PPE/Specific/TBT-PPE-008

Hi-Vis Clothing Standards

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Hi-Vis Clothing Standards

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-PPE-008  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
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What?

  • High-visibility clothing makes workers visible to plant operators, vehicle drivers, and other site personnel.
  • The standard for hi-vis garments is EN ISO 20471, which defines three classes of visibility.
  • Class 3 provides the highest visibility and is required for work near traffic and mobile plant.
  • Class 2 garments such as waistcoats provide less coverage and are suitable for lower-risk areas.
  • Hi-vis must be worn at all times on construction sites — it is typically a mandatory site rule.
  • Garments must be kept clean — dirt, paint, and contamination reduce the retroreflective performance.
  • Faded, torn, or heavily soiled hi-vis must be replaced — it no longer provides the required visibility.
  • Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual specifies the hi-vis requirements for highway working.
  • Night working requires hi-vis with enhanced retroreflective material for visibility in headlights.
  • The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 2022 require employers to provide suitable hi-vis.

Why?

Prevent being struckVisibility to plant and vehicle operators is the primary defence against being run over.
Night visibilityRetroreflective bands make workers visible in vehicle headlights during darkness.
Legal requirementPPE Regulations and Chapter 8 mandate hi-vis appropriate to the risk level.
Condition mattersDirty, faded, or torn hi-vis fails to provide the required level of visibility.
Do Don't
  • Wear hi-vis clothing at all times when on the construction site.
  • Select Class 3 garments for work near plant, vehicles, and highways.
  • Keep hi-vis clean — wash it regularly to maintain retroreflective performance.
  • Replace hi-vis that is faded, torn, or heavily contaminated with dirt or paint.
  • Wear Chapter 8 compliant hi-vis when working on or adjacent to public highways.
  • Choose hi-vis garments that fit correctly over any other clothing layers.
  • Use enhanced retroreflective hi-vis for night working and low-light conditions.
  • Ensure hi-vis is visible from all directions — front, back, and sides.
  • Store hi-vis properly when not in use to prevent unnecessary degradation.
  • Report damaged or missing hi-vis to your supervisor for replacement.
  • DON'T work anywhere on site without wearing your hi-vis clothing.
  • DON'T wear Class 2 waistcoats where Class 3 garments are required by the risk.
  • DON'T continue wearing hi-vis that is faded, torn, or heavily soiled.
  • DON'T cover hi-vis with jackets, harnesses, or equipment that hides the material.
  • DON'T wear hi-vis that does not meet EN ISO 20471 or Chapter 8 requirements.
  • DON'T assume plant operators can see you just because you are wearing hi-vis.
  • DON'T use hi-vis as a substitute for proper pedestrian segregation from plant.
  • DON'T wash hi-vis with fabric softener — it degrades the retroreflective material.
  • DON'T leave your hi-vis in the cab when walking across the site.
  • DON'T wear orange hi-vis on rail sites where it conflicts with railway standards.

See also: PPE Awareness and Responsibilities | Plant and Pedestrian Segregation
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