Hi Vis Standards

Description

THE REQUIREMENTS AND THE FACTS

Being struck by a moving vehicle is the second most common cause of death in the workplace today, and accounts for 17% of all fatal injuries.

It is therefore essential that any High Visibility garments issued to employees conform to all relevant performance standards (BS EN 471, European standard for High Visibility Clothing), and are worn and maintained correctly for maximum protection.

SO WHAT DOES IT MEAN ?

In order to comply with all UK and EU legislation, you need to ensure that the High Visibility garments you buy comply with the following :

HiVis Clothing conforming to BS EN 471:2003, Table 1, Class 2 or 3, which must be worn at all times
The colour of the background materials should normally be fluorescent Yellow from Table 2 of EN477:2003
The retro-reflective materials should comply with Table 5 of EN471:2003

Reflective material enhances you visibility in low light situations. This refelctive material returns light to a light source, such as vehicle headlights, creating a bright image that motorists are more likely to see from a distance. As a result, motorists and pedestrials have more time to react.

WHAT ARE THE STANDARDS ?

HiVis garment types are grouped into three classes based upon the consicuity provided, with the classes dictating the minimum quantities of background and retro-reflectieve materilas used.

CLASS 3 – Highest Protection Level of HiVis Clothing
Band of retro-reflective materilal shall not be less than 50mm wide. Minimum background material 0.80m sq. Minimum retro-reflective material 0.20m sq.

Examples of Class 3 HiVis items : HiVis Bomber Jackets; HiVis Parka Jackets; HiVis Long Sleeved Vests (Jerkins)

CLASS 2 – Intermediate Protection Level of HiVis Clothing
Band of retro-reflective materilal shall not be less than 50mm wide. Minimum background material 0.50m sq. Minimum retro-reflective material 0.13m sq.

Examples of Class 2 HiVis items : HiVis Sleeveless Vests

CLASS 1 – Lowest Protection Level of HiVis Clothing
Band of retro-reflective materilal shall not be less than 50mm wide. Minimum background material 0.14m sq. Minimum retro-reflective material 0.10m sq.

Examples of Class 1 HiVis items : HiVis Trousers