High-Visibility Safety Apparel Testing: Standards & Solutions
Explore our apparel testing solutions.
High-visibility safety apparel is essential in industries where workers need to remain clearly visible, such as construction, transportation, warehousing, and emergency response. These garments help reduce the risk of incidents by improving visibility in both daylight and low-light conditions.
Depending on how they’re used, high-visibility garments may fall under formal PPE requirements or serve more general safety functions in lower-risk environments. In either case, their effectiveness depends on consistent performance, durable materials, and well-executed design.
Standards like AS/NZS 4602.1:2024 and EN ISO 20471:2013+A1:2016 outline specific requirements for garment construction, visibility, and material quality. Many companies choose to evaluate their products through independent testing to support product development, quality assurance, or preparation for regulated markets.
Key Safety Apparel Testing Standards
High-visibility apparel testing often spans multiple regional standards, especially for manufacturers targeting international markets or aligning with varying workplace safety requirements. Here are a few of the main testing standards across regions:
European Union:
EN ISO 20471:2013+A1:2016 – Covers requirements for design, material quality, and labeling for high-visibility clothing used as PPE.
Australia:
AS 4602.1:2024 – Defines performance and design criteria for garments used in high-risk environments.
Australia/New Zealand:
AS/NZS 1906.4:2023 – Specifies requirements for retroreflective and fluorescent materials used in high-visibility garments.
Key Testing Domains
Testing services cover a wide range of garment features and material properties, supporting both PPE-classified and general-use high-visibility apparel.
Design Validation
Garment design is tested against specific requirements for both the arrangement of reflective and fluorescent materials (layout) and the required visibility classification (e.g., Class D, N, N-E) to ensure appropriate visibility in various scenarios. Relevant test clauses include:
EN ISO 20471:
Clause 4 – General garment design requirements
AS 4602.1:2024:
Clause 6.4 – Design of garments — Class D
Clause 7.3–7.6 – Design of garments — Class N Levels 1–3
Clause 7.5, 7.7 – Ensemble garments — Class N-E Levels 2 and 3
Clause 8.2 – Fluorescent background material
Clause 9 – Attachment to body
These evaluations help ensure that reflective tape placement, background material coverage, and garment construction meet the visibility needs defined by the standards.
Material Performance Testing
Material quality directly affects how long a garment maintains its visibility and protective function. The following tests assess durability, color consistency, and optical performance:
EN ISO 20471:
Background and combined performance material requirements
AS/NZS 1906.4:2023:
Clause 2.3 – Fluorescent color
Clause 2.4 – Non-fluorescent color
Clause 2.5 – Durability
Clause 2.6 – Wet weather performance (optional)
Clause 2.7 – Extended washing performance (optional)
Clause 4 – Material care and marking (excluding Clause 4.1 on packaging and storage)
These tests assess how garments retain their properties under washing, wear, and environmental exposure.
Compliance & Labeling Support
Correct labeling and user information are important for safe use and regulatory alignment. Tests and evaluations in this area include:
EN ISO 20471:
Clause 8 – Marking
Clause 9 – Information supplied by the manufacturer
AS 4602.1:2024:
Clause 11 – Safe use of garments
Clause 12 – Labelling and instructions
Clause 13 – Selection and safe use
Clear, accurate labeling ensures users understand the garment's intended use, limitations, and care instructions - helping reduce misuse in both regulated and unregulated applications.
What to Look for in a Testing Partner
1. Multi-Standard Expertise
Testing services that cover both EU and AU/NZ standards offer manufacturers and brands a more efficient pathway to regional market readiness. By consolidating design, material, and labeling evaluations under one process, development cycles can be shortened and product iterations optimized for multiple markets.
2. Extended Testing Capabilities
Many high-visibility garments are worn outdoors, where UV protection is another important factor. Testing according to EN 13758 and AS/NZS 4399 helps assess the garment’s resistance to ultraviolet radiation—especially relevant for workers exposed to sunlight for extended periods.
By working with QIMA, you gain access to comprehensive testing services that cover both EU and AU/NZ standards. Our expertise in international safety standards allows for efficient evaluation of design, materials, and labeling across regions. In addition to core visibility testing, we offer specialized testing solutions, such as UV protection testing, in accordance with EN 13758 and AS/NZS 4399. With globally recognized accreditations, QIMA is your trusted partner for ensuring high-performance, compliant safety apparel.
Who Needs High-Visibility Apparel Testing?
There are a variety of industries and product types that benefit from testing. At QIMA, we offer testing for the following scenarios and clientele:
1. Target Industries
High-visibility garments are used in a range of applications, from certified PPE to general visibility enhancement:
Construction and road maintenance – AS 4602.1 Class D/N requirements for day and night visibility
Warehousing and logistics – EN ISO 20471 Class 2/3 visibility for moving equipment environments
Emergency response – Design validation for nighttime visibility and reflective layouts
Outdoor events and crowd management – Non-PPE visibility garments for staff and volunteers
2. Typical Clients
Testing solutions are relevant to:
Garment manufacturers looking to validate their products prior to market release
Textile suppliers seeking data on material performance
Retailers and sourcing teams focused on product quality and safety consistency across global markets
Brands operating in mixed-regulation environments, where garments serve both PPE and non-PPE functions
High-visibility safety apparel must meet rigorous design, material, and labeling standards to ensure worker protection in diverse environments. Comprehensive testing supports regulatory readiness, enhances product reliability, and boosts user confidence across high-risk industries.
Contact us to explore how our testing solutions can help verify your high-visibility garments for regional standards and real-world performance.
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