In case you are not aware, the EN471 has been replaced with the EN ISO, and when this change occurred, several improvements were been made. This article will explore the new features and major changes between the two.
1) The Class 1 retro-reflective tape is not an option anymore, because the ISO 20471 requirements for single performance retro reflective tape is equal to the EN 471 Class 2 tape. On the other hand, the performance after washing the test method differs as 20471 requires each cycle to be a wash and dry cycle. This was not the case for the EN471, as it only required washing after the last cycle. In addition to this, product markings will no longer state the performance class of the retro reflective tape. However, the combined performance tape may still be used on class 1 garments (again, the test method has changed)
2) (The placement of the retro-reflective tape) although the mandatory patterns for retro-reflective tape has not changed, it now clarifies that additional bands of tape may be used to achieve the required areas
3) It is also essential for the Class 3 garments to cover the torso and have either full length sleeves and/or full length legs
4) For the garments that have short sleeves, if the sleeve obscures a torso band of retro reflective tape, changes mean that the garment must now also have a band of retro-reflective tape about the sleeves.
5) If there is a maximum number of washes (or Dry Cleans cycles) stated by the manufacturer then fluorescent background material must adhere to the chromaticity and luminance requirements after the specified number of washes. If no maximum number of washes have been stated then it must meet the requirements after 5 washes and this must also be reflected in the user information.
6) The tensile strength, burst strength and tear strength (on coated fabrics/ laminates) requirements on fabrics have been reduced.
9) Additionally, colourfastness to perspiration has had the staining requirement increased to four.
10) Colourfastness to washing or dry cleaning has had the staining requirement reduced to four for the non-fluorescent fabrics.
11) Water vapour permeability requirements for fabrics (which excludes coated/laminate fabrics that protects against rain) has been amended to <5 m2Pa/W or water vapour permeability index <=0.15. This is not essential for vests/waistcoats.
EN ISO 20471 is an EN standard that will be introduced into ProGARM garments over a course of time as certification becomes available from fabric and accessory suppliers. If this new EN standard becomes a necessity as part of your risk assessments, please do not hesitate to contact our UK sales office and we will be happy to discuss this further.
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