RWS Standard Additional Requirements for Visibility Clothing Rijkswaterstaat

Because the EN ISO 20471 standard is a general safety and quality standard, Rijkswaterstaat has drawn up specific guidelines for the uniformity and quality of high-visibility clothing: the “Guidelines and Specifications for Safety Clothing for Road Works” (AVV, 1995). These guidelines provide clear regulations for the class to be applied, the background color, and the color and figuration of the retro-reflective striping.

The guidelines apply to all high-visibility clothing worn by road workers on national highways (A and N roads) and rail workers. They also apply to professionals who carry out traffic measurements, counts and inspections. The main purpose of this additional standard is to increase the visibility and recognizability of road workers and rail workers.

Additional requirements RWS standard

The RWS standard sets a number of additional requirements for reflective clothing when carrying out work on public roads and railways. The specifications differ in the number and location of the reflective stripes. These stripes should be in the shape of a Roman II (sometimes called an H shape), with the vertical bands running over the shoulder. There must also be a vertical stripe on the outside of the sleeves and trouser legs. All vests, jackets and suits must be worn closed.

Classes

High Visibility work clothing is manufactured according to the EN ISO 20471 divided into three different classes. During roadworks on or along motorways, only class 2 and class 3 are permitted;

Class 2: High Visibility work clothing from class 2 is suitable for working along public roads with a maximum speed of 60 km/hour.

Class 3: High Visibility work clothing from class 3 is suitable for working along public roads, without speed limits. Reflective clothing with class 3 is mandatory when carrying out work in the dark.

Personalizing high visibility work clothing

Companies often wish to print their logo on work clothing. High Visibility work clothing must meet strict requirements. Applying a logo to reflective clothing is subject to strict rules. The minimum surface requirements applicable to the different classes according to EN ISO 20471 must always be taken into account. When a logo is placed on the fluorescent fabric, the visible surface may be reduced, meaning that the garment may no longer meet the requirements of the original class. As experts, we can guide you in this process, so that your company meets all requirements without sacrificing its appearance.

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