Seeing Clearly: A Guide to Legal Hi-Vis Colours in the UK

In our last post, we discussed PPE being inclusive. But not all colours can be used for safety when it comes to high-visibility (hi-vis) clothing.

When it comes to safety in high-risk environments—from bustling construction sites to dark country roads—high-visibility clothing is a non-negotiable essential. It’s the first line of defence, making sure workers and pedestrians are seen, reducing the risk of accidents and saving lives.

But have you ever stopped to wonder if the colour of your hi-vis matters beyond just being bright? Is that pink or blue hi-vis vest you see on site actually compliant with UK law?

The short answer is: not all hi-vis is created equal. Let's break down the rules, the colours, and what you need to know to stay safe and legal.

The Rulebook: What Does the Law Say?

In the UK, the use of hi-vis is governed by a combination of health and safety legislation and specific British/European standards.

The key standard is EN ISO 20471:2013. This is the benchmark that all professional hi-vis clothing must meet to be certified. For clothing to be certified to this standard, it must use specific fluorescent background materials and retro-reflective tape in defined proportions.

While the law (The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 as amended) doesn't explicitly state "you must wear yellow," it does mandate that employers provide suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) where risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means. In practice, for visibility, "suitable" almost always means clothing that conforms to EN ISO 20471.

So, let's look at the colours that meet this standard.

The Legal & Compliant Colours

EN ISO 20471 recognises three fluorescent background colours that provide the high-visibility contrast needed in a variety of lighting conditions:

1. Fluorescent Yellow (often called Lemon Yellow)

· This is the most common colour you'll see. It provides excellent daytime visibility, particularly in dull, overcast conditions which are common in the UK. It stands out strongly against both natural and urban environments.

2. Fluorescent Red (often called Orange-Red or Signal Orange)

· This colour is equally compliant and highly effective. It's frequently used on construction sites and by railway workers. Its warmth offers a strong contrast against earth, greenery, and concrete.

3. Fluorescent Red-Orange

· This sits between the two and is also fully compliant. It offers similar benefits to fluorescent red.

Why are these colours so effective?

Fluorescent colours absorb invisible ultraviolet light from the sun and re-emit it as visible light. This makes them appear to "glow," making the wearer far more conspicuous than even standard bright colours, especially during the day and at dawn/dusk.

The Supporting Act: Retro-Reflective Tape

Colour is only half the story. Certified hi-vis must also include silver or grey retro-reflective tape. This tape is crucial for night-time or low-light visibility. When headlights or torches shine on it, the tape reflects the light directly back to the source, making the wearer brilliantly visible in the dark.

A compliant garment will always have a combination of fluorescent material and this reflective tape.

What About Other Colours?

You might see hi-vis clothing in other bright colours like pink, blue, or green. So, what's the deal with these?

· They are NOT compliant with EN ISO 20471. These colours are not recognised as official hi-vis safety colours under the standard.

· They are for "corporate wear" or leisure. Companies might use them for brand consistency for staff in lower-risk roles (e.g., event stewards, car park attendants) where the legal requirement for certified PPE may not apply.

· They are not suitable for high-risk environments. A pink hi-vis vest on a dark, rainy construction site or a fast-moving road simply does not provide the same level of proven, certified visibility as fluorescent yellow or orange-red.

So remember, if a role requires PPE for visibility, the clothing must be certified to EN ISO 20471, which effectively limits the colour choices to the three fluorescent colours listed above.

Choosing the Right Hi-Vis: A Quick Checklist

To ensure you or your team are wearing the correct and legal hi-vis, always ask:

1. What is the risk? Is it for a construction site, roadworks, cycling, or casual dog walking? The higher the risk, the more important certified PPE becomes.

2. Check the Label: Look for the EN ISO 20471 mark on the garment. This is your guarantee that it meets the safety standard.

3. Check the Class: Hi-vis under EN ISO 20471 is rated in three classes:

· Class 1: Lowest visibility (e.g., a waistcoat/vest). Suitable for urban areas where traffic moves slower than 30mph.

· Class 2: Intermediate visibility (e.g., a jacket with sleeves). Essential for higher-speed roads and complex work environments.

· Class 3: Highest visibility (e.g., full sleeved jacket and trousers). Required for the most dangerous situations, such as high-speed roads (over 50mph) and poor weather, or very high risk workplaces.

4. Choose the Right Colour: For certified PPE, stick with Fluorescent Yellow or Fluorescent Red/Orange. The choice between them can be based on company policy or what provides the best contrast against the specific work background.

Stay Safe, Stay Seen, Stay Legal

While fashion has introduced a wider palette to hi-vis, safety should never be compromised for style. In high-risk scenarios, the rules are clear: only certified hi-vis in fluorescent yellow, orange-red, or red-orange provides the proven, legally-defensible protection required under UK law.

Don't just be bright—be compliant. Check the label, know the standard, and ensure you're wearing the right colour for the job.