High Visibility Standards

Index

Clothing: BS EN 471 - sizes|| EN471:2003 || BS EN 471 - reflectivity || BS EN 1150 || EC/686/89 || PR/EN/343

Accessories: BS EN 13356 (Reflectivity) || BS EN 71 (Toys) || Portwest info || EN 553:1997

Lights: BS6102/3 & BS3648 / Vehicles: UNECE104 / Highway use (EN 149:2001)

UK dti Approved Testing Laboratories (pdf)

Clothing Standards

BS EN 340:2003 Protective Clothing - General requirements
BS EN 343:2003 Protective clothing -Garments for protection against rain
BS EN 471:2003 High-visibility warning clothing
BS EN 1150:1999 Protective clothing - Visibility clothing for non-professional use
GO/RT 3279:1999 Railway Group Standard - High Visibility Clothing
BS EN13356:2001 Visibility accessories for non-professional use

BS EN471:2003

Replaces EN471:1994. Garment Types which carry a CE mark (as required by EC Directive 89/686/EEC - Personal Protective Equipment). EN471 are grouped into three classes based on the minimum quantities of fluorescent background and retro-reflective materials to be used. This allows the garments to be worn as an item of PPE (personal protective equipment). Each Class gives the wearer a greater level of conspicuity when seen by the driver of a moving vehicle in both day and night time conditions. High visibility clothing is categorized in 3 classes on the basis of the QUANTITY of materials used (X). In addition High visibility clothing is sub categorized in 2 classes based on the QUALITY of the retroreflective material used (Y). Thus on garments you will see for example: Class 2.2 or 2.1 etc.

Reflexite have a user friendly pdf leaflet on EN471.

Retroflective tests

• Rainfall Performance
• Temperature Variation
• Abrasion
• Cold Folding
• Flexing
• Washing
• Dry cleaning

Fluorescent tests

• UV exposure
• Dimensional change
• Water vapour resistance
• Colour fastness
• Mechanical properties

Scope: This standard specifies the requirements for protective clothing aiming to signal the presence of the wearer visually in daylight as well as under illumination by headlights of cars. These requirements cover the area of materials used, their colour and retroreflection.

Fluorescent material: material that re-emits optical radiation at wavelengths longer than absorbed; this material is considered to be the background material of the high visibility clothing
Retroreflective material: material that reflects the light emitted by a light source back to that source
Combined material: material with combined fluorescent and retroreflective properties

BS EN 471:2003 - High-visibility warning clothing for professional use. Test methods and requirements (buy) - replaces BS EN 471:1994. This revised standard encompasses all previous 1994 requirements while allowing for more “Corporate” styling without reducing personal safety. For example; retro reflective tape can be positioned at angles +/- 20 degrees.

High visibility clothing	Class based on QUANTITY OF MATERIALS USED (X)
BS EN 471:2003 Standard	Class 3	Class 2	Class 1
Fluorescent Material
Min. fluorescent background material:	0.80m2	0.50m2	0.14m2
Min. fluorescent background material example (approx.)	0.9m x 0.9m	0.71m x 0.71m	0.38m x 0.38m
Or Combined material			0.2m2
Reflective Material
Bands of retroreflective material are at least:	5cm wide
Min. retroreflective material:	0.20m2	0.13m2	0.10m2
Min. retroreflective material example:	5cm x 4m	5cm x 2.6m	5cm x 2m eg 0.6m x 2 x 5cm (H) + 0.2m x 4 x 5cm (V) = 0.10m2
the background material	the background material shall encircle the torso, sleeves and trouser legs horizontally, i.e. this material shall be used for both front and back. Retro reflective tape can be positioned at angles +/- 20 degrees.
Clothing examples:	Coats, Jackets, Vests with sleeves	Sleeveless vests, Waistcoats, Polo shirts	Overtrousers, tabards
Required for:	any persons working on or near motorways, dual carriageways or airports.	any persons working on or near A and B class roads.
closure systems	must not interrupt the background or retroreflective material by more than 50 mm
Number and position of retroreflective bands (NB. EN 471 design requirements are complex; see full text of standard for details)	coveralls: 2 horizontal bands around the torso; 2 bands on the sleeves on the same height as on the torso; 2 bands on the trouser legs jackets, waistcoats, tabards: 2 horizontal bands around the torso and around the sleeves at the same height - or 2 horizontal bands around the torso and around the sleeves at the same height plus a vertical band over each shoulder, reaching to the uppermost torso band - or 1 horizontal band around the torso plus a vertical band over each shoulder; 2 horizontal bands around the sleeves bib and brace trousers and waistband trousers: 2 horizontal bands around the trouser legs
Colour	Chromaticity and luminance factors are specified for 3 colours: 1) fluorescent yellow 2) fluorescent orange-red 3) fluorescent red. No other colours are allowed as background material. The requirement shall also be met after an artificial weathering test (UV radiation). Colour fastness shall also be guaranteed against rubbing, perspiration, washing, dry cleaning, hot pressing and bleaching.
Other requirements for background material	- dimensional stability (< 3 % shrinkage) - mechanical strength - impermeability to water (ENV 343) - water vapour permeability (ENV 343)
Requirements for retroreflective material	Clause 6.1 - Retroreflective performance requirments of new separate performance material. Must meet minimum reflectance criteria. These criteria are different for retroreflective materials and for combined materials. Retroreflective materials are divided into Class 1 and Class 2. Clause 6.2 - Retroreflective performance requirments after exposure to abrasion, flexing, folding at low temperature, temperature variation, washing (25 & 50 cycles), dry cleaning (25 cycles) and influence of rainfall
Size designation	A pictogram is used
Marking	- on a clearly visible and legible label resisting to the foreseeable number of cleaning cycles - contents the CE marking (as appropriate for PPE category II) cleaning and maintenance symbols name or logo of the manufacturer type of the garment (manufacturer's reference) size designation (pictogram) reference to EN 471 pictogram “high visibility jacket” classes: - 3 classes based on area of material (X) - 2 classe based on of reflective material quality(Y)
Information for user	- to be provided by the manufacturer in at least the official language(s) of the country of use; precise and understandable for the user - contents name and address of manufacturer or his authorized representative name and reference of the product reference to the relevant product standard explanation of pictograms and of the performance levels obtained instructions for use, e.g. safety checks before use, specific area of use and limitations of use (time of wear in specific conditions), storage and maintenance instructions, instructions for cleaning and desinfection, the maximum of cleaning cycles without impairment of the performance level etc. packaging instructions for transport
pictogram

EN471: 2003 High-visibility warning clothing

EN471 High Visibility Garments

In-use Test Requirements

Why has EN471 been revised?

• All EN standards can be revised every 5 years, if this is considered necessary.
  
• EN471 was first published in 1994 and the European Technical Committee decided to start the EN471 revision process in 1999.
  
• Revision was based on requests from test houses and committee members asking for minor changes to be made to the standard, mainly in the area of increased design freedom.
  
• The revision work has now been finished, and the new standard – EN471:2003 - was made official in April 2004.

What has changed?

1. Fluorescent Background Materials

• The garment must have similar quantities of fluorescent material on the front and back of the garment. 

  

• The colour box for fluorescent red and red-orange background materials has been made slightly larger.
  
• The colour box for fluorescent yellow stays the same, but minimum luminance factor (brightness) is slightly lower.
  
• Minimum tensile strength is now related to the weight of the fabric.
  
• The requirement for bursting strength is reduced.
  
• Harnesses, tabards and non-breathable waistcoats do not need to be tested for water vapour resistance
  
• Any non-fluorescent materials in the garment should be tested for colour fastness. 

2. Retroreflective Materials

• Retroreflective bands can have an inclination of a maximum of 20°
  
• Retroreflective bands on the sleeves do not need to correspond to the stripes on the torso (Clause 4.2.4)
  
• Retroreflective bands on the legs can be freely positioned from the bottom of the leg.
  
• For garments that are expected to be commercially laundered, retroreflective material must be tested according to ISO15797 Industrial Laundering Wash Test Method for 5 cycles. 

Design: some new possibilities

What next?

• EN 471: 2003 is now the valid version of the standard.
  
• Any new garment designs manufactured from now onwards must be certified to this new version of EN471.
  
• Existing garment designs with EC Type certification do not need re-certification, provided that EN471:1994 is clearly referenced on the label (advice from MTL).
  
• Concerns from background coated fabric manufacturers re. reference to a new breathability test method within EN471 for waterproof garments.
  
• UK version of EN471:2003 contains a national foreward describing these objections.
  
• Due to expressed concerns from background materials manufacturers and some additional imprecision noted by the Benelux regions, an amendment process has been started.  (An amendment is like a revision of a standard, but strictly limited to only a few discussion points.)  Modifications to the standard have been drafted and are now in the approval phase.  The amended standard might be published already in 2007, if European agreement is immediately reached.  Main proposed changes are in the colour fastness requirements of background materials.
  
• Buyers advised to check with suppliers to make sure that their specification still allows them to use their preferred fabric.

BS EN 471:2003 Retroreflectivity

Minimum coefficients of retroreflection for separate performance material Class 2 (Y) is 330 cd/lux/m2 at 0.2degrees observation angle and 5º entrance angle.

Minimum coefficients of retroreflection in cd/(lx.m2) for separate performance material Class 1 (Y)

Reflectivity cd/lux/m2: 250

Minimum coefficients of retroreflection in cd/lux/m2) for separate performance material, after pre-treatment.

Portwest Information

EN 1150:1999 Garments

For non professional sports users who need high visibility for cycling, road running, driving etc. BUY BS EN 1150:1999 STANDARD

Whilst EN471 specifies a set of requirements for high visibility warning garments for professional use in the work place, the EN 1150 standard provides details for non-professional use, together with criteria for minimum area’s and placement of reflective material to achieve enhanced conspicuity. Non-professional use, EN1150, is considered to be suitable for children, cyclists and pedestrian training activities, walking bus etc.

A) Reflectives available

B) Fabrics available - All fabrics in fluorescent orange and fluorescent yellow

EN 13356:2001 standard

BS EN 13356:2001 (buy) -Visibility accessories for non-professional use. Test methods and requirements.

The standard recognises three types:-

Type1: Free Hanging

Free hanging relates to a high visibility accessory that is suspended from a cord or chain enabling it to be attached so that it swings freely. These products must be retro-reflective on both sides and have a minimum reflective surface of 15 sq cm.

Type 2: Removable & Type 3: Mounted

Both of these types need only be single sided with a minimum retro-reflective surface area of 15 sq cm.

BS EN 71

Some reflective products (eg WrapSlaps) are approved to certain BS EN 71 toys standards.

• BS EN 71-1 - Safety of toys. Mechanical and physical properties. 80 pages
• BS EN 71-2 - Safety of toys. Flammability. 20 pages
• BS EN 71-3 - Safety of toys. Specification for migration of certain elements. 24 pages. Each component is tested.

Other Standards

• EC/686/89 Protective Equipment Annex II Health & Safety Requirements
  • For garments with CE marking.
• PR EN 343:2003 Class 1 - Protective clothing. Protection against rain (buy)

Vehicles - UN ECE 104

A European Regulation, UN ECE 104, provides recommendations for the implementation of High Visibility Safety Marking Tapes on long and heavy vehicles operating throughout Europe. Already legally enforced in a number of EU countries, UN ECE 104 is expected to be imposed on the UK soon. As high visibility materials are regarded as a light source they should follow the colour requirements for vehicle lighting. Therefore, for vehicle safety applications:

Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations - BS6102/3 & BS3648

Cyclists Touring Club summarises regulations relating to the visibility of pedal cycles used on British roads.

These regulations (amended 1994) require pedal cycles to have various lights and reflectors fitted, clean and working properly when being ridden on a public road between sunset and sunrise. Cyclists may also be required to light up in conditions of seriously reduced visibility during the day, but only if they have functional lights already fitted. Lights are not required when the cycle is stationary or being pushed along the roadside.

The fine details of these regulations are seldom enforced, but they may affect your legal position should you be involved in an accident. This is what you should have on a bicycle or tricycle, to ride it at night:

Front Lamp
One is required, showing a white light, marked BS6102/3 (or equivalent), positioned centrally or offside, up to 1.5m from the ground, aligned towards and visible from the front.

Rear Lamp
One is required, to show a red light, marked BS3648 or BS6102/3 (or equivalent), positioned centrally or offside, between 0.35m and 1.5m from the ground, at or near the rear, aligned towards and visible from behind.

Rear Reflector
One is required, coloured red, marked BS6102/2 (or equivalent), positioned centrally or offside, between 0.35m and 0.9m from the ground, at or near the rear, aligned towards and visible from behind.

Pedal Reflectors
Four are required, coloured amber and marked BS6102/2 (or equivalent), positioned so that one is plainly visible to the front and another to the rear of each pedal.

Exceptions and explanations
Wherever a British Standard (BS) is referred to, other equivalent standards from EC countries are now also permitted, but only if they provide an equivalent level of safety etc. It’s not exactly clear which do. However Germany has arguably the strictest cycle lighting regulations in Europe, so the CTC considers it safe to use equipment that conforms to those and is marked accordingly, with a “K~number”. German regulations already permit light sources other than bulbs (e.g. LEDs) as does a recent amendment to BS6102/3. Unfortunately the 1986 edition is called up by our lighting regs., but as Britain is an EC country and the latest version is surely equivalent, that seems to let them in!

Age brings privileges. To name but two: cycles manufactured before October 1990 can have any kind of white front lamp that is visible from a reasonable distance, and pre-October 1985 cycles don’t need pedal reflectors.

Cycle trailers need a rear lamp and reflector; sidecars also need a front lamp.

Dynamos
Dynamo powered lights are legal even though they go out when you stop. That’s allowed so long as you stop on the left. Usually it’s much safer to stay where you are (e.g. in a stationary queue with left-turning traffic filtering up your inside). Most cars do stop for red traffic lights and those that don’t are unlikely to pay more heed to a bike lamp, on or off! Nevertheless: dynamos and lamps are now available with reliable back-up (standlight) features that either keep them on or light up a diode instead of the bulb.

Additional lamps
Some cyclists like to fit additional lamps and reflectors. This is perfectly legal so long as they are the correct colour and in an appropriate position. Optional lamps and reflectors do not generally have to comply with standards, but it’s illegal to use some designs of lamp or reflector that are normally used to indicate another type of vehicle or hazard. Triangular shaped rear reflectors, for example, are permitted only on trailers.

British Standards

British Standards are available from the British Standards Institution, Sales Department, 389 Chiswick High Road, London. W4 9AL; Tel: 0181 996 7000 or BSIStandards.co.uk

Highway use (EN 149:2001)

Respro Hi-Viz (TM) reflective products use materials which conform to EN 149:2001 for highway use and are specified by the police, fire and other rescue services. Range includes Backpack and panier covers, waistcoats, ankle and helmet bands.