'Hi-Viz' and 'Easy to Identify' clothing

Does your risk assessment say you need to wear 'Hi-Viz' clothing? This is clothing “which is capable of visually signaling the user’s presence”

Then, there is a standard that the clothing will need to meet - EN ISO 20471:2013 (started in October 2013)

This standard says there are 3 acceptable colours (Yellow, Orange-Red, and Red). If it's not that colour, then it's not hi-viz.

There are a number of other criteria that hi-viz must meet, including items such as the maximum number of cleaning cycles, reflective bands, design and performance. It is also worth considering that applying branding to hi-viz is also affected by the standard.

There may also be requirements to be 'easy to identify' in a risk assessment, and this can be done in a number of ways.

Here are two of Ashley's vests. The one to the left is a CE compliant yellow hi-viz to this would be appropriate for construction site visits, or areas where 'hi-viz' is required. The green vest to the right is a for 'easy to identify' jobs, which may include events. or other places where being identified as someone other than a member of the public is required.

Hi Viz vest, and Easy to Identify branded vest

Of course, 'hi-viz' is also 'easy to identify' but there are times where being 'hi-viz' can make being approachable less attractive.

As always, controlling hazards should be done on a risk assessed basis. So, before ordering up your pink/black/blue/green/twotone logo'd 'hi-viz' double check you've understood what your risk assessment is asking for.

The labels beneath show the CE marked yellow hi-vis having the EN number, that it can be washed a maximum of 25 times. The green on the right does not meet the standard so has less information.