High-visibility for UK rail industry
When to use RIS-3279-TOM garments
RIS-3279-TOM applies to all railway and trackside workers in the United Kingdom, including engineers, lookouts, and maintenance staff, as well as anyone working on or near live train lines or within rail-controlled areas.
The standard ensures that workers remain highly visible at all times, particularly in low light, poor weather or complex track environments. Designed to provide a clear and conspicuous warning to train drivers and other personnel, RIS-3279-TOM garments help prevent accidents and enhance safety across the UK rail network.
RIS-3279-TOM and EN ISO 20471
To comply, garments must meet all EN ISO 20471 test methods and achieve at least Class 2 visibility. Unlike EN ISO 20471, which allows several background colours, RIS-3279-TOM specifies fluorescent orange only to ensure clear distinction from yellow and green train signalling and to provide high contrast in rural surroundings, where green and brown tones dominate.
Performance requirements under RIS-3279-TOM
RIS-3279-TOM defines precise visibility and colour parameters to ensure consistent recognition and safety in the UK rail environment. All garments must be dual-certified to both EN ISO 20471 and RIS-3279-TOM, yet the requirements go beyond EN ISO 20471’s general criteria, focusing on fluorescent orange as the only approved background colour.
Key specifications include:
Colour: fluorescent orange only (not red-toned hues)
Chromaticity coordinates: X = 0.588, Y = 0.371
Luminance factor: ≥ 0.4 (the surface reflects 40 % of the light it receives, compared to a perfect, white, diffusing surface which reflects 100%)
Fluorescent surface area: ≥ 0.5 m² (= EN ISO 20471 Class 2)
Retroreflective surface area: ≥ 0.13 m² (= EN ISO 20471 Class 2)
About the symbol
In the Sioen PRO range, garments certified under RIS-3279-TOM can be recognised by a round pictogram featuring a rail track inside a circle. This specific icon identifies clothing designed for work within the UK rail industry.
The symbol is accompanied by the EN ISO 20471 pictogram, confirming that the garment meets both visibility and railway safety requirements.
Correct use and maintenance of RIS-3279-TOM garments
To maintain certified visibility and compliance, RIS-3279-TOM garments must be properly cared for and inspected.
Follow the washing instructions on the care label; colour and reflectivity are guaranteed only for the specified number of wash cycles.
Inspect regularly for fading, damage or peeling reflective tape, and replace garments that no longer meet visibility requirements.
Keep fluorescent and reflective surfaces unobscured by other clothing or equipment.
Store garments clean and dry, away from sunlight or chemicals that may cause discolouration.