The Classification
The classification is derived from the number of square metres of fluorescent fabric and the number of square metres of reflective strip incorporated in a garment.
| Material |
Class 3 garments |
Class 2 garments |
Class 1 garments |
| Background material |
0,80 |
0,50 |
0,14 |
| Retroflective material |
0,20 |
0,13 |
0,10 |
| Combined performance material |
n.a. |
n.a. |
0,20 |
NOTE – The clothing class is determined by the lowest area of visible material
EN ISO 20471 provides the following guidance on risk factors and selection of clothing:
| Risk Level |
Factors related to the risk level (Vehicle speed/Type of road user) |
Risk Level |
| High risk ISO 20471 class 3 |
>60km/h / Passive |
High Visibility
– Day and night visibility
– 360 Degrees (visibility from all sides)
– Design for form recognition
– Encircling the torso (Class 2 & 3)
– Quantity and quality for day and night |
| High risk ISO 20471 class 2 |
≤60km/h / Passive |
| High risk ISO 20471 class 1 |
≤30km/h / Passive |
The fluorescent fabric must encircle the torso, sleeves and trouser legs with at least 40% or the minimum required area of fluorescent material present on the front of the garment ( and on the back of the garment). The reflective strips must be 50 mm wide and the space between 2 reflective strips must be at least 50 mm. The distance from ‘the end’ of the garment (e.g. the end of a trouser leg) to the reflective strip must also be at least 50mm. Reflective strips can be positioned in a variety of different ways; Class 3 garments must cover the wearers torso and have either reflective strips about the sleeves or full length trouser legs.
