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High-visibility classes (class 1, 2, 3)

High-visibility classes indicate how much visible material high-visibility clothing to EN ISO 20471 has at least. Class 3 offers the best visibility with at least 0.80 m² of fluorescent and 0.20 m² of retroreflective material, class 1 the lowest with 0.14 m² and 0.10 m². Class 2 lies in between with 0.50 m² and 0.13 m².

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When is this relevant?

Which class is needed depends on the hazard, above all on traffic situation and lighting conditions, and follows from the risk assessment. Manufacturers recommend class 3 for work in the dark.

Minimum areas at a glance

  • Class 1: 0.14 m² fluorescent background material and 0.10 m² retroreflective material, alternatively 0.20 m² material with combined properties
  • Class 2: 0.50 m² background material and 0.13 m² retroreflective material
  • Class 3: 0.80 m² background material and 0.20 m² retroreflective material

Class depending on size

The class appears as a number next to the pictogram on the garment. For some products it differs by size: smaller sizes sometimes reach only class 1, larger ones class 2. It is therefore worth checking the manufacturer's information for the chosen size.

Combining classes

When high-visibility garments are combined, adding up the classes does not automatically give a higher class, because the visible minimum areas of background and reflective material are decisive. The minimum areas must not be covered by logos or labels.

Sources

  • DGUV Fachbereich PSA: Warning clothing, classes and minimum areas
  • umwelt-online.de: Warning clothing under DGUV Information 8591
  • Hoffmann Group: Product information high-visibility clothing to EN ISO 20471:2013+A1:2016
  • ELIS: High-visibility ISO 20471:2013+A1:2016

Last updated: · This explanation is for general information and does not replace legal advice.