Cepovett Safety – High-visibility clothing, signaling equipment, visibility PPE
The Context: Signaling clothing for moderate risk
The EN 17353 standard applies to the design of signaling clothing for all work situations with moderate risk, for both professional and non-professional garments. Unlike the EN ISO 20471 (High Visibility) standard which concerns high-risk environments, the EN 17353 standard is dedicated to enhanced visibility equipment incorporating retro-reflective strips and fluorescent materials, but not covered by High Visibility. There is no longer any distinction between professional and non-professional clothing in this standard.
The Risk: Improved visibility at work
EN ISO 17353 signaling equipment is designed to make the wearer more noticeable and visible in both daylight and darkness, through the use of fluorescent materials and/or retro-reflective bands. This type of personal protection against low visibility risks is essential for the safety of workers exposed to the danger of not being detected, for example during roadside activities, maintenance, or outdoor sports and leisure activities.
EN ISO 17353 Regulation
The regulation on signaling clothing is based on the EN ISO 17353 standard for situations with moderate risk.These signaling PPE improve the wearer’s visibility, both day and night, in the presence of vehicle headlights, urban lighting, or reduced natural light (dusk, rain, etc.). This is the recommended solution when the use of High Visibility clothing compliant with EN ISO 20471 is not required, but where additional visibility protection must be ensured.
Definition and Regulatory Requirements — EN ISO 17353 Standard
The EN 17353 standard defines three main types of classification according to the required levels of visibility:
Classification of signaling equipment:
- TYPE A: Visibility in daylight only — exclusively in fluorescent material
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TYPE B: Visibility in darkness — presence of retro-reflective bands
- B1: Suspended equipment (not applicable here)
- B2: On the limbs (arms or legs)
- B3: On the torso or torso + limbs
- TYPE AB: Equipment ensuring visibility during the day, at dusk, and in darkness — fluorescent + retro-reflective
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Type A : daytime visibility
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Type B1 or B2 or B3 : night/darkness visibility
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Type AB2 or AB3 : day and night visibility
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fluorescent material
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retro-reflective bands
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fluorescent + retro-reflective
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Compliance models: How to choose the right EN 17353 high-visibility garment?
Type A Equipment — Daylight visibility
The Type A high-visibility garment features fluorescent panels or bands distributed around the torso and/or limbs.It guarantees optimal visibility under sunlight or ambient light but does not provide retro-reflection in dark conditions. Ideal for outdoor work – industry, construction, landscaping sectors.
Type B2 Equipment — Movement signaling (certified separately or together)
Jacket and/or Trousers
Coverall
The Type B2 signaling equipment is designed to ensure movement recognition, notably by the placement of retro-reflective bands (30 mm) on the upper and/or lower limbs.This configuration concerns the signal jacket, the trousers or the work coverall for any position where the perception of movement is crucial.
Type B3 equipment — Signaling of shapes and movements
Jacket and/or Trousers
Vest, t-shirt
For Type B3, the retro-reflective surface (minimum 800 cm², including 180 cm² on the limbs) is located on the torso and on the limbs.This type of high-visibility PPE, such as the reflective vest, t-shirt, or trousers with retro-reflective bands, meets the needs for safety on public roads, logistics, night delivery, cycling, etc. 50 mm wide bands required.
Type AB Equipment — Continuous visibility day & night
The Type AB combines retro-reflective bands and fluorescent material to ensure optimal signaling of the wearer both day and night (natural light, dusk, darkness). Ideal for maintenance operators, logistics staff, road workers, or athletes who need to be identifiable in all circumstances.
Why choose a signaling PPE compliant with EN ISO 17353 ?
- Safety and enhanced visibility protection in all moderately hazardous environments
- Compliance with European PPE regulations for wearer visibility in various conditions
- Can be used for both professional and non-professional clothing
- Wide range of high-visibility clothing non-EN20471 suitable for many professions and uses
In conclusion:
The EN ISO 17353 standard is the reference for all signaling garments for moderate risk.It guarantees, with its three types (A, B, AB), solutions tailored for workplace safety, increased operator visibility, and protection against accidents due to lack of visibility.
Discover the Cepovett Safety range: jackets, trousers, vests, t-shirts, compliant with EN 17353 standard for enhanced safety in all your professional or leisure environments !
