EN 17353 categorizes visibility equipment according to how fluorescent and retroreflective materials are used to ensure proper detection by others. These categories allow garments and accessories to match different visibility needs depending on movement, environment, and lighting conditions.
A-Type Equipment
A-Type products rely solely on fluorescent materials for daytime visibility. They are ideal for tasks performed primarily during daylight hours and must meet minimum fluorescent material requirements.
B-Type Equipment
B-Type products rely on retroreflective materials for nighttime visibility. They include:
B1 – Small swinging accessories placed on both sides of the torso.
B2 – Reflective bands placed around limbs with at least 20 mm width.
B3 – Reflective bands encircling the torso or upper arms for static silhouette recognition.
AB-Type Equipment
AB-Type products combine fluorescent + reflective materials for 24-hour visibility:
AB2 – Fluorescent and reflective elements positioned mainly on limbs.
AB3 – Full 360° static outline + dynamic limb recognition; the most widely used type in professional workwear.
AB3 dominates the modern market due to its superior recognition performance at night and flexibility across industries such as road maintenance, logistics, and urban personal safety.
