Workwear Compliance: Understanding UK Safety Standards

In the UK, ensuring that your workwear complies with relevant safety standards is not just a matter of best practice—it's a legal requirement. Whether you're a site manager, tradesperson, or procurement officer, understanding the key safety standards can help you select the right protective gear for your team. At Active Workwear, we offer a comprehensive range of compliant workwear to meet these standards.

EN ISO 20471: High-Visibility Clothing

EN ISO 20471 is the international standard for high-visibility clothing, crucial for workers in high-risk areas such as roadways, construction sites, and railways. The standard classifies garments into three classes based on the level of visibility provided

• Class 1: Minimum visibility for low-risk environments.

• Class 2: Intermediate visibility for moderate-risk environments.

• Class 3: Highest visibility for high-risk environments.

For example, railway workers must wear garments that comply with both EN ISO 20471 and the UK-specific RIS-3279-TOM standard, which mandates orange high-visibility clothing.

Explore our Hi-Vis Workwear Collection to find garments that meet these standards.

EN 343: Protection Against Rain

EN 343 specifies requirements for clothing that protects against rain, snow, fog, and ground humidity. It assesses garments based on

• Water Penetration Resistance (X): Rated 1 to 4, with 4 offering the highest protection.

• Breathability (Y): Rated 1 to 4, with 4 indicating the highest level of breathability.

Proper EN 343-certified clothing ensures that workers remain dry and comfortable in adverse weather conditions.

Check out our Waterproof Workwear Range for EN 343-compliant options.

EN ISO 11612: Protection Against Heat and Flame

EN ISO 11612 sets the standard for garments that protect against heat and flame. It's essential for workers exposed to heat, flames, and molten materials. The standard includes:

• Limited Flame Spread (A1, A2)

• Convective Heat (B)

• Radiant Heat (C)

• Molten Aluminium Splash (D)

• Molten Iron Splash (E)

• Contact Heat (F)

Each parameter is rated to indicate the level of protection provided.

Browse our Flame Retardant Workwear to find EN ISO 11612-certified garments.

EN ISO 11611: Protective Clothing for Welding

EN ISO 11611 covers protective clothing for welding and allied processes. It specifies two classes:

• Class 1: Protection against less hazardous welding techniques and situations.

• Class 2: Protection against more hazardous welding techniques and situations.

These garments protect against small splashes of molten metal, short contact time with flame, and radiant heat.

Explore our Welding Workwear Collection for EN ISO 11611-compliant options.

EN 388: Protection Against Mechanical Risks

EN 388 applies to protective gloves that safeguard against mechanical risks, including abrasion, blade cuts, tears, and punctures. Each glove is rated with a series of numbers indicating its performance in these areas.

For example, a glove rated 4X42C offers:

• Abrasion Resistance: Level 4

• Cut Resistance (Coup Test): Not tested (X)

• Tear Resistance: Level 4

• Puncture Resistance: Level 2

• Cut Resistance (TDM Test): Level C

Find suitable options in our Protective Gloves Range.

EN 342: Protection Against Cold

EN 342 specifies requirements for clothing designed to protect against cold environments. It assesses garments based on thermal insulation and air permeability.

Key parameters include:

• Thermal Insulation (X): Measured in clo; higher values indicate better insulation.

• Air Permeability (Y): Rated 1 to 3, with 3 being the least permeable.

Proper EN 342-certified clothing ensures warmth and comfort in cold conditions.

Explore our Cold Weather Workwear for EN 342-compliant options.

EN 13034: Protection Against Liquid Chemicals

EN 13034 covers protective clothing offering limited protection against liquid chemicals. It's suitable for situations where there is a potential exposure to light spray or low-volume splashes.

These garments are classified as Type 6 and are essential in industries where chemical exposure is a risk.

Browse our Chemical Protection Workwear for EN 13034-certified garments.