By Javlin Workwear
When it comes to workplace safety, visibility is often the first line of defence against accidents.
High-visibility clothing plays a critical role in ensuring workers are easily see, especially in environments where lighting conditions, moving vehicles, or heavy machinery pose a constant risk.
At Javlin Workwear, we understand that proper visibility isn’t just a regulatory requirement; it’s a life-saving necessity.
Hi-visibility garments are designed using fluorescent fabrics and retroreflective materials that enhance visibility during both day and night. The European standard EN 20471 sets the benchmark for high-visibility clothing, defining the performance requirements for retroreflectivity, luminosity, and the overall surface area of the fluorescent and reflective materials used.
Under EN 20471, garments are classified into three performance classes based on visibility levels.
These standards ensure that hi-vis clothing performs reliably in various lighting conditions — from bright sunlight to complete darkness under vehicle headlights.
Workers operating near moving vehicles and heavy machinery must be visible from all directions.
Whether above or underground, miners face low-light and dusty environments where visibility is essential.
Truck drivers, warehouse operators, and delivery staff often work in dimly lit areas or at night.
Electricians, plumbers, and municipal workers frequently operate near roads or in low-light environments.
Workers in rural or outdoor areas need to stand out against natural backdrops for both safety and coordination.
Javlin Workwear offers a wide range of EN20471-compliant high-visibility garments, designed and manufactured with precision to meet the toughest industry demands. All made from durable fabrics that combine comfort, functionality, and superior safety performance. Our range includes:
Javlin Workwear offers a wide range of EN20471-compliant high-visibility garments, designed and manufactured with precision to meet the toughest industry demands. Our range includes:
We understand that your team’s safety reflects your company’s values, and our goal is to keep your workforce seen, safe, and protected.
Investing in certified high-visibility clothing isn’t just about meeting regulations — it’s about safeguarding lives.
Partner with Javlin Workwear, South Africa’s trusted name in professional workwear, and make workplace safety your top priority.
The symbols below represent various features of our garments. The following definitions apply:
The European standard EN 420 regulates the standard requirements for protective gloves
as follows:
• The gloves themselves should not impose a risk or cause injury.
• The pH of the gloves should be as close as possible to neutral.
• Leather gloves should have a pH value between 3.5 – 9.5.
• The highest permitted value for chromium is 3 mg/kg (chrome VI).
• Details of any substance used in the glove which is known to cause allergies should be specified.
• The gloves should be sized by reference to an agreed common European hand size, for example minimum length.
EN 420: Size Selection
SIZE | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
Minimal Length (mm) | 220 | 230 | 240 | 250 | 260 | 270 |
Hand Circumference (mm) | 152 | 178 | 203 | 229 | 254 | 279 |
Hand Length (mm) | 160 | 171 | 182 | 192 | 204 | 215 |
The European standard EN 388 regulates the minimum requirements, test methods and labeling of safety gloves against mechanical risks when carrying out work. Protection against mechanical risks is presented by a pictogram accompanied by five numbers (performance levels), each representing
test performance against a specific hazard.
The mechanical risks and/or their test methods are defined as follows:
Abrasion Resistance | Puncture Resistance |
Blade Cut Resistance | EN ISO 13997 Cut Resistance |
Tear Resistance |
EN 388: Protection Against Mechanical Risk
TEST | PERFORMANCE LEVELS | |||||
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||
Abrasion Resistance (Cycle) | <100 | 500 | 2000 | 8000 | – | |
Blade Cut Resistance (Index) | <1.2 | 2.5 | 5 | 10 | 20 | |
Tear Resistance (Newtons) | <10 | 25 | 50 | 75 | – | |
Puncture Resistance (Newtons) | <20 | 40 | 100 | 150 | – | |
A | B | C | D | E | F | |
EN ISO 13997 Cut Resistance (Newtons) | 2 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 22 | 30 |
The European standard EN 407 regulates the minimum requirements, test methods and labeling for safety gloves in relation to thermal risks. Safety gloves certified in accordance with this standard protect the wearer from contact heat, radiant heat, and small splashes from molten metal.
However, it does not concern the specific application of heat-resistant gloves, such as firefighting or welding. Heat-resistant gloves are intended to fulfill the following properties in accordance with EN 407:
The nature and degree of protection is presented by a pictogram followed by a series of six performance levels, relating to specific protective qualities.
Safety gloves are classified and tested in EN 407 in accordance with the following criteria:
The mechanical risks and/or their test methods are defined as follows:
Protection From Ignition Based on the length of time the material continues to burn and glow after the source of ignition is removed. The seams of the glove shall not come apart after an ignition time of 15 seconds. (Highest performance level 4 = after-flame time 2 seconds, afterglow time 5 seconds) | Protection From Radiant Heat Based on the length of time the glove is able to delay the transfer of heat when exposed to a radiant heat source. (Highest performance level 4 = at least 150 seconds) |
Protection From Contact Heat Based on the temperature range (100-500 °C) at which the user will feel no pain for at least 15 seconds. (Highest performance level 4 = + 500 °C) | Protection From Droplets of Molten Metal The number of molten metal drops required to heat the glove to a given level. (Highest performance level 4 = over 35 droplets) |
Protection From Convective Heat (gradually penetrating heat) Based on the length of time the glove is able to delay the transfer of heat from a flame from an open fire. (Highest performance level 4) | Protection From Molten Metal The weight of molten metal required to cause damage (smoothing or pin-holing) across a simulated skin (attached to the inside of the glove). (Highest performance level 4 = 200 grams) |
EN 407: Protection Against Thermal Risk
In accordance with the test in EN 407, the safety gloves are classified with a performance level in relation to each of the individual thermal hazards (numbers from 1 to 4, with 4 being the best). What is important is that the glove must not come into contact with open fire if it does not fulfill performance level 3 in the fire resistance test.
TEST | PERFORMANCE LEVELS | |||
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
Ignition – after burn (time in sec) | <20 | <10 | <3 | <2 |
Ignition – after glow (time in sec) | N/R | <120 | <25 | <5 |
Contact Heat (temp. in ºC after 15 sec) | 100 | 250 | 350 | 500 |
Convective Heat (heat transfer delay sec) | <4 | <7 | <10 | <18 |
Radiant Heat (heat transfer delay sec) | <5 | <30 | <90 | <150 |
Droplets of Molten Metal (drop) | <5 | <15 | <25 | <35 |
Molten Metal (g) | 30 | 60 | 120 | 200 |
The European standard EN 511 regulates the minimum requirements, test methods and labelling for safety gloves in relation to protection from cold. Gloves certified under this standard protect the wearer from convective cold (penetrating cold) and contact cold (direct contact).
Determination of performance levels for safety gloves against cold:
Based on the thermal insulation properties of the glove which are obtained by measuring the transfer of cold via convection. (Calculation of the thermal insulation properties based on the temperature of the hand model, room temperature and energy required to maintain the temperature.)
Based on the thermal resistance of the glove material when exposed to contact with a cold object. (Comparison with normative reference).
If no water permeates into the glove over a 30-minute period, this test is deemed as passed. (0 = water penetration, 1 = no water penetration).
EN 511: Cold Protection
TEST | PERFORMANCE LEVELS | ||||
0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
Convective Cold Resistance | i<0.1 | 0.1< i<0.5 | 0.15< i<0.2 | 0.22< i<0.3 | 0.3< i |
Contact Cold Resistance | R<0.025 | 0.025<R0.05 | 0.05<R<0.1 | 0.1<R<0.15 | 0.15<R |
Permeability to Water | Fail | Pass | – | – | – |
Our safety footwear with CE marking meets the requirements of CE EN ISO 20345 standard, confirming that the product meets the requirements of European guidelines regarding Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and has been subjected to testing carried out by a recognised European testing institute.
Steel toe caps for protection from falling objects and compressions are tested with 200 joule impact and 1500KN compression.
Shock absorbent heels protect the body against stress.
Heat resistant soles withstand heat of up to 80°C.
Anti static soles are designed to discharge the body’s static electricity up to tolerances of 100kΩ – 1000MΩ.
Oil resistant outsoles are resistant to most oils and chemicals.
SRA slip resistant rating for slip resistance on ceramic tiles with 0.5% Sodium Lauryl Sulphate.
The symbols below represent various features of our garments. The following definitions apply:
Our range of SABS (South African Bureau of Standards) approved garments are certified in accordance with SANS 434. Our 100% cotton J54 and D59 fabrics are certified to SANS 1387.
Our Acid Resistant garments offer certified protection against penetration, absorption and repellency to low volatility liquid chemicals in accordance with ISO EN 6530.
Our Flame Retardant garments offer protection where there is a risk of contact with heat and flame in accordance with ISO EN 116611 / 11612 / SANS 1423-1
We use triple needle stitching on stress bearing seams of selected garments to enhance durability.
Our waterproof garments can withstand 3000 – 5000mm of water over a 24 hour period without leaking.
Our cold resistant garments offer protection in working environments as low as -20°C
The reflective tapes on our high visibility garments are ISO EN 20471 (Class II) certified making the wearer visible in hazardous situations regardless of lighting conditions.
We use YKK zips on our premium range of Javlin garments. YKK is the world’s largest and most trusted zip manufacturer.
Our breathable fabrics allows moisture vapour to be transmitted through the material. This way the wearer stays dry while working.
These garments are designed to be water-resistant, featuring seam-sealed construction capable of withstanding water penetration of less than 1000mm over a 24-hour period.
Our garments employ cutting-edge multi-layering technology to ensure they are completely impervious to wind, providing unparalleled protection against gusts and breezes.
Our garments feature strategically placed vents designed to optimize air circulation, promoting efficient cooling for the wearer.
OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 is a label for textiles tested for harmful substances. It sets the benchmark for textile safety, from yarn to finished product.
This innovative fabric blends the unmatched strength of high tenacity ring-spun yarn with the resilience of virgin cotton and polyester, crafting a textile masterpiece that redefines durability.
CHEST:
With arms relaxed down at sides, measure around the
fullest part of chest, under the arms and straight across
back. Do not over inflate your chest.
WAIST:
Measure around your waistline, keeping the tape
comfortably loose.
CHEST:
Measure around the fullest part of the bust/chest.
WAIST:
The slimmest part of your waist.
HIP:
Stand with your feet together, measure around the
fullest part of the hips and rear (approximately 20cm
from the slimmest part of your waist “B”).
