Short version:
RIS-3279-TOM Issue 2 is the UK rail standard for hi-vis. It mandates orange, Class 2+ EN ISO 20471 coverage, and forbids obscuring visibility with logos; Issue 2 also removed mini-vest exceptions. OAKLINE® designs, tests and labels to stay ahead of compliance and innovation.
What is RIS-3279-TOM?
RIS-3279-TOM is the Rail Industry Standard that sets minimum requirements for high-visibility clothing worn “on or near the line.” It builds on EN ISO 20471 (visibility areas, tape, design) but adds rail-specific rules.
Read the official RSSB RIS-3279 standard here.
What changed in Issue 2 (and why it matters)
- Mini-vest exception removed. Garments below Class 2 are no longer acceptable as standalone items.
- Review cycle: Issue 2 came into force in 2019; latest review (2020) deemed it fit for purpose, with the next review due 2025.
- Controlled deviations: E.g. Samaritans patch accepted through deviation 22-053-DEV.
In plain terms: rail garments must be orange, Class 2+, and carefully branded to avoid reducing visibility.
Key RIS-3279 requirements
- Colour: Only orange/rail orange accepted for rail workwear. SATRA explains why orange is mandatory.
- Minimum coverage: At least Class 2 EN ISO 20471 areas — 0.50 m² fluorescent background, 0.13 m² retroreflective tape.
- Logos/branding: Permitted only if they do not encroach on required visible areas.
- Tape performance: Reflective tape must meet EN ISO 20471 photometric performance.
OAKLINE® Commitments
When you buy rail-compliant hi-vis from OAKLINE®, you’re choosing a brand that designs for compliance from the start:
- Colour accuracy: Rail orange fabrics tested for chromaticity and luminance, so they stay compliant after washes.
- Coverage by design: Our chevron/angled reflective tape layouts are engineered for Class 2+ compliance without shortcuts.
- Branding done right: Logos placed on contrast panels so company identity never compromises RIS compliance.
- Documentation: We supply EN ISO 20471 test reports and RIS declarations for full transparency.
- Future-proofing: By tracking RSSB reviews, we ensure our range evolves with the next update.
OAKLINE® Rail-Ready Range
- The Kimi (Jacket): Orange, Class 3, RIS-approved, designed for full 360° compliance.
- The Blake (Executive Vest): Orange, Class 2, site-manager ready, uninterrupted reflective tape.
- The Robin (T-Shirt): Bird-eye knit polyester for breathability, available in orange, meeting Class 2 coverage.
- The Tod (Bodywarmer): Designed to layer with jackets without breaking compliance.
Explore the full collection here: OAKLINE Rail-Ready Hi-Vis Range.
Buyer FAQs
Is yellow allowed for rail?
No — only orange meets RIS-3279-TOM. Yellow is fine for highways/construction, but not rail.
Do logos affect compliance?
Yes, if they reduce visible area. OAKLINE® zones logos only on non-essential contrast panels.
What class is required?
Class 2 or above. Jackets usually achieve Class 3.
Final Thoughts
Rail compliance isn’t optional — it’s safety-critical. OAKLINE®’s approach combines premium fabrics, smart design, and forward-looking compliance so rail contractors, construction firms, and logistics teams stay protected and regulation-ready.
👉 Visit www.oaklineltd.co.uk to see our rail-compliant hi-vis collection, request technical specs, or book samples for your team.