More Visibility & UV Protection: The New BP Shirts According to EN 17353

Anyone working outdoors knows: safety means not only protection against rain, heat, or cold, but also being seen. Especially on construction sites, in logistics, or in industrial plants, hazards can quickly arise if workers are not sufficiently visible. This is where the new standard EN 17353 comes in. It closes the gap between conventional workwear and classic high-visibility clothing according to EN ISO 20471 and is intended for medium-risk situations – in other words, wherever visibility is crucial, but there is no permanent presence in flowing road traffic.

A New Chapter in Occupational Safety

As one of the first manufacturers, BP – Bierbaum-Proenen is now launching shirts certified according to Type A of EN 17353. These models rely exclusively on fluorescent materials, making the wearer significantly more visible in daylight or poor weather conditions. Unlike traditional high-visibility clothing, no reflective stripes are required. This ensures greater comfort, more freedom of movement, and a clear advantage in everyday work, especially for physically demanding tasks.

The new EN 17353 collection from BP offers a wide range: classic T-shirts, sporty polo shirts, long-sleeved polos for cooler days, as well as functional shirts for particularly active applications. Available in the typical high-visibility colors yellow and orange, they also come in combinations with anthracite for a modern look. To ensure that everyone feels comfortable, the models are offered in both women’s and men’s fits.

In addition to increased visibility, the shirts offer another important benefit: an integrated UV protection according to EN 13758-2. Those who work outdoors on a regular basis are reliably protected against the risks of sun exposure – without the need for additional layers of clothing. This makes the shirts especially attractive for summer and for long outdoor assignments.

Suitable for employees in construction, logistics or industry

Under the new EN 17353, we are no longer in the private domain. This is personal protective equipment for professional use. The clothing is intended for occupational groups with a medium level of risk – for example, employees in construction, logistics or industry. Highly exposed groups, such as road construction workers who operate in flowing traffic, must still wear high-visibility clothing in accordance with EN ISO 20471. Whether there is a medium or high level of risk is determined by the risk assessment that each company must carry out in the relevant work areas of its employees. EN 17353 distinguishes three types: Type A products are suitable for daylight, Type B for darkness, and Type AB for all light conditions, including twilight.

It took some time for the standard to establish itself on the market, but we are now experiencing increased demand.

Heike Altenhofen, Product Manager and High-Visibility Clothing Expert at the manufacturer BP – Bierbaum-Proenen.

Man in orange high-visibility clothing in accordance with EN 17353.

Man and woman in orange high-visibility clothing in accordance with EN 17353