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Understanding High and Medium Risk Visibility Standards: ISO 20471 and EN 17353 Explained

In the ongoing evolution of workplace safety standards, high-visibility (hi-viz) clothing remains paramount in mitigating workplace accidents. The ISO 20471 standard has set rigorous global benchmarks for hi-viz garments in high-risk scenarios. Building on this, the EN 17353 standard emerges as a pivotal guideline for enhancing visibility in medium-risk situations, offering a nuanced approach to protective clothing. This blog delves into the distinction between ISO 20471 and EN 17353, spotlighting Brilliant Group's pigment technologies that align with these critical safety protocols.


 

ISO 20471: THE NEW STANDARD FOR HIGH-RISK VISIBILITY


ISO 20471 specifies design, color, and reflective requirements for hi-viz clothing in environments where visibility is a matter of life and death. Central to this standard is the use of fluorescent materials that ensure visibility under various light conditions. ISO 20471 mandates three fluorescent colors: yellow (chartreuse), orange, or red, chosen for their effectiveness in starkly contrasting with any backdrop. The standard also emphasizes durability, mandating that hi-viz garments maintain their luminosity and color integrity through numerous wash cycles and exposure to the elements.

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