Safety is paramount in the rail industry. Employees working on or near railways face hazardous conditions daily, from high-speed trains to electrified tracks and extreme weather.
To mitigate these risks, strict regulations govern what rail workers must wear to ensure visibility, protection and compliance. This is where rail workwear compliance comes into play.
Ensuring compliance with industry standards isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about safeguarding lives, avoiding legal penalties and maintaining operational efficiency. In this article, we explore what rail workwear compliance entails, the key standards that dictate safety requirements and the risks of non-compliance.
What is rail workwear compliance?
Rail workwear compliance refers to the regulations and standards governing the protective clothing worn by railway workers. These standards ensure employees are equipped with the correct safety gear to prevent accidents, improve visibility and protect them from workplace hazards.
To comply with regulations, railway workwear must meet specific criteria, including:
- High-visibility properties: To ensure workers can be seen in all lighting and weather conditions.
- Flame-resistant materials: For protection against fire and arc flashes where applicable.
- Durability and weather resistance: To withstand tough working environments.
- Proper fit and comfort: To allow unrestricted movement and reduce fatigue during long shifts.
Rail industry regulators and safety organisations enforce compliance to uphold safety across worksites, tracks and depots.
Key rail workwear compliance standards
Key standards like RIS-3279-TOM and EN ISO 20471 dictate rail workwear compliance. These regulations ensure workwear meets strict visibility and safety criteria.
1. RIS-3279-TOM: The rail industry standard
RIS-3279-TOM is a specific safety standard set by the UK’s Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB). It applies to high-visibility clothing worn by workers on or near railway tracks. To comply with this standard, clothing must:
- Be fluorescent orange to maximise visibility against rail environments.
- Include retroreflective strips that improve visibility in low-light conditions.
- Meet minimum area coverage requirements to ensure visibility from all angles.
- Retain colour and reflectivity after repeated laundering and wear.
This standard is crucial because railway work often occurs in areas with reduced visibility, such as tunnels, busy stations and open tracks.
The distinct fluorescent orange colour ensures rail workers stand out against surrounding environments, reducing the risk of accidents.
2. EN ISO 20471: High-visibility clothing standard
EN ISO 20471 is an international standard for high-visibility workwear, applicable across multiple industries, including rail. It classifies garments into three classes based on the level of visibility they provide:
- Class 1: Low-risk environments where minimal visibility is required.
- Class 2: Medium-risk environments requiring enhanced visibility.
- Class 3: High-risk environments (such as railways) where maximum visibility is essential.
For railway workers, Class 3 garments are mandatory, ensuring workers remain highly visible at all times.
3. Additional standards for specific workwear needs
Beyond visibility, rail workwear must sometimes comply with additional safety standards depending on the job role. These may include:
- EN ISO 11612: Protection against heat and flames.
- EN 1149-5: Electrostatic protection to prevent sparks in hazardous environments.
- EN ISO 1611: Protective Clothing for use in welding & allied processes.
- EN 343: As outlined by Tranemo (one of the key workwear manufacturers we supply at Johnsons Workwear), this is the requirement for weatherproof clothing for outdoor rail workers exposed to extreme conditions.
- IEC 61482: Protective clothing against the thermal hazards of an electric arc flash.
Compliance with these standards ensures workers are protected from various occupational hazards.
The risks of non-compliance
Failing to comply with rail workwear compliance standards poses significant risks for individual workers, employers and the wider transport industry.
1. Increased risk of accidents and injuries
The most immediate danger of non-compliant rail workwear is a higher risk of accidents. If workers aren’t wearing the correct high-visibility clothing, they may not be seen by train drivers or colleagues, which could lead to potentially fatal incidents.
Plus, inadequate protection from fire, electric arcs or extreme weather can expose workers to severe injuries, impacting their ability to perform their duties safely.
2. Legal and financial consequences
Rail employers are legally obligated to provide compliant protective clothing. Non-compliance can result in:
- Heavy fines and legal action for violating health and safety regulations.
- Compensation claims from injured workers due to inadequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- Loss of industry accreditation, preventing businesses from operating within the rail sector.
3. Disruption to operations
Railway maintenance and construction projects rely on a safe and efficient workforce.
If workwear compliance is neglected, safety incidents can lead to work stoppages, project delays and reputational damage for railway operators and contractors.
Ensuring compliance with Johnsons Workwear
At Johnsons Workwear, we understand the importance of rail workwear compliance and provide fully compliant, high-quality protective clothing for railway professionals. Our rail workwear solutions include:
- RIS-3279-TOM compliant high-visibility clothing for maximum safety.
- Flame-resistant and weatherproof garments to protect workers in hazardous conditions.
- Cost-effective rental and laundry services to ensure compliance is maintained effortlessly.
Our managed workwear solutions simplify compliance, ensuring your workforce always has access to clean, compliant and durable protective clothing.
By partnering with a trusted provider like Johnsons Workwear, railway operators and contractors can ensure their teams remain safe, visible and fully compliant with industry standards.