Understanding Hi-Vis Clothing Standards: A Guide to EN Codes
In the realm of workplace safety, high-visibility clothing (hi-vis) plays a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of employees who work in conditions where visibility can be a concern. Whether it's construction sites, roadwork, or any environment where low-light or adverse weather conditions are factors, hi-vis clothing is designed to enhance the wearer's visibility to others.
To ensure the effectiveness of such safety gear, various standards and regulations have been established, including EN codes such as EN 20471 and EN 13688, as well as RIS-3279-TOM.
In this blog post, we'll delve into the world of hi-vis clothing standards and explore the significance of these standards.
EN 13688: Protective Clothing - General Requirements
EN 13688 is a fundamental standard that lays out general requirements for protective clothing. While not specific to hi-vis clothing, it provides the foundation for the design and manufacturing of all protective gear, including hi-vis apparel. This standard encompasses aspects such as ergonomics, sizing, and labelling.
Understanding EN 13688 is essential to ensure that hi-vis clothing is not only visible but also comfortable and well-fitted for workers in various industries.
EN 20471: High-Visibility Clothing - Test Methods and Requirements
EN 20471 is one of the most significant EN codes when it comes to hi-vis clothing. It focuses on high-visibility garments, specifying the requirements for their design, performance, and marking. This standard classifies hi-vis clothing into three classes based on the level of protection and visibility they offer:
Class 1:
This class provides the lowest level of visibility. It is suitable for environments where the wearer can maintain a safe distance from traffic and where the risk of accidents is relatively low.
Class 1 garments must have a minimum of 0.14 square meters of background material and 0.10 square meters of retro-reflective material.
Class 2:
Class 2 garments offer intermediate visibility and are designed for situations with moderate traffic and higher speed limits. These are typically used in environments where the risk of accidents is higher than in Class 1 situations.
Class 2 garments must have a minimum of 0.50 square meters of background material and 0.13 square meters of retro-reflective material.
Class 3:
Class 3 provides the highest level of visibility and is meant for workers exposed to high-speed traffic and harsh weather conditions. This class is suitable for jobs where visibility is of paramount importance, such as highway construction, emergency response, and other high-risk situations.
Class 3 garments must have a minimum of 0.80 square meters of background material and 0.20 square meters of retro-reflective material. Additionally, they often feature sleeves with retro-reflective strips.
Manufacturers and suppliers rely on EN 20471 to guarantee that their products adhere to specific safety and visibility requirements.
RIS-3279-TOM: The Railway Industry Standard
In the context of the railway industry, RIS-3279-TOM plays a vital role. This standard is crucial for employees working in railway-related roles, where the risks associated with high-speed trains and busy railway stations necessitate specialized hi-vis clothing.
RIS-3279-TOM offers guidelines for the design and performance of hi-vis garments specifically tailored for the railway sector, ensuring that workers are visible in the unique challenges of this industry. Some key features of the RIS-3279-TOM standard are:
- RIS-3279-TOM labelled garments adhere to at least Class 2 of EN 20471
- They are made using a specific orange background fabric so they are not confused with yellow signals on/around the track
- Both the material and reflective tape meet quality standards
- The only permitted print/embroidery are name and logo of the company and the job title or designation of the wearer, such as Recovery Engineer or Press Officer.
Choosing the Right Hi-Vis Clothing
When selecting hi-vis clothing, it's crucial to consider the specific job, environmental conditions, and applicable EN codes. The appropriate class and other codes depend on factors such as the worker's proximity to traffic, weather conditions, and the required level of protection. By understanding these codes, employers and employees can make informed decisions to ensure safety on the job.
