Being struck by a moving vehicle is the number one cause of workplace fatalities accounting for 31% of all deaths according to the HSE 2017 report. It is, therefore, essential that the high-visibility garments issued to employees conform to all relevant performance standards (EN471:2003/EN20471:2013) and are worn correctly.
What is the law?
The Personal Protective Equipment Regulations (PPE) 2002 outline the law relating to high-visibility clothing and their proper uses. This legislation applies to any device or appliance designed to be worn or held by an individual for protection against one or more health and safety hazards which falls within the definition in Regulation 2 (2) (a) (to learn more about this legislation, read here).
In order to ensure you are complying with the law, make sure you understand the standards for high-visibility garments.
What are the safety standards?
EN ISO 20471:2013
The standard by which all high-visibility garments must comply is EN ISO 20471:2013. It defines the specifications for high-visibility warning clothing and is grouped into three classes, which are based on the conspicuity they provide.
These classes dictate the minimum areas & design limitations of background and retroreflective materials that can be worn.
CLASS 3: HIGHEST level of protection
- Minimum background material 0.80m2
- Minimum retroreflective material 0.20m2
- Horizontal reflective bank can now have an incline of +/- 20°
CLASS 2: INTERMEDIATE level of protection
- Minimum background material 0.50m2
- Minimum retroreflective material 0.13m2
CLASS 1: LOWEST level of protection
- Minimum background material 0.14m2
- Minimum retroreflective material 0.10m2
- Note that this is for cases in which high-visibility is an advantage, but for minimal risk/off road purposes only, unless worn as an ensemble with a Class 2 or Class 3 upper torso garment.
EN343:2003
EN343:2003, where relevant, indicates a high-visibility garments’ waterproofness and breathability. This is split into two sections, both of which have three classes.
Section A: Air permeability is split into three classes:
- Class 3: Highest level of protection
- Class 2: intermediate protection
- Class 1: Lowest level of protection.
Section B: Water vapour resistance is split into three classes:
- Class 3: Highest level of protection
- Class 2: intermediate protection. Class 1: Lowest level of protection.
- Class 1 garments must also be marked ‘restricted wearing time’.
Therefore you would see this presented as ‘EN343:3:3’ for garments which conform to Class 3 for air permeability and Class 3 water vapour resistance of the standard.
EN342:2004
EN342:2004 standard, where applicable, indicates a high-visibility garments’ protection against the cold. This is split into two categories, both of which have different classes indicated.
Section A: Air permeability is split into three classes:
- Class 1: Highest level of protection
- Class 2: intermediate protection
- Class 3: Lowest level of protection.
Section B: Water penetration resistance, split into two classes:
- Class 2: Highest level of protection
- Class 1: lowest level of protection.
RIS – 3279 – TOM
RIS – 3279 – TOM – Approved Garments for Railway Workers which has replaced the old GO/RT 3279 standard. This standard is specific to workers in the railway industry.
How can Greenham help?
ALL retroreflective materials used in our high-visibility clothing are carefully selected to provide the brightness needed for EN471:2003/EN20471:2013. Retroflective materials greatly enhance your visibility in low light situations. Your company risk assessment will determine the class of garment your role requires. To aid your selection, garments will have icons denoting the EN safety standard to which they comply. This means finding the right level of protection can be spotted easily whether you’re exploring our products online or in the catalogue – get your copy here.
Disclaimer: The information provided through Greenham Pulse is for general guidance only and is not legal advice. Greenham Pulse is not a substitute for Health and Safety consultancy. You should seek independent advice about any legal matter.
