments
Common Class 1 garments:
- Basic hi-vis vests
š Shop: Hi-Vis Vests
Class 2 hi-vis explained
Class 2 is used where there is a moderate level of risk from moving vehicles, plant or reduced visibility. This is one of the most common classes used in day-to-day site and logistics environments.
Common Class 2 environments include:
- Warehouses and logistics sites
- Distribution yards
- Utilities and municipal work
- General site roles where full Class 3 is not required
Common Class 2 garments include:
- Hi-vis jackets
- Hi-vis polo shirts
- Sweatshirts and fleeces
š Shop: Hi-Vis Jackets
š Shop: Hi-Vis Polo T-Shirts
š Shop: Hi-Vis Fleeces & Sweatshirts
Class 3 hi-vis explained
Class 3 provides the highest level of visibility under EN ISO 20471. It is used in higher-risk environments where workers must be visible from a greater distance and from multiple angles.
Typical Class 3 environments include:
- Roadworks and traffic management zones
- Night operations
- Higher-speed worksites
- Roles where full-body visibility is required
Common Class 3 garments include:
- Hi-vis coveralls
- Combined jacket and trouser systems
š Shop: Hi-Vis Workwear Coveralls
š Shop: Hi-Vis Workwear Trousers
How do you choose the right hi-vis class?
The correct class should come from a formal risk assessment. The main factors are the speed of vehicles or moving plant, the distance from which workers must be visible, lighting conditions, weather conditions, and whether work is taking place during the day, in poor weather or at night.
Questions to ask include:
- Are workers exposed to vehicles or plant?
- How fast is the traffic or moving equipment?
- Is visibility reduced by light, weather or background conditions?
- Do workers need to be visible from multiple directions?
- Does the site or contract require a specific type of garment?
š Related guide: When Is Hi-Vis Clothing Required at Work? (UK)
Does colour affect the class?
No. The class of a hi-vis garment is determined by the amount of visible material and reflective tape, not simply by whether the garment is yellow or orange.
Both orange and yellow garments can be compliant under EN ISO 20471 if they meet the required specification.
š Related guide: Orange vs Yellow Hi-Vis: Which Should You Choose?
Common mistakes with hi-vis classes
- Using non-certified garments ā bright clothing is not automatically compliant PPE
- Choosing the wrong class ā for example using Class 2 where Class 3 is required
- Ignoring garment condition ā faded fabric or damaged reflective tape can reduce compliance
- Incorrect branding placement ā logos should not reduce reflective or fluorescent coverage below required thresholds
š Related guide: Workwear Logo Placement Guide
Specialist environments
Some sectors may require more than simply choosing the right class. Rail work often requires additional specialist specifications, and roadside or traffic management roles may have stricter visibility requirements.
š Shop: Traffic Management Hi-Vis
š Shop: Rail Specification Hi-Vis
Choosing compliant hi-vis clothing
To choose the right garments:
- Base decisions on a formal risk assessment
- Determine whether hi-vis is required
- Select the correct class for the environment
- Choose garments suitable for the task and weather conditions
- Check branding placement if garments will be personalised
- Maintain and replace garments when needed
š Browse compliant garments: Hi-Vis Workwear
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 hi-vis?
The difference is the amount of fluorescent background material and reflective tape included in the garment. Class 1 is the lowest level of visibility, Class 2 is for moderate-risk environments, and Class 3 is the highest level for higher-risk work.
Is Class 3 always better than Class 2?
Not always. The right class depends on the workplace risk assessment. Class 3 provides more visibility, but the requirement should come from the environment and task.
Are hi-vis vests usually Class 1?
Basic hi-vis vests are commonly associated with Class 1, but the exact class depends on the garment design and certified label. Always check the product certification.
Can a logo affect the hi-vis class?
Yes. If branding is placed incorrectly and reduces the required reflective or fluorescent area, it can affect compliance.