👷♂️ Staying Safe, Staying Seen! 🚧
If you work in construction, road maintenance, logistics, or any job near traffic or machinery, high-visibility (hi-vis) clothing is not just a recommendation—it’s a must-have for your safety.
But not all hi-vis gear is the same! In this guide, we’ll break down:
- ✔️ The 3 Hi-Vis Classes (Class 1, 2, and 3) and when to wear them.
- ✔️ Which industries use each class of hi-vis.
- ✔️ The difference between yellow, orange, and red hi-vis gear.
- ✔️ EN safety standards and what they mean.
- ✔️ What to look for when buying hi-vis workwear.
- ✔️ How fluorescence and reflective materials actually work.
So, let’s get started! 🚀
1️⃣ What Are the Different Hi-Vis Classes?
Hi-vis workwear is divided into three classes (1, 2, and 3) based on how visible the clothing makes you. The higher the class, the more reflective and fluorescent material it has.
| Class |
Where to Use It? |
Who Wears It? |
| Class 1 (Lowest Visibility) |
Best for areas with low traffic speeds or minimal risk. |
Warehouse workers, delivery drivers, factory workers. |
| Class 2 (Medium Visibility) |
Used in areas near traffic (40-50 km/h) or in conditions with low visibility. |
Construction workers, airport ground crew, railway workers. |
| Class 3 (Highest Visibility) |
Required for high-speed roads (50+ km/h) and extreme low-light conditions. |
Road workers, emergency responders, highway maintenance crews. |
🚧 Rule of Thumb: If you're working near vehicles, the faster they move, the higher the class of hi-vis gear you need.
2️⃣ What’s the Difference Between Yellow, Orange, and Red Hi-Vis?
Hi-vis clothing comes in three main colors:
- 🟡 Yellow – Most common, brightest under natural light. Best for general construction, warehouses, and logistics.
- 🟠 Orange – Often used in railway and road work due to its contrast with natural surroundings.
- 🔴 Red – Less common but used in some specialized industries (e.g., certain railway or emergency services).
⚠️ Color DOES NOT affect the visibility rating—it’s the amount of reflective and fluorescent material that matters!
3️⃣ What Are EN Certifications for Hi-Vis Gear?
When buying hi-vis clothing, you’ll often see "EN ISO 20471" or "RIS-3279-TOM" on the label. What do these mean?
- ✅ EN ISO 20471 – The European standard for hi-vis workwear. Ensures the clothing meets strict requirements for reflectivity and brightness.
- ✅ RIS-3279-TOM – A railway-specific standard (used mainly in the UK). Requires orange hi-vis clothing for railway workers.
4️⃣ What Should You Consider When Buying Hi-Vis Workwear?
- 🔹 Check the Certification – Always look for EN ISO 20471 on the label.
- 🔹 Reflective Material – Ensure there are retro-reflective strips that work even in low-light conditions.
- 🔹 Complete Hi-Vis Outfit – You may need trousers, jackets, and accessories to fully comply with Class 3 regulations.
- 🔹 Weather Conditions – Do you need waterproof, insulated, or breathable materials?
- 🔹 Durability – Choose tear-resistant fabric with reinforced stitching.
5️⃣ How Does Hi-Vis Work? The Science Behind It
Hi-vis workwear isn’t just about bright colors—there’s science behind it!
- ✨ Fluorescence – Absorbs UV light from the sun and reflects it as a bright, glowing color. Works best in daylight.
- 🔦 Retro-Reflective Material – Made with tiny glass beads or prismatic materials that bounce light directly back toward the source.
6️⃣ Bitco Workwear: Your Partner for High-Quality Hi-Vis Gear!
At BitcoWorkwear.com, we provide a full range of EN ISO 20471-certified hi-vis clothing for construction, road work, logistics, and industrial sectors.
- ✔️ Class 1, 2, and 3 gear – vests, jackets, trousers, overalls, and more!
- ✔️ Fluorescent and reflective options for day & night visibility.
- ✔️ Durable, weatherproof, and breathable materials.
👉 Ready to gear up? Visit our hi-vis collection from here! If you need any assistance from our experts, reach us from the chat!
Final Thoughts
🚧 Staying visible is staying safe! Choose the right hi-vis class, color, and certification for your job and make smart choices with your workwear.
🔆 Stay bright, stay safe! 🔆
