The EN 17353 standard significantly improves visibility in various conditions by establishing specific requirements for enhanced visibility clothing and devices designed for medium-risk situations. Here’s how it achieves this:
Key Features of EN 17353
- Types of Visibility Equipment: EN 17353 categorizes visibility equipment into three types, each tailored for different lighting conditions:
- Type A: Designed for use in daylight conditions only, utilizing fluorescent materials to enhance visibility.
- Type B: Intended for dark conditions, this type employs retroreflective materials. It is further subdivided into:
- B1: Free-hanging retroreflective devices.
- B2: Devices placed on limbs.
- B3: Retroreflective materials on the torso.
- Type AB: Suitable for all conditions—daylight, twilight, and dark—this type combines both fluorescent and retroreflective materials, providing maximum visibility.
- Material Requirements: The standard specifies minimum areas for both fluorescent and retroreflective materials, ensuring that garments provide adequate visibility. For example, Type A requires a minimum of 2400 cm² of fluorescent material, while Type B requires varying amounts of retroreflective material depending on its classification.
- Color Options: EN 17353 allows for a wider range of fluorescent colors compared to previous standards, including yellow-green, fluorescent orange, and pink. This flexibility enables better visibility under different environmental conditions.
- Design and Placement: The standard outlines specific design requirements for the placement of visibility materials to ensure that at least 40% of the fluorescent or retroreflective material is visible from the front and back, and a minimum of 10% from the sides. This comprehensive coverage enhances the likelihood of being seen from various angles.
- Performance in Low Light: The standard includes performance requirements for luminous intensity and retroreflection, ensuring that visibility is maintained under artificial lighting, such as vehicle headlights. This is crucial for users in environments where they may be exposed to moving vehicles or machinery.
By addressing these aspects, EN 17353 enhances the visibility of wearers in medium-risk situations, such as outdoor work, cycling, and jogging, regardless of the time of day. The combination of fluorescent and retroreflective materials, along with strict requirements for material coverage and placement, ensures that users are conspicuous to drivers and other road users, thereby improving safety in various conditions.
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