English
In low-light or high-risk environments, visibility is just as important as protection. Workers operating near traffic, heavy machinery, or construction zones rely on high-visibility (hi-vis) workwear to stay seen and safe.
To ensure effectiveness, hi-vis garments must comply with recognized safety standards. Two commonly referenced standards are EN ISO 20471 and AS/NZS 1906.4. While both relate to visibility, they serve different roles in safety systems.
EN ISO 20471 is a European standard that defines the requirements for high-visibility clothing used in occupational environments.
It specifies:
Minimum fluorescent background material
Reflective tape performance
Garment design and coverage
The goal is to ensure workers remain visible in daylight, low light, and nighttime conditions.
AS/NZS 1906.4 is an Australian/New Zealand standard focused on the performance of reflective materials used in safety garments.
It defines:
Reflective tape brightness and visibility
Retroreflective performance under different light conditions
Material durability and testing requirements
In simple terms:
EN ISO 20471 = garment standard
AS/NZS 1906.4 = reflective material standard
Although both standards relate to visibility, their scope is different.
EN ISO 20471
Covers the complete garment
Defines visibility classes (Class 1, 2, 3)
Focuses on overall worker visibility
AS/NZS 1906.4
Focuses on reflective tape only
Defines material performance levels
Ensures visibility when light reflects off garments
These standards are often used together in global projects.
EN ISO 20471 divides garments into three classes based on visibility level:
CLASS 1
Lowest visibility level
Suitable for low-risk environments
CLASS 2
Medium visibility
Common for construction and industrial work
CLASS 3
Highest visibility level
Required for high-risk environments such as highways or heavy traffic zones
Higher classes provide greater visibility and safety.
High-visibility clothing is widely used across industries where workers must be clearly seen.
Typical applications include:
Road construction and traffic management
Rail and transportation sectors
Oil & gas sites with vehicle movement
Mining and heavy industry
Logistics and warehouse operations
In many environments, hi-vis clothing is combined with flame-resistant and anti-static features for multi-risk protection.
When selecting hi-vis garments, consider:
High-quality fluorescent fabric for daytime visibility
Durable reflective tape with strong adhesion
Proper placement of reflective strips
Comfort and breathability for long shifts
Compatibility with FR or arc-rated protection if required
Well-designed garments ensure both visibility and performance.
To maintain visibility performance:
Wash garments according to instructions
Avoid harsh chemicals that may damage reflective tape
Replace garments if reflective strips fade or peel
Store properly to avoid contamination
Maintaining visibility is essential for long-term safety.
Both EN ISO 20471 and AS/NZS 1906.4 play important roles in ensuring worker visibility. While one defines garment requirements and the other focuses on reflective materials, together they help create reliable high-visibility workwear.
Choosing the right hi-vis clothing improves safety, reduces accidents, and supports compliance in demanding work environments.
