A Guide to RIS-3279-TOM: Railway Safety Standards

Railway workforces face constant risks of accident and injury. Between 2023 and 2024 alone, more than 6,500 UK railway workers were injured on the job. 

These injuries often involve hazards such as high-speed trains, live tracks, and low-light environments. With such high-risk conditions, it’s vital to understand the safety standards designed to protect railway teams.

One of the most important is RIS-3279-TOM, the railway-specific standard for high-visibility clothing. 

Knowing what this standard covers and how to apply it helps prevent accidents and keep your team safe.

This guide breaks down the essentials of RIS-3279-TOM, your responsibilities as an employer, and a few expert tips for choosing compliant h-vis workwear.

WHAT IS RIS-3279-TOM? 

RIS-3279-TOM is the UK rail industry's standard for high-visibility clothing worn by trackside workers. 

It was created by the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) and first released in 2016, with the most recent version being Issue 2.

The standard outlines the colour, coverage, and performance requirements for railway hi-vis clothing.

It applies to anyone working near or near the line, including maintenance crews, engineers, and inspectors.

KEY REQUIREMENTS OF RIS-3279-TOM 

HI-VIS COLOUR STANDARD

RIS-3279-TOM specifies that only orange hi-vis clothing can be used by rail-side workers.

This colour is used across the entire rail network so train drivers can instantly identify trackside workers. Orange stands out against both rural and urban backgrounds, making it the safest choice.

Garments must also meet Class 2 or Class 3 visibility standards under EN ISO 20471:

• Class 2 garments provide mid-level visibility and are suitable for areas where workers are near moving vehicles or trains.
• Class 3 garments offer the highest visibility, covering more of the body with fluorescent and reflective material. These are ideal for high-risk or low-light environments.

If you're unsure which class your site needs, aim for Class 3 when visibility is critical.

For a refresher on hi-vis clothing classes, check out our guide to hi-vis colours and their meanings. 

REFLECTIVE TAPE AND PLACEMENT

Hi-vis garments must include reflective tape on the front, back, and sides to outline the wearer’s body shape.

The tape should run horizontally around the torso and sleeves, as well as around the legs for trousers and coveralls.

RIS-3279-TOM also specifies minimum material areas:

• At least 0.13 m² of reflective tape
• At least 0.5 m² of fluorescent fabric

If you are branding your hi-vis gear, then be careful not to decrease the area of reflective material. 

GARMENT FIT AND COVERAGE

Hi-vis jackets and waistcoats must cover at least half of the wearer’s torso. Mini-vests are allowed, but only if they meet Class 2 requirements for reflective tape coverage and placement. 

Trousers and coveralls must be full-length, with reflective tape around the legs. These must never be tucked into boots, as this reduces reflective visibility.

All garments should be comfortable, sized correctly, and allow easy movement.

LAYERING AND COMBINATIONS

Layering is allowed, but at least one outer garment must meet full Class 2 requirements and remain visible at all times.

For example, a worker may wear Class 1 trousers with a Class 2 jacket, as long as the jacket isn’t covered by another layer.

MATERIAL DURABILITY AND CARE

Hi-vis fabrics fade and lose reflectivity over time, especially with repeated washing.

Always check the care label for the maximum number of wash cycles. Replace garments before they reach that limit to maintain compliance.

Hi-vis clothing should be kept clean and stored away from direct sunlight to prevent colour degradation.

RIS-3279-TOM vs EN ISO 20471

RIS-3279-TOM and EN ISO 20471 are closely linked.

Both standards focus on high-visibility protection, but they apply to different settings:

• RIS-3279-TOM applies specifically to the UK rail sector.
• EN ISO 20471 covers hi-vis clothing across all industries.

To comply with RIS-3279-TOM, garments must already meet EN ISO 20471 Class 2 or 3, and then meet the additional railway-specific colour and coverage rules.

So, while EN ISO 20471 is the foundation, RIS-3279-TOM adds another layer of safety for trackside work.

WHY COMPLIANCE MATTERS FOR RAIL PROCUREMENT 

WORKER SAFETY (REDUCING ACCIDENT RISK) 

Compliant hi-vis clothing ensures trackside workers are seen clearly by train drivers and nearby teams.

A few seconds of extra visibility can prevent serious injury or worse.

LEGAL & INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS 

Employers have a legal duty to provide suitable PPE for the hazards their workers face. 

Failing to supply compliant hi-vis clothing could result in:

• Legal claims
• Regulatory fines
• Voided insurance coverage

Working with an accredited supplier ensures your PPE meets all current railway safety standards.

REPUTATIONAL PROTECTION

Committing to health and safety standards reflects positively on your business.

Demonstrating compliance builds confidence with clients, inspectors, and employees alike.

CHOOSING RIS-3279-TOM COMPLIANT WORKWEAR 

When sourcing railway hi-vis, focus on three key areas:

1. Colour - Only fluorescent orange is accepted for rail work.
2. Class - Choose garments that meet at least Class 2 visibility.
3. Coverage - Make sure the required areas of reflective and fluorescent material are met.

Recommended garments include:

• Hi-vis vests
• Hi-vis jackets
• Hi-vis trousers
• Hi-vis coveralls

Always confirm that certification labels mention RIS-3279-TOM Issue 2 and EN ISO 20471.

CUSTOMISING RAILWAY HI-VIS CLOTHING

Branding your hi-vis with a company logo helps create a professional image, but it must not affect compliance.

If you use embroidery or heat seal, make sure it doesn’t reduce the visible fluorescent or reflective surface area.

Ask your supplier for layout advice to ensure your branding remains within safety guidelines.

Not sure what branding method is right for your site? Read our guide!

PROCUREMENT CHECKLIST FOR BUSINESSES 

When reviewing suppliers for RIS-3279-TOM compliant clothing, check the following:

• Accreditation and valid product certification
• Ongoing stock availability for replacement garments
• Sizing options for all workers, including women’s fits
• Hi-vis labels showing EN ISO 20471 and RIS-3279-TOM
• Clear documentation on wash cycles and replacement intervals

Proactive planning reduces last-minute replacements and ensures ongoing compliance.

HOW SMI HELPS YOU STAY INSPECTION-READY

At SMI, we make it simple to stay compliant with UK railway safety standards.

We supply a full range of RIS-3279-TOM compliant hi-vis clothing from trusted brands.

With MY-SMI®, you can:

• View audit-ready PPE records
• Track orders and manage stock
• Reorder compliant items automatically

We also provide:

• Expert advice on PPE standards and compliance
• Sustainable recycling schemes for end-of-life garments
• One reliable source for all your railway PPE and workwear

With SMI, you don’t just buy PPE - you get a partner in safety and compliance.

Get in touch with our team to talk about your hi-vis needs.

FAQS

Is hi-vis clothing a legal requirement for UK businesses?

Yes! UK regulations require employers to provide PPE where safety issues are present. 

If visibility has been identified as a risk, hi-vis clothing must be provided.

Why does railway hi-vis clothing need to be orange?

Fluorescent orange provided the best contrast against railway environments. It helps train drivers identify rail workers on or near tracks instantly.

What PPE should railway workers wear?

Railway teams should be provided with the following workwear and PPE:

• Head protection
• Hearing protection
• RIS-3279-TOM compliant orange hi-vis clothing
• Heavy-duty safety footwear, such as safety boots