What are the three classes of EN ISO 20471?

EN ISO 20471 specifies the requirements for high visibility clothing. The visibility should be 360°, as the user should be visible at all times. The high visibility clothing can be divided into three classes that each indicate for which protection levels those garments can be used. For each of the classes, a specific minimum fluorescent surface and reflective surface is specified.

EN ISO 20471 Class 1:

• Class 1 work clothing is appropriate for extra visibility within the company 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 reflective surface.

EN ISO 20471 Class 2:

• Class 2 workwear 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 reflective surface.

EN ISO 20471 Class 3:

• Class 3 hi-vis garments are recommended when working in the dark, 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 reflective surface.
• Regardless of the area of materials used, a class 3 garment shall cover the torso and shall have as a minimum either sleeves with retroreflective bands or full length trouser legs with retroreflective bands, if not both.

EN ISO 20471: overview of m2 fluorescent and retroreflective material

The following table shows the surface of fluorescent and retroreflective material in m2 for EN ISO 20471’s three classes.