Hi vis clothing plays an important role in protecting workers who operate around traffic, heavy machinery, or other hazardous environments where visibility is essential. However, not all high visibility garments offer the same level of protection.
Hi vis clothing is divided into three visibility classes—Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3—each designed for different levels of workplace risk. Choosing the correct class helps improve worker visibility while ensuring compliance with UK safety standards.
In this guide, you'll learn what each hi vis clothing class means, how they differ, where they're commonly used, and how to select the right option for your workplace.
What Are Hi Vis Clothing Classes?
Hi vis clothing classes are safety categories defined by EN ISO 20471, the international standard for high visibility protective clothing. These classes are based on the amount of fluorescent background fabric and reflective tape used in a garment.
The greater the visible surface area, the higher the visibility class.
Two key elements determine a garment's classification:
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Fluorescent material, which improves visibility during daylight and low-light conditions.
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Reflective tape, which reflects light back toward its source, making workers more visible at night or when illuminated by vehicle headlights.
The correct class helps ensure workers remain visible in environments where reduced visibility could increase the risk of accidents.
Understanding the Three Hi Vis Clothing Classes
Class 1 Hi Vis Clothing
Class 1 provides the lowest level of visibility protection and is intended for workplaces with relatively low risks where vehicles move slowly or visibility hazards are limited.
Typical work environments
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Warehouses
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Indoor distribution centres
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Private industrial sites
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Delivery yards with low-speed traffic
Common garments
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Hi vis waistcoats
Class 2 Hi Vis Clothing
Class 2 offers a higher level of visibility and is suitable for workers exposed to moderate traffic speeds or outdoor environments where greater visibility is required.
Suitable industries
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Construction
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Utilities
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Logistics
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Roadside maintenance
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Surveying
Common garments
-
Hi vis trousers with reflective tape
Class 3 Hi Vis Clothing
Class 3 provides the highest level of visibility protection available under EN ISO 20471. These garments maximise both fluorescent fabric coverage and reflective material, making them suitable for high-risk workplaces.
High-risk working environments
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Motorways
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Rail infrastructure
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Airports
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Emergency response
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High-speed road maintenance
Common garments
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Hi vis coats
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Hi vis parkas
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Hi vis coveralls
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Matching jacket and trousers certified together as Class 3
Class 1 vs Class 2 vs Class 3
|
Feature |
Class 1 |
Class 2 |
Class 3 |
|
Visibility Level |
Basic |
Medium |
Highest |
|
Minimum Reflective Material |
Lowest |
Moderate |
Highest |
|
Best For |
Low-risk workplaces |
Moderate-risk environments |
High-risk workplaces |
|
Typical Garments |
Waistcoats, shorts |
Polos, jackets, trousers |
Coats, coveralls, jacket & trouser combinations |
|
Risk Level |
Low |
Medium |
High |
How to Choose the Right Hi Vis Clothing Class
Selecting the correct hi vis class depends on the hazards present in your working environment rather than personal preference.
Type of job
Different occupations expose workers to different levels of risk. Construction workers, road crews, warehouse staff, and airport personnel all have different visibility requirements.
Traffic speed
Higher vehicle speeds leave drivers less time to react, making higher visibility classes more appropriate for roadside and motorway work.
Working environment
Outdoor locations, poor weather, reduced lighting, and busy industrial sites generally require higher visibility garments than controlled indoor environments.
Day vs Night Work
Although fluorescent fabrics improve daytime visibility, reflective tape becomes particularly important during night shifts or low-light conditions.
Employer Safety Requirements
Many employers specify minimum hi vis clothing classes as part of their health and safety policies to comply with workplace risk assessments and UK regulations.
Which Industries Require Each Hi Vis Class?
The appropriate visibility class varies depending on industry, workplace hazards, and employer risk assessments.
|
Industry |
Typical Hi Vis Class |
|
Construction |
Class 2 or Class 3 |
|
Rail |
Class 3 |
|
Road Maintenance |
Class 3 |
|
Warehousing |
Class 1 or Class 2 |
|
Logistics |
Class 2 |
|
Airports |
Class 2 or Class 3 |
|
Utilities |
Class 2 or Class 3 |
Actual requirements should always follow employer guidance and site-specific risk assessments.
UK Standards for Hi Vis Clothing
The primary standard governing high visibility clothing in the UK is EN ISO 20471.
This standard specifies the minimum requirements for fluorescent materials, reflective tape, garment design, testing, and overall visibility performance.
Choosing certified garments helps ensure workers receive the intended level of protection and demonstrates compliance with recognised safety requirements.
To learn more about certification requirements, read our guide on Understanding EN ISO 20471.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between Class 1, 2 and 3 hi vis clothing?
The main difference is the amount of fluorescent material and reflective tape. Class 1 offers the lowest visibility, while Class 3 provides the highest level of protection.
Which hi vis class is required for construction workers?
Most construction sites require Class 2 or Class 3 garments, depending on the specific hazards, traffic exposure, and employer safety requirements.
Is Class 3 always better than Class 2?
Not necessarily. Class 3 provides greater visibility, but the correct choice depends on the workplace risk assessment. Wearing a higher class than required is acceptable, but selecting the appropriate class ensures practical comfort and compliance.
Can Class 2 clothing be worn on roads?
Yes, in many roadside environments where it meets the employer's risk assessment. High-speed roads and motorways often require Class 3 garments.
Does EN ISO 20471 apply to all hi vis clothing?
Professional protective hi vis clothing intended for workplace safety should comply with EN ISO 20471. Always check the garment label before purchasing.
How do I know if my hi vis clothing is certified?
Certified garments display an EN ISO 20471 label indicating the applicable standard and visibility class. Purchasing from reputable suppliers also helps ensure compliance.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 hi vis clothing makes it easier to choose the right level of protection for your workplace. The correct visibility class depends on your job role, traffic exposure, working environment, and employer safety requirements—not simply the garment's colour or style.
By selecting certified EN ISO 20471 clothing that matches your workplace hazards, you can improve worker visibility, support legal compliance, and reduce the risk of accidents.
If you're unsure which garments best suit your industry, our Complete Hi Vis Workwear Guide provides additional advice on selecting the right high visibility clothing for different working environments.