In the UK, we have specific standards that define what qualifies as compliant high-visibility clothing and where it should be used. This guide focuses exclusively on two UK standards and is designed to help you choose the right workwear for your company.
Why Standards Matter
- Improves worker visibility (when compared to non-compliant workwear)
- Reduces the risk of accidents involving vehicles or machinery
- Helps employers meet their legal health and safety obligations
- Ensures consistency across sites, contractors, and industries
Using non-compliant or incorrect hi‑vis clothing leaves workers under-protected and employers exposed to compliance issues.
EN ISO 20471
The standard for high-visibility clothing. It sets strict requirements for the materials, design, and performance of garments to ensure that workers are clearly visible in all lighting conditions, especially near traffic, heavy machinery, or low-light environments.
Clothing certified to this standard is rigorously tested and must carry a CE mark to show compliance.
Key requirements include:
- Minimum areas of fluorescent background material
- Minimum areas of retro-reflective material
- Approved colours (yellow, orange, and red)
- Placement of reflective tape for 360-degree visibility
EN ISO 20471 defines three performance classes based on visibility level:
- Class 1 (Low Risk) – Suitable for low-risk environments such as warehouses or factory floors.
- Class 2 (Medium Risk) – For workers near roads or moving vehicles, including delivery drivers and roadside maintenance teams.
- Class 3 (High Risk) – Highest level of visibility, typically required for motorway work, major roadworks, and rail environments.
Higher classes provide increased coverage and visibility, often through long-sleeve garments or combined clothing systems.
RIS‑3279‑TOM – UK Rail Industry Standard
RIS-3279-TOM is the UK railway standard for high-visibility clothing. It specifies the requirements for visibility, materials, and design to ensure that railway workers are easily seen in all conditions, including near trains, on tracks, or in low-light environments.
Garments meeting this standard are rigorously tested and certified, helping to keep railway staff safe on the job.
Key features include:
- Mandatory orange, fluorescent fabric
- Specific reflective tape layout (retro-reflective material)
- Compatibility with other PPE used in rail environments
Only garments certified to RIS‑3279‑TOM are permitted on Network Rail and most rail contractor sites.
Employer Responsibilities Under UK Law
Under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations, UK employers must:
- Carry out a risk assessment
- Provide suitable PPE free of charge where required
- Ensure PPE meets relevant UK standards
- Maintain, clean, and replace PPE as needed
- Provide information and training on correct use
Selecting hi‑vis clothing that meets the correct UK standard is a key part of fulfilling these duties.
Choosing the Right Workwear
When deciding which hi‑vis standard is appropriate, consider:
- Proximity to traffic or moving vehicles
- Speed and type of vehicles on site
- Lighting and weather conditions
- Industry-specific requirements (e.g., rail)
- Duration and frequency of exposure
A site risk assessment should always guide the final decision.
Maintaining Compliance
Even compliant hi‑vis clothing can lose effectiveness if it is not properly maintained.
- Replace garments when colours fade
- Check reflective tape for damage or peeling
- Follow manufacturer washing instructions
- Remove heavily soiled or damaged items from use
Visibility is only guaranteed while a garment remains in good condition.
High‑Visibility Clothing from PK Safety
PK Safety supplies a comprehensive range of UK-compliant high-visibility clothing, including EN ISO 20471 and RIS‑3279‑TOM certified garments. From lightweight vests to waterproof and rail-approved workwear, we help UK businesses stay safe and compliant.
If you’re unsure which standard applies to your workplace, our experienced UK-based team can help you make the right choice.
Need advice on UK high‑visibility standards or compliant workwear?
Contact us today or explore our full range of hi-vis clothing.
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