Hi-Vis Standards Made Simple: AS/NZS 4602.1 for Aussie Workers
Day, night or day/night? What AS/NZS 4602.1 actually means — and which hi-vis your site needs.
Hi-vis isn’t just ‘wear something bright’ — on most Australian sites it’s a standard, and the gear you need changes depending on whether you work in daylight, after dark, or both. Here’s AS/NZS 4602.1 in plain English, so you buy the right class the first time.
What Compliance Comes Down To
Four things decide whether your hi-vis does its job.
What AS/NZS 4602.1 actually is
AS/NZS 4602.1 is the Australian/New Zealand standard for high-visibility safety garments — the rules that decide whether a hi-vis top counts as compliant for higher-risk environments like roadworks, rail, civil and many commercial sites. A related standard, AS/NZS 1906.4, covers the fluorescent fabric and retroreflective tape themselves. Together they make sure ‘hi-vis’ actually does its job.
The three classes: D, N and D/N
Which class you need comes down to when you work:
| Class | What it has | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Class D (Day) | Fluorescent fabric only | Daytime work |
| Class N (Night) | Reflective tape only | Night work (rarely used alone) |
| Class D/N | Fluorescent fabric + tape | Dawn, dusk, night or mixed shifts |
Most crews choose D/N because it covers every part of the day. If your shifts ever start before sunrise or run past dusk, you want the tape.
Orange or yellow?
Both fluorescent orange and fluorescent yellow-green are compliant colours — the choice is about contrast with the background and your client’s policy. Yellow tends to pop against dark and earthy backgrounds; orange against green and foliage. Always check your site induction, as some clients specify one.
What this means for your crew
For daytime-only trades, a fluorescent hi-vis polo may be all you need. For early starts, night work or winter, step up to a day/night garment with reflective tape — like the Blizzard Hood hi-vis jackets, which pair a fluorescent base with 3M tape. Your site’s induction always has the final say.
Kit the crew out in compliant hi-vis
Shop the Hi-Vis RangeFrequently asked questions
What’s the difference between Class D and Class D/N?
Class D is fluorescent fabric for daytime visibility only. Class D/N adds retroreflective tape so you’re also visible at night under headlights. D/N is the safer all-round choice.
Is orange or yellow hi-vis more visible?
Both are compliant. Visibility depends on contrast with your surroundings, and many sites specify a colour — check your induction before you buy.
Do hi-vis polos meet Australian standards?
A fluorescent hi-vis polo can meet day-use (Class D) requirements. For night or day/night work you’ll need a garment with reflective tape.
Does washing affect hi-vis compliance?
Over time, washing can dull the fluorescent fabric and wear the reflective tape. Wash gently and replace gear once the colour fades or the tape starts to crack.