The new International Standard for High Visibility Clothing is due to be published in the Official Journal of the EU in 2013. Summary of the main updates to the new EN ISO 20471 standard:

1. Class 1 Retro-reflective tape is no longer an option so only Class 2 Retroreflective tape is permissible.

2.The EN ISO 20471 symbol has been updated.

3. Placement of retro-reflective tape - The mandatory patterns for retroreflective tape remain unchanged, except now additional bands of tape may be added to achieve required areas.

4. Class 3 garments must now be garments, which cover the torso and have either full-length sleeves or full-length legs.

5. Fluorescent background materials must pass colour and luminance tests after the stated number of washes on the care label. (not applicable to vests and tabards).

6. Tensile strength, Burst strength and Tear strength requirements have been reduced.

7. Colourfastness to perspiration staining requirement has increased to 4.

8. Colourfastness to washing/dry cleaning staining requirement has been reduced to 4 for non-fluorescent fabrics.

9. Water vapour permeability requirements for fabrics (excluding EN343 fabrics) have been amended.

10. Retro- Reflective Tape: Performance after washing test method requires each cycle to be a wash and dry cycle. EN471 only requires drying after the last wash cycle.

EN ISO 20471 Performance parameter:

X - Surface of fluorescent and retro-reflective material (3 levels).

Class 3: Highest Level

Highest level of protection - required for any persons working on or near motorways or dual-carriageways or airports. Must incorporate a minimum of 0.80m² of background material and 0.20m² of retro-reflective materials. (4 metres of 5cm wide reflective tape).

Class 2: Intermediate Level

Required for any persons working on or near A and B class roads, also for delivery drivers. Must incorporate a minimum of 0.50m² of background material and 0.13m² of retro-reflective material. (2.60 metres of 5cm wide reflective tape).

Class 1: Minimum Level

Minimum level of protection required for any persons working on a private road or to be used in conjunction with a higher classed garment. Must incorporate a minimum of 0.14m² of background material and 0.10m² of retro-reflective material. (2 metres of 5cm wide reflective tape).