EN ISO 20471 defines three performance classes for high-visibility safety apparel based on the amount of fluorescent background material and retroreflective material. Each class is designed for specific risk levels and work environments, with higher classes providing greater visibility.
Minimum Material Requirements:
| Class | Background Material | Retroreflective Material | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | 0.14 m² | 0.10 m² | Low-risk environments |
| Class 2 | 0.50 m² | 0.13 m² | Medium-risk environments |
| Class 3 | 0.80 m² | 0.20 m² | High-risk environments |
Class 1 – Low-Risk Environments
Material Requirements:
- Fluorescent background material: Minimum 0.14 m²
- Retroreflective material: Minimum 0.10 m²
- Retroreflective tape width: Minimum 5cm
Typical Applications:
- Warehouse workers in controlled environments
- Parking attendants
- Indoor facilities with minimal vehicle traffic
- Low-speed traffic areas (under 30 km/h)
- Workers with ample separation from moving vehicles
Common Garment Types:
- Vests
- Sashes
- Accessories (armbands, leg bands)
- Minimal coverage garments
Visibility Range: Effective for short distances with good lighting conditions
Class 2 – Medium-Risk Environments
Material Requirements:
- Fluorescent background material: Minimum 0.50 m²
- Retroreflective material: Minimum 0.13 m²
- Retroreflective tape width: Minimum 5cm
- 360° visibility: Required – horizontal band(s) around torso
Typical Applications:
- Road construction and maintenance
- Railway workers
- Utility crews and service technicians
- Delivery drivers
- Airport ground staff
- Municipal services
- Port and logistics operations
Traffic Conditions:
- Vehicle speeds 30-60 km/h
- Poor weather or visibility conditions
- Areas with moderate traffic density
- Workers near roadways but with some protection
Common Garment Types:
- Vests with full torso coverage
- T-shirts and polo shirts
- Short-sleeve shirts
- Sweatshirts
Visibility Range: Effective for medium distances in varied lighting conditions
Class 3 – High-Risk Environments
Material Requirements:
- Fluorescent background material: Minimum 0.80 m²
- Retroreflective material: Minimum 0.20 m²
- Retroreflective tape width: Minimum 5cm
- Sleeve coverage: Required – reflective material must extend onto sleeves
- 360° visibility: Required – multiple horizontal and vertical bands
Typical Applications:
- Highway construction and maintenance
- Emergency responders (police, ambulance, fire service)
- Flaggers and traffic controllers
- Night work on roadways
- Airport runway workers
- High-speed railway maintenance
- Workers in complex or high-traffic work zones
Traffic Conditions:
- Vehicle speeds over 60 km/h
- High-speed motorways and highways
- Night work or very poor visibility
- Complex work environments with heavy traffic
- High-risk roadside operations
Common Garment Types:
- Jackets with full sleeves
- Coveralls
- Parkas and winter coats
- Rain suits
- Full-body protection garments
Key Requirement: Sleeves must have both fluorescent material and retroreflective bands to achieve Class 3 certification
Visibility Range: Maximum visibility at long distances in all lighting conditions
Important Design Requirements:
Retroreflective Tape Placement:
All Classes Must Have:
- Minimum 5cm wide retroreflective tape
- Tape positioned to provide visibility from all angles
- Horizontal bands encircling torso (at least one complete band)
- Proper spacing between materials (minimum 5cm gap between fluorescent and retroreflective)
Class 3 Additional Requirements:
- Reflective material on both sleeves
- Minimum two horizontal bands around torso
- Vertical or diagonal bands for enhanced visibility
- Coverage on upper and lower body sections
Background Material Colors:
Only three colors are approved for EN ISO 20471:
- Fluorescent yellow (most common)
- Fluorescent orange-red
- Fluorescent red
Color must maintain specific chromaticity and luminance factor requirements even after 50 wash cycles.
Upgrading Between Classes:
Class 1 to Class 2:
- Not possible – requires different base garment design
Class 2 to Class 3:
- Can be achieved by adding compliant sleeves with proper fluorescent and reflective coverage
- Common solution: Class 2 vest + Class 3 jacket system
- Both garments must meet individual class requirements
Certification and Compliance:
Complete Garment Certification:
- EN ISO 20471 certification applies to the entire garment, not individual components
- All materials must maintain performance after 50 wash cycles at 60°C (ISO 6330)
- Garments must be tested and certified by notified body
- Permanent labeling required showing class and certification details
XM Silverline Reflective Tape for All Classes:
Our XM Silverline reflective tapes are engineered to meet EN ISO 20471 requirements for all classes:
Standard Series:
- Maintains performance after 50 wash cycles at 60°C (ISO 6330)
- Suitable for Class 1, 2, and 3 garments
- Available in 5cm, 6cm, 7cm, and 10cm widths or custom up to 130cm
PRO-Series:
- Super durable: 50 industrial wash cycles at 75°C (ISO 15797)
- Ideal for rental workwear and intensive-use environments
- Same width options as Standard Series
Choosing the Right Class:
Select Based On:
- Risk assessment of your work environment
- Traffic speed and density near workers
- Lighting conditions (day, night, weather)
- Distance between workers and moving vehicles
- Local regulations and employer requirements
- Complexity of work environment
Higher class = Greater visibility and protection
When in doubt, choose the higher class for maximum safety.
Related questions: Which reflective tape meets EN ISO 20471 requirements? | How much reflective material is required for each class? | Can I combine EN ISO 20471 with flame-resistant protection? | What’s the difference between EN ISO 20471 and ANSI/ISEA 107?