Retroreflection of high-visibility clothing: Regulations to follow for high-visibility clothing

Reflectometry is the technique used to measure a surface’s ability to reflect light, especially in the same direction as the emitting source. In the context of high-visibility clothing, this measurement is crucial to ensure that the retroreflective bands applied to workwear meet the required illumination and reflection levels set by European regulations.

Reflectometry tests are conducted using a professional instrument called a reflection photometer or retroreflectometer, which allows quantifying the intensity with which a reflective band returns light to its source, even under low visibility conditions.

High-visibility clothing is regulated by the EN ISO 20471 standard, which sets the technical requirements for a garment to be considered suitable as personal protective equipment (PPE) in hazardous environments. This standard focuses on aspects such as:

Additionally, other standards such as EN ISO 13688 (general requirements for protective clothing) complement the criteria to ensure safety and durability.

To ensure that garments maintain their reflective properties over time, periodic measurements are necessary. This is where reflectometry and the use of reflection photometers or reflectometers are essential. These devices are key to guaranteeing that high-visibility garments meet the required safety standards.

Thanks to reflectometry, it is possible to objectively verify whether the reflective bands provide the necessary level of retroreflection to protect workers in low-light environments or adverse weather conditions. This evaluation is essential both in manufacturing processes and in post-use quality controls, as over time and with wear, the reflective material can lose effectiveness.

At T2S Ibérica we offer retroreflectometers with DELTA technology, ideal for quality control both during the manufacturing process and throughout the prolonged use of the garments.

Conducting reflectometry tests periodically is essential to ensure that high-visibility clothing maintains its retroreflective properties over time and under real-use conditions.

This measurement is key both for manufacturers and for companies that must guarantee the safety of their personnel exposed to low-light environments or high-risk situations. The advantages of conducting reflectometry tests in professional settings are:

At T2S Ibérica we are official distributors of reflectance measurement equipment from DELTA, a leader in precision instruments for road and workplace safety.

The DELTA technology retroreflectometers allow for reflectometry testing to accurately measure the retroreflection of reflective bands on work garments. It is portable, ergonomic, and compatible with analysis software, making it the perfect tool for:

You can consult all models of DELTA vertical and horizontal reflectometers, available in the T2S Ibérica catalog, to perform reflectometry tests on technical reflective clothing.