Hi Vis EN ISO 20471 Specifications

EN ISO 20471:2013 is the current international standard for high visibility clothing. It specifies requirements for "high visibility clothing which is capable of visually signaling the user's presence."

The 3 Classes of Hi Vis

Rail Industry Specs (RIS-3279-TOM)

Previously known as GO/RT 3279, this standard is specific to the UK Railway Industry.

It requires garments to meet at least Class 2 of EN ISO 20471 but specifically in Orange colour. This is because orange improves visibility against the specific background of railway tracks and stone ballast.

EN 510 is also relevant here—specification for protective clothing for use where there is a risk of entanglement with moving parts (e.g., tear-apart vests).

RISQS Certification

The Railway Industry Supplier Qualification Scheme (RISQS) is the UK rail industry's dedicated supplier assurance and pre-qualification scheme. It is managed by the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) and provides a standardised way for rail buyers (such as Network Rail, Transport for London and others) to assess and manage supply chain risks.

How does this benefit you as a customer?: Our RISQS certification assures you that Hivis.co.uk Limited has undergone rigorous verification by the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB), confirming our compliance with the highest standards in safety, quality, and risk management for the UK rail industry. This means you can trust our PPE/Hi Vis Uniform to meet strict requirements, reducing your supply chain risks, simplifying procurement under regulatory guidelines, and ensuring reliable performance on rail projects. Ultimately saving you time, costs, and potential compliance headaches while prioritizing worker safety.

Key Points About RISQS

• What is RISQS?: It's the UK's rail industry scheme for checking and approving suppliers, run by the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB), focusing on safety, quality, and compliance.
• Why it helps: Allows rail companies (e.g. Network Rail, Transport for London) to manage risks, easily find verified suppliers for contracts, cut down on extra checks, and follow rules.
• How it works: There are over 4,000 suppliers and they go through verification or audits to prove their up to the standard. It replaced the old "Link-up" system and targets rail-specific issues.
• Overall impact: Speeds up buying processes under UK/EU laws, builds trust for buyers in choosing suppliers, and opens doors for suppliers to win rail work.

Official RISQS website: www.risqs.org – visit their main website for more information on RISQS certification.

Our RISQS Certificate

This is to certify that HIVIS.CO.UK LIMITED (Supplier ID: 10411) is a verified supplier on RISQS. Subscription Renewal Date: 05-JAN-2027.

How does this benefit you as a customer?: Our RISQS certification assures you that Hivis.co.uk Limited has undergone rigorous verification by the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB), confirming our compliance with the highest standards in safety, quality, and risk management for the UK rail industry. This means you can trust our PPE/Hi Vis Uniform to meet strict requirements, reducing your supply chain risks, simplifying procurement under regulatory guidelines, and ensuring reliable performance on rail projects. Ultimately saving you time, costs, and potential compliance headaches while prioritizing worker safety.

RICCL Code Summary

We're proud to be RISQS verified under Supplier ID 10411, with all our RICCL (Railway Industry Commodity Classification List) codes confirmed as "Verified" by the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB). This table above summarizes our verified categories, covering specific codes for manufacturing and supplying signage, PPE (including footwear), and uniform clothing—ensuring we meet strict rail industry standards for safety, quality, and compliance. Our certification gives you confidence in our reliable, compliant rail supplies.

Safety Footwear (EN ISO 20345)

Safety footwear is classified using the following codes to help you choose the right protection level.

Professional Use Specs (SB, S1, S2, S3)

Safety Gloves (EN 388:2016)

The standard for mechanical risks (EN 388) was updated in 2016 to include a more accurate Cut Resistance test (ISO 13997).

Understanding the Code (e.g., 4X43C)

Head Protection

EN 397 is the standard for industrial safety helmets. Helmets should be inspected before every use.

Site Helmet Colour Codes (Build UK Guide)

• White: Site Managers, Competent Operatives, Vehicle Marshals.
• Orange: Slinger or Signaller.
• Black: Supervisors.
• Blue: All other site workers / visitors.

Note: Hard hats typically have a lifespan of 5 years from manufacture (check the date stamp inside).

Safety Eyewear (EN 166)

Eyewear is marked with mechanical strength ratings to indicate what kind of impact they can withstand.

FAQs

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about hi-vis clothing, PPE standards, customisation, and more.

Common Questions

• Why do hi-vis garments bobble or pill over time?
  Pilling is caused by friction and abrasion during wear/washing. To minimise it, wash inside out at 30°C max, use liquid detergent, avoid overloading the machine, and skip fabric softeners/tumble drying.
• Can I add my own logo and still meet EN ISO 20471?
  Small logos are usually fine, but large ones (over 230mm rear / 100mm front) may reduce reflective area and invalidate certification. Always check with us first.
• What hi-vis class do I need for rail work?
  UK rail typically requires at least Class 2 in orange (RIS-3279-TOM), often with anti-entanglement features (EN 510).
• How should I care for custom-printed or embroidered hi-vis?
  Wash at max 30-40°C inside out, no bleach, no tumble dry, iron on low (avoid print/embroidery areas). Follow garment label instructions.
• Do you offer VAT relief or export options?
  Yes for eligible non-UK/EU exports (VAT zero-rated); provide your EORI number if required. Contact us for quotes.

For any other FAQs — especially anything not about PPE, standards, hi-vis care or rail requirements (e.g. ordering, delivery, payments, samples, returns, embroidery/printing process) — see our full FAQs page →