Knowledge base
RWS workwear explained briefly: classes, requirements and applications
Anyone working along the road operates in a high-risk environment. Traffic often passes at high speed, weather conditions are unpredictable, and in winter it gets dark early. RWS workwear has been developed to ensure maximum visibility in exactly these conditions. As a dealer, you play an important role in correctly informing users. In this article, we explain the requirements, standards and differences between high-visibility clothing and RWS workwear, with special attention to the winter season.
What is RWS workwear?
RWS workwear is high-visibility clothing worn during work on or along roads, particularly motorways and highways. The clothing is based on the guidelines of Rijkswaterstaat and has a recognisable appearance: fluorescent orange material with fixed patterns of reflective striping. This combination ensures that wearers are highly visible both during the day and at night, even in poor weather conditions.
It is important to emphasise that RWS workwear is more than “an orange jacket with stripes”. The placement of reflective material, the amount of fluorescent surface and the way garments may be combined are all defined in standards and guidelines.
The basis: EN ISO 20471
All RWS workwear complies with the European standard EN ISO 20471 for high-visibility clothing. This standard defines how much fluorescent material and reflective tape are required to guarantee a certain level of visibility. Three classes are distinguished within this standard. The higher the class, the greater the visibility and the larger the protective surface area.
Although RWS workwear is often associated directly with class 3, it is also important to understand classes 1 and 2. This helps explain why certain garments are or are not suitable for specific working situations. In addition to EN ISO 20471, additional RWS guidelines apply:
- Since 2019, fluorescent orange has been mandatory for road works
- Fixed patterns of retroreflective striping are required
- Reflection must be visible around the torso, arms and legs
- Consistent appearance for recognizability
As a result, RWS workwear differs from standard high-visibility workwear.
The three classes explained
Class 1 – minimal visibility
Class 1 is the lowest level within EN ISO 20471. These garments offer limited fluorescent material and reflection and are intended for low-risk environments with low traffic speeds and sufficient distance from traffic. In practice, class 1 is mainly used for internal activities on company premises and in logistics centres. Class 1 is not suitable for RWS-related work.
Class 2 – enhanced visibility
Class 2 offers significantly better visibility than class 1 and is mainly used in environments where traffic is present but risks are lower than on motorways. Examples include work along regional roads or in urban areas with lower traffic speeds. Some individual garments may meet class 2 requirements, but along motorways this is usually insufficient unless combined to achieve class 3.
Class 3 – maximum visibility (RWS standard)
Class 3 provides the highest level of visibility and is designed for work in high-risk environments such as motorways. This class is almost always required for road works. Class 3 visibility is often achieved through combinations, such as an RWS jacket worn with RWS trousers, while coveralls can achieve class 3 in a single garment.
RWS workwear in winter: visibility remains essential
In winter, working conditions change significantly. Reduced daylight, rain and fog limit visibility, and workers wear thicker clothing to stay warm. This makes maintaining proper visibility even more critical.
Winter RWS workwear, such as insulated jackets, softshells and rain jackets, must not only provide warmth and comfort but also retain full RWS certification. A common misconception is that any warm orange jacket is suitable. In reality, winter garments must also fully comply with EN ISO 20471 and RWS guidelines.
Layering is common in winter. A simple rule applies: the outer layer must be RWS-certified and fully visible. If reflective striping is partially covered or the RWS jacket is worn open, compliance is no longer guaranteed.
Which garments are required?
RWS visibility is not determined by jackets or T-shirts alone. Trousers with reflective bands play a major role, especially for class 3. A combination of an RWS jacket or T-shirt with RWS trousers ensures visibility over the entire body. Coveralls are often chosen in wet and cold conditions, as they provide full class 3 visibility in a single garment. This makes them especially popular in winter for prolonged roadside work.
What does this mean for you as a dealer?
As a dealer, you provide more than just a product—you contribute to safety and compliance. By clearly explaining what RWS workwear is, how the three classes differ and why class 3 is often required, you help prevent misunderstandings and unsafe situations.
Need advice or have questions about RWS workwear? Contact us. We are happy to help you select the right combinations, classes and applications so your customers can work safely and in compliance with regulations.
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