How Many Classes of High-Vis Clothing Are There?

There are three classes of high-visibility (hi-vis) clothing under the EN ISO 20471 safety standard:
  • Class 1
  • Class 2
  • Class 3
Each class provides a different level of visibility based on the amount of fluorescent and reflective material used in the garment. The higher the class, the greater the visibility and protection offered to the wearer. Choosing the correct class of hi-vis clothing is important for ensuring worker safety and complying with workplace safety requirements.

What Is High-Vis Clothing?

High-visibility clothing is designed to make workers more visible in both daylight and low-light conditions. Hi-vis garments typically feature:
  • Fluorescent colours such as yellow, orange or red
  • Reflective tape that reflects light from vehicle headlights and other light sources
Hi-vis clothing is commonly worn in construction, warehousing, logistics, rail, roadworks and other high-risk environments.

Understanding EN ISO 20471

EN ISO 20471 is the international standard that specifies requirements for high-visibility clothing. The standard measures:
  • The amount of fluorescent material used
  • The amount of reflective material used
  • The placement of reflective strips
Garments are then classified into one of three visibility classes.

Class 1 Hi-Vis Clothing

Class 1 provides the lowest level of visibility. It is generally suitable for workers operating in environments with lower traffic speeds and reduced risk levels. Examples include:
  • Hi-vis belts
  • Hi-vis braces
  • Some low-risk hi-vis garments
Class 1 garments offer limited visibility and are not suitable for many higher-risk workplaces.

Class 2 Hi-Vis Clothing

Class 2 provides a medium level of visibility and is commonly used in workplaces where workers are exposed to traffic or moving machinery. Examples include:
  • Hi-vis vests
  • Hi-vis waistcoats
  • Some hi-vis jackets
Class 2 garments are often suitable for warehouse environments, delivery operations and roadside work where moderate visibility is required.

Class 3 Hi-Vis Clothing

Class 3 offers the highest level of visibility and protection. It is designed for workers operating in high-risk environments where visibility is critical. Examples include:
  • Hi-vis jackets with sleeves
  • Hi-vis waterproof jackets
  • Full-body hi-vis clothing combinations
Class 3 garments are commonly worn by:
  • Construction workers
  • Highway maintenance teams
  • Rail workers
  • Emergency service personnel

Which Class of Hi-Vis Clothing Do I Need?

The correct class depends on your working environment and risk assessment. Factors to consider include:
  • Traffic speed
  • Lighting conditions
  • Weather conditions
  • Distance from moving vehicles
  • Workplace hazards
Higher-risk environments generally require Class 3 hi-vis clothing, while lower-risk environments may only require Class 1 or Class 2 garments.

Why Is Hi-Vis Clothing Important?

Hi-vis clothing helps reduce workplace accidents by making workers easier to see. Benefits include:
  • Improved visibility during the day
  • Better visibility at night
  • Reduced risk of vehicle-related accidents
  • Improved workplace safety
  • Enhanced compliance with health and safety regulations
For many industries, hi-vis clothing forms an important part of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Maintaining High-Vis Clothing

To ensure hi-vis clothing remains effective:
  • Follow manufacturer washing instructions
  • Replace damaged garments
  • Replace clothing that has faded significantly
  • Check reflective strips regularly
  • Store garments correctly when not in use
Damaged or worn-out hi-vis clothing may no longer provide the required level of protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the three classes of hi-vis clothing?

The three classes are:
  • Class 1 (lowest visibility)
  • Class 2 (medium visibility)
  • Class 3 (highest visibility)

What is Class 3 hi-vis clothing?

Class 3 hi-vis clothing provides the highest level of visibility and is used in high-risk working environments.

Is a hi-vis vest Class 2?

Most hi-vis vests are Class 2 garments, although classifications may vary depending on design and material coverage.

Is hi-vis clothing considered PPE?

Yes. In many workplaces, hi-vis clothing forms part of an employee’s personal protective equipment (PPE).

Conclusion

There are three classes of hi-vis clothing under the EN ISO 20471 standard, each offering a different level of visibility and protection. Understanding the differences between Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 garments can help employers and workers choose the right level of protection for their working environment. Whether you’re working on a construction site, in a warehouse or alongside busy roads, selecting the correct hi-vis clothing is an important step towards improving workplace safety.