FAQs > High Visibility Clothing Guide

High-visibility clothing is essential for workers who operate in environments where visibility is key to their safety. High visibility clothing is normally of a very bright colour that can be seen no matter the background, popular colours are yellow and orange. The clothing material normally also had a reflective quality or reflective strips sewn into it.

Many high-visibility items incorporate retroflective areas or stripes. Retroflection is something designed to reflect back any light hitting it with minimum dissipation. An example of an everyday retroflector is a motorway cat’s eye. As light get closer to the retroflector the intensity of the light sent back becomes more intense making it easier to see, such as when car lights travel towards it.

In the UK we have the British Standard for high visibility clothing BS EN 471:2003

All safety clothing must comply with the EN471 High Visibility Specifications if it is to be used to conform to UK Health and Safety Laws.

Under BS EN 471:2003 there are three levels of protection:

Class 1 - The lowest visibility level

An example of this would be wearing high visibility trousers with two 5 cm reflective bands around each leg. However if then worn with a Class 3 jacket the whole outfit would then become Class 3

Class 2 – Intermediate visibility level.

An example of this would be a high visibility vest. Two 5 cm bands of reflective around body or on one 5 cm band around body and braces to both shoulders.

Class 3 - The highest level of visibility.

An example of this would be wearing a jacket with long sleeves, jacket and trouser suit. Two 5 cm bands of reflective tape around the body, arms and braces over both shoulders.

You should be aware of the levels of protection that your employees need and have the appropriate equipment available. If you are in any doubt you should contact The Health and Safety Executive.

Types of Usage

If you or your employees work outdoors, in the dark or in any area were being able to see them is important to safety you will need high visibility clothing.

Below are a few areas or activities where high-visibility clothing is important:

If you or your employees work in dangerous situation, such as roadside assistance you will need to be seen at all times.
Fire wardens in the work place should wear high visibility clothing so that they can be seen and act as rallying points in emergencies.
Many runners and cyclist wear high visibility bibs or jackets to be seen by motorists for their safety.
Any work carried out outdoors especially in bad weather will require you to be seen.
Emergency services will always require hi-vis clothing not only for themselves but also for the protection of other that they are helping.
Many industries and professions require the wear of high visibility clothing at all times, such as construction where there are many inherent dangers. Check the health and safety regulations for your industry if you are unsure.
High visibility clothing is not restricted to work use. Many people find it useful to keep a hi-vis bib in the boot of their car for emergencies such as breakdowns.
Bouncers and club staff often find wearing hi-vis jackets useful to stand out from the customers or other staff.
Any worker involved with the railways it required by law to wear high visibility gear at all time when on site in any capacity.
Boating can be very dangerous and people should make every effort to be seen at all times especially in case of accidents.