Safety at work is a priority, especially in high-risk environments where visibility is essential. This is where the EN ISO 20471 standard comes in, which defines the requirements for high visibility clothing for professionals.
Article Summary:
1- What is the EN ISO 20471 standard?
2- The conformity criteria of the EN ISO 20471 standard
3- Why is it essential?
4- Which sectors are covered by the EN ISO 20471 standard?
5- How to choose a good EN ISO 20471 garment?
1- What is the EN ISO 20471 standard?
EN ISO 20471 is a European and international regulation that specifies the requirements for high visibility signalling clothing for workers exposed to hazardous situations. It replaces the old EN 471 standard and imposes stricter criteria in terms of visibility .
2- The conformity criteria of the EN ISO 20471 standard
For a garment to be EN ISO 20471 certified, it must meet several requirements:
- Fluorescent materials : They allow better visibility during the day. -
Retroreflective strips : They reflect the light from the headlights for optimal visibility at night.
- Minimum surface area of high visibility materials : Depending on the level of protection required, three classes exist:
Class 1 : Minimal protection (example: lightweight vests, accessories).
Class 2 : Intermediate protection (example: jackets, vests with wider reflective strips).
Class 3 : Maximum protection (example: sets including jacket and pants).
3- Why is it essential?
Workers on construction sites, near roads or in low-light areas need to be clearly visible to reduce the risk of accidents. EN ISO 20471 ensures that their clothing provides the optimum level of protection in all circumstances.
4- Which sectors are covered by the EN ISO 20471 standard?
Many professionals must wear clothing that complies with this standard:
- Construction and public works
- Industry and logistics
- Emergency services (firefighters, rescue workers, road workers)
- Transport (road, rail, airport)
5- How to choose a good EN ISO 20471 garment?
Here are some tips for choosing the right equipment:
- Identify the required protection class according to the level of danger.
- Check the presence of the CE marking and EN ISO 20471 certification.
- Prioritize comfort and durability for extended professional use.
The EN ISO 20471 standard is essential to ensure the safety of workers in hazardous environments. By choosing compliant clothing, you not only guarantee better protection but also compliance with legal obligations regarding the prevention of occupational risks.
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