What is EN 471? -

EN 471 is a European standard that specifies requirements for high-visibility clothing, also known as safety clothing. It ensures that workers in hazardous environments are easily visible to others, thereby reducing the risk of accidents and improving overall safety.

Why is high-visibility clothing important?

In many industries, such as construction, roadwork, and emergency services, workers operate in potentially dangerous conditions where visibility is crucial. High-visibility clothing plays a vital role in ensuring their safety by making them conspicuous to drivers, equipment operators, and other workers.

By enhancing visibility, these garments reduce the chances of accidents caused by low-light or poor weather conditions, as well as human error, helping to protect the lives and well-being of workers.

Key requirements of EN 471

The EN 471 standard outlines specific requirements for high-visibility clothing, including the design, fluorescent color, retroreflective materials, and garment performance. Here are some key aspects:

Design:

The design of high-visibility clothing should provide adequate coverage of fluorescent and retroreflective materials to ensure maximum visibility from all angles. This often includes features like reflective bands on sleeves, shoulders, and torsos.

Fluorescent color:

The garments must have a fluorescent background that significantly contrasts with its surroundings. The most common colors used are yellow, orange, and red. These colors have proven to be highly effective in attracting attention, even in low-light conditions.

Retroreflective materials:

EN 471 mandates the use of retroreflective materials, which reflect light back towards its source (e.g., vehicle headlights), making the wearer more visible. This is achieved through tiny glass beads or prismatic technology embedded in striping and patches on the garment.

Garment performance:

The standard specifies minimum performance requirements, such as the minimum area of fluorescent and retroreflective materials, colorfastness, durability, and washability. Garments that meet these requirements provide reliable visibility even after prolonged use and repeated washings.

Compliance and certification

In order to comply with EN 471, high-visibility clothing must undergo rigorous testing by authorized laboratories. Manufacturers who meet the standard's requirements can affix the CE mark on their garments, indicating their compliance with European safety standards.

Workers are advised to check for the presence of the CE mark when purchasing high-visibility clothing, as it gives them assurance regarding the quality and effectiveness of the garment in providing visibility in hazardous conditions.

In conclusion

EN 471 is an essential standard for ensuring the safety of workers in occupations where visibility is crucial. By specifying design, color, and performance requirements, it ensures that high-visibility clothing offers reliable protection in hazardous environments.

Employers should prioritize the use of EN 471 certified garments for their workers, further demonstrating their commitment to safety and reducing the risk of accidents in the workplace. Workers should also take responsibility for their own safety and choose high-visibility clothing that meets EN 471 standards.