Written by Jake Oakey on February 7, 2023

What are the 3 classes of high visibility clothing?


High visibility clothing is an essential safety gear that provides increased visibility to workers and motorists, especially in low light conditions. This type of clothing is designed to make workers more visible in hazardous work environments and helps prevent accidents and injuries.

There are three classes of high visibility clothing:

  1. Class 1:

    This class of high visibility clothing provides the lowest level of visibility. It is designed for workers who need to be visible from a distance of 100-150 meters. Class 1 high visibility clothing includes vests, bibs, and t-shirts with reflective strips. This class is ideal for workers who are only exposed to slow moving traffic and minimal hazards.
  2. Class 2:

    Class 2 high visibility clothing provides a higher level of visibility than Class 1. It is designed for workers who need to be visible from a distance of 150-360 meters. Class 2 high visibility clothing includes jackets, trousers, and coveralls with reflective strips and bright colours. This class is ideal for workers who are exposed to traffic traveling at higher speeds and in more complex work environments.
  3. Class 3:

    This class of high visibility clothing provides the highest level of visibility. It is designed for workers who need to be visible from a distance of 360 meters or more. Class 3 high visibility clothing includes full body suits, high visibility rain gear, and parkas with reflective strips and bright colours. This class is ideal for workers who are exposed to high speed traffic, high risk activities, and complex work environments.


Portwest PS54 helmet with coverall



How to tell what class of high visibility you have?

There are several ways to determine the class of high visibility clothing in the UK:

  1. Label:

    Most high visibility clothing will have a label that indicates the class of the clothing. This label will be located on the garment and will typically include the class number and any certifications that the clothing has received.

  2. Manufacturer Information:

    The manufacturer's website or product information should indicate the class of the high visibility clothing. If you are unsure of the class of your high visibility clothing, you can contact the manufacturer for more information.

  3. Standards Organizations:

    High visibility clothing in the UK is typically certified by organizations such as the British Standards Institute (BSI) and the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB). These organizations provide guidelines and standards for high visibility clothing and certify clothing that meets their standards.


It is important to choose the right class of high visibility clothing for the specific work environment in the UK. Wearing the wrong class of high visibility clothing can be dangerous, as it may not provide the necessary level of visibility. It is always best to consult with your employer or a safety specialist to ensure you are wearing the right class of high visibility clothing for your job.

Portwest PW261 Winter Jacket





Why is it important to have the right high visibility class?



It is crucial to choose the right class of high visibility clothing for the specific work environment. Wearing the wrong class of high visibility clothing can be dangerous, as it may not provide the necessary level of visibility. For example, wearing Class 1 high visibility clothing in a high speed work environment can be hazardous, as it may not provide enough visibility to workers and motorists.

Additionally, wearing high visibility clothing that is damaged, faded, or has missing reflective strips can also be dangerous. The reflective strips and bright colours are designed to catch the attention of motorists and provide increased visibility, so it is essential to replace high visibility clothing that is damaged or worn.

Conclusion

In conclusion, high visibility clothing is a critical piece of safety gear that provides increased visibility to workers and motorists. By choosing the right class of high visibility clothing, workers can help ensure their safety and prevent accidents and injuries on the job. It is important to replace high visibility clothing that is damaged or worn, to maintain its effectiveness in providing increased visibility and ensuring worker safety.

OAKEYS Safety has a great range of high visibility workwear, kitting out companies from top to toe in the correct workwear for there environment. We supply across the whole of the UK - full ranges of class 1, class 2 and class 3 workwear. Take a look at our shop in the link below!

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