High visibility clothing

The choice should be made based on the risks involved in the workplace. Construction workers, security guards, technical service employees, and airport personnel all require specific clothing. Some professions even require the wearing of professional high-visibility trousers or high-visibility work jackets in addition to the classic vest.

High visibility signalling clothing for professional use UNI EN 20471:

The EN ISO 20471 standard, formerly known as EN 471 , sets out precise requirements for high-visibility clothing. It defines three protection classes , based on the minimum surface area of fluorescent and retro-reflective materials present on the garment. Class 1 offers the lowest level of protection, while Class 3 ensures the best visibility, especially in poor light conditions.

UPower Clothing Test Methods

UNI EN 20471: This standard specifies the requirements for high-visibility clothing so that all people working in low-light conditions, both day and night, are always visible. The fluorescent fabric guarantees high visibility in daylight, while the retro-reflective stripes provide high visibility at night. The clothing is divided into 3 classes, where class 3 represents the most fluorescent clothing.
Wearing two class 2 items of clothing (e.g. trousers + jacket) at the same time is equivalent to wearing a class 3 item of clothing.
For the production of the U-Power collection garments, we use 3M™ 8910 reflective tape that complies with class 2 for retroreflective materials.
x = surface class of the retroreflective background material (see Table 1, class 1 to 3)
y = class of retroreflective material (class 1 to 2)

The objectives and rules of use for high visibility

Provide protection against the elements
Beyond simple signaling, high-visibility clothing must also provide protection against weather conditions. High-visibility work jackets can be waterproof, thermal, or have removable sleeves to adapt to different seasons. A high-visibility cold-weather jacket is also an essential item for working outdoors when temperatures drop in winter or conditions deteriorate.
Choose durable and comfortable materials
The quality of the fabrics used is another essential criterion. High-visibility clothing must be resistant to wear and tear, while ensuring maximum comfort for the worker. Materials such as recycled polyester or cotton blends are often preferred for their strength and flexibility.
Ensure optimal visibility
The color of high-visibility clothing also plays a key role. Fluorescent yellow, bright orange, and red are the most commonly used shades, as they offer greater visibility, even in low-light conditions. Some models even combine several colors for even more effective signaling.
Maintain your equipment regularly
To ensure long-lasting protection, it is essential to properly care for your high-visibility clothing. Washing, drying, and ironing should be carried out according to the manufacturer's recommendations to preserve the integrity of the fluorescent and retro-reflective materials.