The requirements and the facts.

Being struck by a moving vehicle is the second most common cause of death in the workplace today and accounted for 71% of all fatal injuries in 2002/3

It is therefore essential that any high visibility garments issued to employees conform to all relevant performance standards. (EN471, European Standard for High Visibility Clothing), and are worn and maintained correctly for maximum protection

So What does this mean

In order to comply with all UK and European legislation, you need to ensure that the hi visibility garments you buy comply with the following:  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 flourescent yellow from Table 2 of the EN 471:2003. The retroreflective materials should comply with Table 5

Reflective material enhances your visibility in low light situations. This reflective 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 pedestrians have more time to react.

NOTE: from July 1995 high-visibility clothing issued in accordance with the PPE Regulations must carry a CE mark. All garments featured here meet this requirement.

EN 471 Garment Classifications

Garment types are grouped into three classes based on the conspicuity provided, with the classes dictating the minimum quantities of background and retroreflective materials to be used.

CLASS 3 - HIGHEST PROTECTION LEVEL

Bands of retrofreflective material shall not be less than 50mm wide. Minimum background material 0.80m^2. Minimum retroreflective material 0.20m². A revised version of EN 471 was published in March 2004. One of the major changes in this version is that horizontal reflective bands can now have and incline of +20^o

CLASS 2 - INTERMEDIATE PROTECTION LEVEL

Bands of retroreflective material shall not be less than 50mm wide. Minimum background material 0.50m^2. Minimum retroreflective material 0.13m²

CLASS 1 - LOWEST PROTECTION LEVEL

Where enhanced visibility is an advantage, but for minimal risk/off road purposes only. Bands of retroreflective material shall not be less than 50mm wide. Minimum background material 0.14m^2. Minimum retroreflective material 0.10m²

Highways Agency Manual of Contract Documents for Highway Works

Produced by the Highways Agency for all its contractors working on main or trunk roads in the UK. "All those working on or near the roads should wear high visibility warning clothing (Class 2 or 3) complying to EN 471 paragraph 4.2.3(b). 'shall have two horizontal bands of retroreflective material not less than 50mm apart from around the torso and bands of retroreflective material joining the uppermost torso band from the front to the back over each shoulder'. In addition on motorways or other high speed roads full length sleeved garments should also comply with paragraph 4.2.4 'Full length sleeves'.