A Complete Guide to High Visibility Clothing Standards Worldwide
High visibility clothing plays a crucial role in workplace safety, especially in industries like construction, transportation, logistics,
and roadside maintenance. These garments are designed to make the wearer visible in all lighting conditions, significantly reducing
the risk of accidents. However, different countries and regions enforce different standards for high visibility clothing.
Understanding these regulations is essential for manufacturers, importers, and businesses seeking reliable PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).
This article provides a concise guide to the most recognized high visibility clothing standards around the world.
1. EN ISO 20471 – European Standard
EN ISO 20471 is the international standard for high visibility clothing in Europe, established by the International
Organization for Standardization (ISO). It replaced the older EN 471 standard.
Key features:
Applies to professional use on roads and workplaces.
Specifies three classes based on minimum visible surface area of fluorescent and retroreflective materials.
Class 3 is the highest level, offering maximum visibility.
Class requirements:
Class 1: For low-risk environments (minimum 0.14 m² of fluorescent material).
Class 2: For medium-risk environments (minimum 0.5 m²).
Class 3: For high-risk environments (minimum 0.8 m²).
The standard also sets requirements for durability after washing, color performance, and reflectivity under various lighting conditions.
2. ANSI/ISEA 107 – American Standard
In the United States, the ANSI/ISEA 107 standard governs high visibility garments for occupational use. It categorizes garments by performance
class and type, focusing on both the work environment and the level of visibility required.
Performance classes:
Class 1: Minimum visibility, for off-road use or where traffic does not exceed 25 mph.
Class 2: Moderate visibility, for work near roads with traffic up to 50 mph.
Class 3: Maximum visibility, for high-speed traffic or dangerous environments.
Types:
Type O (Off-road): For off-road occupational use.
Type R (Roadway): For workers exposed to roadway traffic.
Type P (Public Safety): For emergency responders and law enforcement.
ANSI/ISEA 107 also addresses background material color (fluorescent yellow-green, orange-red, and red), reflective tape width, and garment design.
3. CSA Z96 – Canadian Standard
Canada follows the CSA Z96 standard, issued by the Canadian Standards Association. Similar in structure to ANSI and EN standards,
it classifies garments into three levels based on body coverage and retroreflective material placement.
Visibility Classes:
Class 1: Lowest coverage (e.g., harness or stripes on casual clothing).
Class 2: Full coverage of torso (e.g., vests or T-shirts).
Class 3: Full coverage of torso and limbs (e.g., jackets, coveralls).
CSA Z96 also allows for “combined-performance” retroreflective materials that perform under both daylight and low-light conditions.
4. AS/NZS 4602.1 – Australian and New Zealand Standard
In Australia and New Zealand, the AS/NZS 4602.1 standard defines high visibility safety garments for occupational use.
It emphasizes visibility under both daytime and nighttime conditions.
Design classes:
Class D: Daytime use only (fluorescent material).
Class N: Nighttime use only (retroreflective material).
Class D/N: Both day and night use (fluorescent + reflective).
This standard also outlines garment areas, color fastness, UV resistance, and durability for industrial laundry.
| Region | Standard | Classes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Europe | EN ISO 20471 | Class 1–3 | Widely accepted in EU and globally |
| USA | ANSI/ISEA 107 | Class 1–3 + Types | Also used in South America |
| Canada | CSA Z96 | Class 1–3 | Compatible with ANSI in some aspects |
| Australia/NZ | AS/NZS 4602.1 | Class D/N/DN | UV and day-night visibility focused |
Buyers and manufacturers must select garments based on the region’s applicable safety standard and working conditions. Exporting garments to different countries may require certification or test reports from third-party labs to meet compliance requirements.
Understanding high visibility clothing standards is critical for international trade, compliance, and safety. As a manufacturer or importer, knowing which standard your target market requires helps you avoid legal issues and ensures your workers are adequately protected.
For custom high visibility workwear that meets ANSI, EN ISO, CSA, or AS/NZS standards, always consult with your client or regulatory authority. Compliance is not just about certification—it's about responsibility and saving lives.
A Complete Guide to High Visibility Clothing Standards Worldwide
High visibility clothing plays a crucial role in workplace safety, especially in industries like construction, transportation, logistics,
and roadside maintenance. These garments are designed to make the wearer visible in all lighting conditions, significantly reducing
the risk of accidents. However, different countries and regions enforce different standards for high visibility clothing.
Understanding these regulations is essential for manufacturers, importers, and businesses seeking reliable PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).
This article provides a concise guide to the most recognized high visibility clothing standards around the world.
1. EN ISO 20471 – European Standard
EN ISO 20471 is the international standard for high visibility clothing in Europe, established by the International
Organization for Standardization (ISO). It replaced the older EN 471 standard.
Key features:
Applies to professional use on roads and workplaces.
Specifies three classes based on minimum visible surface area of fluorescent and retroreflective materials.
Class 3 is the highest level, offering maximum visibility.
Class requirements:
Class 1: For low-risk environments (minimum 0.14 m² of fluorescent material).
Class 2: For medium-risk environments (minimum 0.5 m²).
Class 3: For high-risk environments (minimum 0.8 m²).
The standard also sets requirements for durability after washing, color performance, and reflectivity under various lighting conditions.
2. ANSI/ISEA 107 – American Standard
In the United States, the ANSI/ISEA 107 standard governs high visibility garments for occupational use. It categorizes garments by performance
class and type, focusing on both the work environment and the level of visibility required.
Performance classes:
Class 1: Minimum visibility, for off-road use or where traffic does not exceed 25 mph.
Class 2: Moderate visibility, for work near roads with traffic up to 50 mph.
Class 3: Maximum visibility, for high-speed traffic or dangerous environments.
Types:
Type O (Off-road): For off-road occupational use.
Type R (Roadway): For workers exposed to roadway traffic.
Type P (Public Safety): For emergency responders and law enforcement.
ANSI/ISEA 107 also addresses background material color (fluorescent yellow-green, orange-red, and red), reflective tape width, and garment design.
3. CSA Z96 – Canadian Standard
Canada follows the CSA Z96 standard, issued by the Canadian Standards Association. Similar in structure to ANSI and EN standards,
it classifies garments into three levels based on body coverage and retroreflective material placement.
Visibility Classes:
Class 1: Lowest coverage (e.g., harness or stripes on casual clothing).
Class 2: Full coverage of torso (e.g., vests or T-shirts).
Class 3: Full coverage of torso and limbs (e.g., jackets, coveralls).
CSA Z96 also allows for “combined-performance” retroreflective materials that perform under both daylight and low-light conditions.
4. AS/NZS 4602.1 – Australian and New Zealand Standard
In Australia and New Zealand, the AS/NZS 4602.1 standard defines high visibility safety garments for occupational use.
It emphasizes visibility under both daytime and nighttime conditions.
Design classes:
Class D: Daytime use only (fluorescent material).
Class N: Nighttime use only (retroreflective material).
Class D/N: Both day and night use (fluorescent + reflective).
This standard also outlines garment areas, color fastness, UV resistance, and durability for industrial laundry.
| Region | Standard | Classes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Europe | EN ISO 20471 | Class 1–3 | Widely accepted in EU and globally |
| USA | ANSI/ISEA 107 | Class 1–3 + Types | Also used in South America |
| Canada | CSA Z96 | Class 1–3 | Compatible with ANSI in some aspects |
| Australia/NZ | AS/NZS 4602.1 | Class D/N/DN | UV and day-night visibility focused |
Buyers and manufacturers must select garments based on the region’s applicable safety standard and working conditions. Exporting garments to different countries may require certification or test reports from third-party labs to meet compliance requirements.
Understanding high visibility clothing standards is critical for international trade, compliance, and safety. As a manufacturer or importer, knowing which standard your target market requires helps you avoid legal issues and ensures your workers are adequately protected.
For custom high visibility workwear that meets ANSI, EN ISO, CSA, or AS/NZS standards, always consult with your client or regulatory authority. Compliance is not just about certification—it's about responsibility and saving lives.
