Interactive tool · Hi-vis
The class question has a logic to it: where you work, how fast the vehicles around you move, and how bad the light gets. Answer the three below and the tool walks the same decision path an assessor would — reasoning included.
The tool
No JavaScript? The full decision logic is in the table below.
The logic on paper
This is exactly what the tool walks through.
| Situation | Points to | Why |
|---|---|---|
| On or near the railway | Orange Class 3 (rail spec) | RIS-3279-TOM mandates orange; PCs commonly require Class 3 + trousers |
| Airside at an airport | Operator's rules — usually Class 3 | Each airport sets airside clothing policy |
| Roads, highways, verges | Class 3 | High-speed traffic needs maximum visible area |
| Regular night / poor-light work | Class 3 | Light conditions raise the class regardless of speed |
| Yard or depot, controlled speeds, daylight | Class 2 | The everyday vest-or-polo territory |
| Indoors around MHE | Class 1–2 | Class 2 usually issued for rule simplicity |
| No vehicles, good light | Possibly none | Check site rules — many issue Class 1–2 anyway |
Questions
No — it walks the standard decision logic (environment, traffic speed, light) to give you a well-reasoned starting point. Your employer's risk assessment and the site's rules are the documents that decide, and they override the tool wherever they're stricter.
Poor light degrades the daytime (fluorescent) half of hi-vis performance, so the standard's logic leans on greater visible area and more retroreflective tape — which is what Class 3 provides. Night work around any vehicle movement is Class 3 territory.
The site. Principal contractors and operators are free to set stricter requirements than the risk-based minimum, and many standardise on Class 3 for simplicity or winter practicality. The stricter rule always wins.
The matching certified kit is one click away — or ask a human if the tool didn't settle it.