High visibility explained
Hi-vis helps drivers see you, by day and by night.
- Fluorescent yellow, orange or red = seen in daylight.
- Reflective tape = seen in headlights.
- EN ISO 20471:2013+A1:2016
- EN 17353:2020+A1:2025
- RIS-3279-TOM
Read this ifYou need Class 1, 2 or 3, or rail orange
Decode the label
The pictogram (jacket with stripes) has the class number next to it.
EN ISO 20471- EN ISO 20471
Standard
High-visibility clothing for high-risk situations (roads, rail, plant).
- 2
Class (1, 2, 3)
Higher class = more bright and shiny material = easier to see.
Based on visible area of fluorescent and reflective material. Class 2 = at least 0.50 m2 fluorescent and 0.13 m2 reflective.
- Max 25x
Wash limit (if shown)
Maximum number of washes before the garment may lose performance. No number = tested to 5 cycles at least, see leaflet.
- M-XL
Class by size
Some garments reach a different class in different sizes. The label must say which.
Class 1, 2, 3: good / better / best
Minimum visible material on the smallest size (EN ISO 20471:2013+A1:2016).
| Class | Fluorescent | Reflective | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | 0.14 m2 | 0.10 m2 | Low-speed areas only, or combined with other items |
| Class 2 | 0.50 m2 | 0.13 m2 | Sites, car parks, roads up to around 40 mph (follow your client rules) |
| Class 3 | 0.80 m2 | 0.20 m2 | Motorways, dual carriageways, rail, night work. Must have sleeves or full legs + jacket |
| Class | Fluorescent | Reflective | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.14 m² | 0.10 m² | Low risk, slow traffic |
| 2 | 0.50 m² | 0.13 m² | Sites, car parks, most roads |
| 3 | 0.80 m² | 0.20 m² | Fast roads, rail, night |
- Class 3 needs sleeves and/or full trousers.
- A Class 2 jacket + Class 2 trousers can count as Class 3. The label will say.
Road and rail rules
UKStreet works
Follow the Safety at Street Works and Road Works Code of Practice and your client (e.g. National Highways).
- Ireland
Roads
Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 8 and HSA guidance.
- UK street works: follow the Safety at Street Works and Road Works Code of Practice and your client (e.g. National Highways).
- Ireland roads: Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 8 and HSA guidance.
- UK rail (Network Rail): orange, to RIS-3279-TOM.
Enhanced visibility (EN 17353)
For walkers, cyclists, school staff and similar. NOT a replacement for EN ISO 20471 on sites or roads.
- Type A
Daylight only
Fluorescent material only.
- Type B
Dark only
Reflective only. B1 = free-hanging tags. B2 = on arms/legs only. B3 = on torso (and limbs).
- Type AB
Day, dusk and dark
Fluorescent + reflective. AB2 = limbs. AB3 = torso (and limbs).
- For medium risk: walkers, cyclists, school staff.
- Not for roadworks or sites.
Which do I need?
Do I need this?
- Near traffic or plant?EN ISO 20471
- Fast road or night?Class 3
- Rail?RIS-3279-TOM orange
- Low risk or public?EN 17353
Common mistakes
- Big logos over the fluorescent area. It can drop the class.
- Washing past the limit on the label.
- Dirty or faded hi-vis. Replace it.
- Yellow on Network Rail. It must be orange.
The law
- PPE at Work Regulations 1992: give hi-vis where a risk assessment says people must be seen.
- Workplace transport: HSE guidance (HSG136).
- PPE at Work Regulations (NI) 1993. HSENI.
- EU rule89/656/EECIrish lawGA Regulations 2007 regs 62-67What you doassess and give hi-vis free; follow HSA hi-vis guidance and Traffic Signs Manual Ch.8 on roads.
Shop Hi-vis
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between hi-vis Class 1, 2 and 3?
The class is set by the minimum fluorescent and reflective area: Class 1 0.14 / 0.10 m², Class 2 0.50 / 0.13 m², Class 3 0.80 / 0.20 m².
Can a Class 2 jacket and trousers make Class 3?
Yes, a Class 2 jacket + Class 2 trousers can count as Class 3. The label will say.
What colour hi-vis is needed on Network Rail?
Orange, to RIS-3279-TOM. Yellow is not allowed.
