These garments or devices shall in their design use at least the minimum amount of retroreflective
material according to Table 2 or Table 3.
5.3.2 Type B1 – Free hanging devices
The devices shall be removable.
The total area of the devices in use shall meet the requirements in Table 2.
A Type B1 device shall be retroreflective from both sides.
Its optical active area shall be a minimum of 15 cm2 per side. The total area shall be a maximum of 50 cm2 per
side. In order to achieve 360 visibility (visibility from all sides) at least two devices shall be used, these
shall be used on the left and the right side of the torso. This shall be specified in the user information.
The device shall be flat and its maximum thickness shall be 10 mm.
The means of attachment (string, ribbon, cord, spiral, etc.) shall be a minimum of 10 cm, in length between
the points of attachment on the garment and that on the reflector to enable free movement of the device
around its vertical axis and allow a pendulum effect.
NOTE:- Consider additional requirements applicable to children’s products.
5.3.3 Type B2 – Equipment for limbs
The minimum area of retroreflective material shall fulfill the requirements in Table 2.
To ensure 360 visibility (visibility from all sides), one or more devices shall be applied to each upper and for each lower limb.
When retroreflective material is applied to a garment it shall also be positioned to achieve 360 visibility (visibility from all sides). The material shall be placed on the Iimbs so as to ensure a minimum width of 20 mm encircling each Iimb.
Any gap in the lengthwise continuity of the retroreflective material shall not be greater than 50 mm, measured parallel to the direction of the material, and the total of such gaps shall not be greater than 50 mm around the Iimbs. Any offset not greater than the width of the material plus 5 mm is allowed.
Additionally, separate retroreflective elements may form part of an applied design in conjunction with the above. The retroreflective elements shall have a minimum area of 25 cm2 each.
In the case of B2 garments covering upper and lower limbs, the retroreflective material can be applied on the upper limbs only, on the lower limbs only, or on both the upper and lower limbs. In the latter case, the minimum amount of Table 2 shall be used for the upper limbs and also for the lower limbs.
5.3.4 Type B3 – Equipment for the torso or the torso and limbs
The minimum area of retroreflective material shall fulfill the requirements in Table 3. Garments and devices shall be measured flat and in their smallest configuration.
Retroreflective material shall be placed on the torso so as to ensure a minimum width of 20 mm encircling the torso. Alternatively, retroref1ective materials may be placed to encircle the upper arms.
If a B3 garment covers limbs below the elbows or knees, then retroreflective material on the limbs is required. In this case, Type B2 requirements (see 5.3.3) for the limbs shall be fulfilled whilst the remainder of the material shall be placed on the torso. It is not necessary for a minimum 20 mm wide band to be applied on the limbs in this case.
Additionally, separate retroreflective elements may form part of an applied design in conjunction with the above. The retroreflective elements shall have a minimum area of 25 cm2 each.
NOTE:- Examples of Type B3 garments are reported in Annex E.
Visibility from all sides shall be reached as follows:
– not less than 40 % of the minimum required amount of retroreflective material specified in Table 3 is present on both the front and the back when laid flat, and
– not less than 10 % of the minimum required amount of retroreflective material specified in Table 3 is present on both the right and left sides when laid flat on the back (respectively on the front).
Any gap in the lengthwise continuity of the retroreflective material shall not be greater than 50 mm, measured parallel to the direction of the material, and the total of such gaps shall not be greater than 100 mm around the torso. Any offset not greater than the width of the material plus 5 mm is allowed.
In the case of B3 garments covering the torso, and the upper and lower limbs, the retroreflective material can be applied on the torso and the upper limbs only, on the torso and lower limbs only, or on both the torso and the upper and lower limbs. In the latter case, the minimum amount of Table 2 shall be used for the upper limbs and also for the lower limbs.
Scope
BS EN 17353:2020
This document specifies requirements for enhanced visibility equipment in the form of garments, or devices, which are capable of visually signaling the user’s presence.
The enhanced visibility equipment is intended to provide conspicuity for the wearer in medium-risk situations under any daylight conditions and jor under illumination by vehicles headlights or searchlights in the dark.
Performance requirements are included for color and retroreflection as well as for the minimum areas and for the placement of the materials in protective equipment.
This document is not applicable to:
• High visibility equipment in high-risk situations, which is covered in EN ISO 20471 (for further information concerning risk situations, see Annex A);
• Visibility equipment specifically intended for the head, hands, and feet, e.g. helmets, gloves, and shoes;
• Equipment integrating active lighting, e.g. LEDs;
• Visibility for low-risk situations.
