What are the three classes of EN ISO 20471?
EN ISO 20471 Class 1
EN ISO 20471 class 1 protective clothing is appropriate for extra visibility on company grounds and for situations with a low risk of accidents. The maximum traffic speed is 30 km/hour.
This class requires 0.14 m² fluorescent surface and 0.10 m² retroreflective surface.
EN ISO 20471 Class 2
EN ISO 20471 class 2 protective clothing provides good visibility for work in twilight and is suitable for working on public roads. The maximum traffic speed here is 60 km/hour.
This class requires 0.5 m² fluorescent surface and 0.13 m² retroreflective surface.
EN ISO 20471 Class 3
EN ISO 20471 class 3 high visibility garments are recommended when working in the dark on public roads, and they are visible at traffic speeds of more than 60 km/hour.
This class requires 0.8 m² fluorescent surface and 0.2 m² retroreflective surface.
Regardless of the area of materials used, a class 3 jacket should cover the torso and should either have sleeves with retroreflective bands or be worn with full length trousers with retroreflective bands.
Summary of the EN ISO 20471 high visibility classes
| EN ISO 20471 class | Environment | Traffic speed | Fluorescent surface | Retroreflective surface |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Low-risk environment, company grounds | 30 km/h | ≥ 0.14 m2 | ≥ 0.10 m2 |
| Class 2 | Twilight, public roads | 60 km/h | ≥ 0.50 m2 | ≥ 0.13 m2 |
| Class 3 | Dark, public roads | > 60 km/h | ≥ 0.80 m2 | ≥ 0.20 m2 |
FAQ
What is the difference between fluorescent and retroreflective materials?
The fluorescent fabrics that are used improve visibility in daylight conditions while retroreflective materials reflect light and improve visibility at twilight and at night.
How do I know which class I should wear?
The summary for each class will help you determinate the class you need but it's always best to do a full risk analysis.
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