When it comes to safety on the job, high-visibility clothing isn’t just a recommendation it’s a necessity. In industries like construction, logistics, offshore, and petrochemical work, staying visible can be the difference between safe operations and serious accidents. But not all hi-vis gear is the same. The EN ISO 20471 standard divides high-visibility clothing into different classes, with Class 2 and Class 3 being the most common.
So what’s the difference? And which class is right for your work environment? Let’s break it down.
What is High-Visibility Clothing?
High-visibility (hi-vis) clothing is designed to make workers more noticeable in low-light or high-risk environments. Using fluorescent fabrics and reflective striping, hi-vis gear ensures that you remain visible from a distance and from multiple angles – day or night.
The level of protection depends on the class rating, which is determined by the amount of fluorescent and reflective material on the garment.
Class 2 Hi-Vis Clothing: Enhanced Visibility
Class 2 clothing offers a higher level of visibility than Class 1 (the lowest rating) but is still considered medium protection.
Features of Class 2 Clothing:
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Typically includes hi-vis vests, jackets, and trousers
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Minimum of 0.50 m² of fluorescent material
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At least 0.13 m² of reflective material
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Reflective bands usually around the torso and shoulders
Best for:
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Construction workers on daylight sites
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Roadside workers in low-speed traffic areas
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Logistics and warehouse employees
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Workers who need to stand out in busy industrial zones
Class 2 strikes the balance between comfort and visibility, but it’s not always enough for extreme conditions.
Class 3 Hi-Vis Clothing: Maximum Protection
Class 3 is the highest level of visibility protection. These garments use significantly more fluorescent and reflective material to ensure visibility in poor light, bad weather, and high-speed traffic zones.
Features of Class 3 Clothing:
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Full-coverage garments like coveralls, jackets, and full-body suits
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Minimum of 0.80 m² of fluorescent material
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At least 0.20 m² of reflective material
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Reflective bands on the torso, shoulders, arms, and legs
Best for:
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High-risk environments with moving vehicles or heavy machinery
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Night shifts or low-light conditions
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Offshore and petrochemical workers exposed to unpredictable weather
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Rope access and industrial jobs where visibility from all sides is crucial
Class 3 is the standard for workers who face constant hazards and need to be seen in the most challenging conditions.
Class 2 vs Class 3: Which One Should You Choose?
The right choice depends on your environment:
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Choose Class 2 if you work in moderate-risk settings with good visibility during the day.
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Choose Class 3 if you’re exposed to traffic, low-light, or high-risk environments where maximum visibility is critical.
Final Thoughts
Visibility saves lives. Whether you choose Class 2 or Class 3 high-visibility clothing, both play a crucial role in keeping workers safe in high-risk industries. At Dapro Safety, we design certified hi-vis gear that meets EN ISO 20471 standards and performs in the toughest conditions.
Explore our full range of high-visibility clothing and find the right class for your work.