The hi vis clothing Australian standard is AS/NZS 4602.1 (High visibility safety garments — Part 1: Garments for high risk applications), shared by Australia and New Zealand. Unlike ANSI/ISEA 107 and EN ISO 20471, it classifies garments by when they are worn: Class D for daytime use, Class N for night-time use, and Class D/N for both. Day garments rely on fluorescent fabric, night garments on retroreflective tape in a specified layout, and day/night garments must meet both. Garments for Australian buyers should be designed and tested to this standard; garments built only to ANSI or EN layouts may not meet its tape requirements.
Day, Night and Day/Night Classes
| Class | What it covers | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| D (day) | Daylight use | Fluorescent background in an accepted colour |
| N (night) | Night or low light | Retroreflective tape in the required configuration; background colour less critical |
| D/N (day/night) | Both | Fluorescent background plus retroreflective tape |
Fluorescent colours used are typically yellow and orange; orange is common for rail and some road authorities.
Tape Layouts
Australian night and day/night garments use a distinctive tape pattern: bands running vertically over each shoulder, joined by a horizontal band around the body, which together form an “H” shape on the back. Exact dimensions depend on the garment and the edition of the standard, and some state road and rail authorities specify their own patterns. The safest approach is to share the authority’s specification with your supplier before design.
How It Differs from ANSI and EN
| Factor | AS/NZS 4602.1 | ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 | EN ISO 20471 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classification | Day / Night / Day-Night | Types O, R, P and Classes 1, 2, 3, E | Classes 1, 2, 3 |
| Main region | Australia, New Zealand | USA | Europe, UK and many other markets |
| Tape layout | Specific night configurations | Around torso and over shoulders | Around torso, sleeves/legs for higher classes |
From Our Factory Floor
Since 2004 we have produced garments for several markets, and Australia is the one where we see the most re-work when buyers send ANSI or EN designs:
- We confirm the edition of AS/NZS 4602.1 and any state authority specification first.
- We design the tape layout to the standard, not adapted from another market.
- We check labels and swing tags carry the class (D, N or D/N) as required.
- For cotton drill garments popular in Australia, we confirm the fabric can meet fluorescent requirements.
FAQ
Is AS/NZS 4602.1 required by law?
Workplace health and safety laws require suitable PPE; road and rail authorities and many employers specify AS/NZS 4602.1 garments.
Can an EN ISO 20471 garment be used in Australia?
It may not meet AS/NZS 4602.1 night requirements. Check the authority’s specification.
What is a D/N vest?
A day/night vest with fluorescent fabric and retroreflective tape meeting both day and night requirements.
Request a Quote
Send us the class (D, N or D/N), any authority specification, garments, quantity and sizes. See our knowledge base or contact our team.
This guide is general information from a hi vis clothing manufacturer. Always confirm the standard, class and site rules that apply to your work; the published standards are the final reference.
