EN ISO 20471 certification and Roly Hi-Vis collection

High-visibility clothing, or hi-vis clothing, is one of the most important safety elements in industries where employees work near traffic, on construction sites, in warehouses, or in heavy machinery areas. Such clothing is not just a uniform; it is a life-saving tool.

In construction, logistics, railway infrastructure, and municipal services, high-visibility clothing is both a legal obligation and a responsible decision for employee safety. Properly selected and certified hi-vis workwear in Latvia helps prevent accidents, ensures compliance with regulations, and can also strengthen the company's image.

What is EN ISO 20471 certification?

EN ISO 20471 is a European standard for high-visibility protective clothing. It specifies the requirements for clothing intended for use in situations where an employee needs to be clearly visible both in daylight and in darkness or poor visibility conditions.

The standard regulates:

• the amount of fluorescent material;
• the placement of reflective tapes;
• visibility classes;
• material quality;
• certification and marking requirements.

If clothing complies with EN ISO 20471, it means it has been tested and certified as safety equipment.

EN ISO 20471 visibility classes

Class 3 – the highest level of protection

This is the highest protection class and is intended for work in high-risk environments.

Typically used in:

• road construction;
• rescue services;
• railway infrastructure;
• municipal works;
• firefighting and police.

Class 3 often means a full set - hi-vis jacket and trousers or overalls.

Requirements:

• fluorescent material ≥ 0.80 m²
• reflective material ≥ 0.20 m²

Class 2 – the most popular solution for businesses

The most common category for everyday work.

Suitable for:

• warehouses;
• logistics;
• maintenance work;
• construction sites;
• industrial areas.

Typically includes a hi-vis vest or lightweight jackets.

Requirements:

• fluorescent material ≥ 0.50 m²
• reflective material ≥ 0.13 m²

Class 1 – minimal protection

The lowest level of protection, suitable only for lower-risk environments.

Requirements:

• fluorescent material ≥ 0.14 m²
• reflective material ≥ 0.10 m²

Fluorescent materials and reflective tapes

Quality reflective clothing works in two ways.

Daytime visibility

Fluorescent colors:

• yellow
• orange
• red

They increase visibility in daylight and poor weather conditions.

Visibility in the dark

Reflective tapes return light from vehicle headlights, ensuring visibility in low light.

It is the combination of both elements that makes high-visibility clothing effective.

CE certification for clothing – a mandatory requirement

When choosing certified workwear, always check for the CE mark.

CE certification for clothing means that the product complies with European safety requirements.

Without a CE mark:

• the clothing cannot be considered protective equipment;
• it may not meet occupational safety requirements;
• the employer may incur legal liability.

Hi-vis clothing without a CE mark is not just a risk; it is often not legal for professional use.

Roly Hi-Vis collection – safety and personalization in one

Roly Hi-Vis collection is a popular choice for companies looking for high-quality, certified, and customizable high-visibility clothing.

Roly stands out by combining:

• EN ISO 20471 certification
• CE compliance
• quality materials
• suitability for printing
• a wide range of sizes and models

This is especially important for companies that want to combine safety with corporate identity.

Roly SIRIO - the popular hi-vis vest

One of the most popular choices is the Roly Certified Safety Vest with Velcro Fastening SIRIO

Main advantages:

• EN ISO 20471:2013/A1:2016 – Class II
• light and practical hi-vis vest
• available in yellow and orange tones
• sizes from M to 2XL
• suitable for DTF printing

Very suitable for:

• warehouses
• logistics
• event security
• construction sites

Large print areas make it ideal as a safety vest with logo.

Roly insulated work parka MERAK

If maximum visibility is required, a good choice is the Roly high-visibility insulated work parka MERAK

Advantages:

• EN ISO 20471:2013/A1:2016 (Class II)
• Professional standard for protection against precipitation
• Standard for protection against cold
• suitable for intensive outdoor use
• large back area for personalization

Suitable for:

• road construction
• railways
• municipal services
• infrastructure projects

Why is Roly suitable for printing?

Not all hi-vis clothing is equally good for personalization. Roly hi-vis stands out with its print-friendly fabrics.

Advantages:

Smooth fluorescent fabric

Hi-vis DTF printing on such fabrics ensures:

• precise contours
• durable colors
• good adhesion

Safe print areas

Print areas are designed so as not to affect reflective tapes and CE compliance.

Consistent quality

In large projects, it is important that the clothing and colors are consistent across batches.

Suitable for large volumes

A good solution for construction and industrial projects with a large number of employees.

How to correctly print hi-vis clothing?

Hi-vis DTF printing must be done responsibly to avoid compromising certification requirements.

Important principles:

Do not cover reflective tapes

These are an integral part of EN ISO 20471 requirements.

Do not reduce the fluorescent area

The print must not reduce the area of visible material below the standard minimum.

Choose appropriate technology

DTF is often a better choice than traditional screen printing because:

• maintains fabric elasticity
• less affects fluorescence
• is lighter and more precise

Use a professional service provider

Hi-vis printing is not standard textile printing - understanding safety standards is important.

Properly executed safety vest with logo maintains both functionality and a professional appearance.

Who absolutely needs hi-vis clothing?

In many industries, hi-vis workwear is mandatory.

Road and infrastructure construction

One of the most critical sectors for high-visibility clothing.

Municipal services

Water, electricity, and gas services often work near traffic.

Railways

In railway work, visibility is fundamental to safety.

Warehouses with mechanical equipment movement

Even indoors, visibility is critical.

Airport personnel

On runways and in technical areas, hi-vis is standard.

Waste collection and emergency services

Here, visibility directly affects life safety.

Why invest in certified hi-vis clothing?

Cheaper, uncertified solutions often pose risks.

Quality certified workwear ensures:

• employee safety
• legal compliance
• longer lifespan
• professional image
• lower long-term costs

It is an investment in safety and reputation.

Hi-vis clothing with logo - safety and company recognition simultaneously

Many companies choose not only safety equipment but also branding solutions.

Hi-vis clothing with DTF printing allows:

• displaying the company logo
• personalizing teams
• indicating positions or departments
• improving company recognition on sites

Properly executed personalization does not affect certification.

Conclusion

High-visibility clothing is not an option; it is a safety standard. Certified hi-vis clothing, complying with EN ISO 20471 and CE certification, helps protect employees and ensures compliance with regulations.

Meanwhile, the Roly Hi-Vis collection allows combining safety with company identity, using professional hi-vis DTF printing and personalized solutions.

The safest and most reliable solution for hi-vis workwear in Latvia is to choose a supplier that not only provides certified safety but also professionally customizes clothing with your logo and understands all technical requirements.