Choosing hi-vis workwear is about more than just picking a colour. The right garment depends on when the work happens, how workers interact with vehicles or machinery, the lighting, and the overall risk level on site. Many product listings and workplace documents still mention AS/NZS 4602.1:2011. The current Australian standard is AS 4602.1:2024, High visibility safety garments, Part 1: Garments for high-risk applications, published in June 2024. This version keeps the familiar Class D, Class N, and Class D/N categories, and adds new visibility levels for some garments.
The Three Main Hi-Vis Classes
The garment class tells you what lighting conditions the clothing is designed for, so the wearer stays visible.
| Hi-vis class | Intended conditions | Main visibility feature | Typical applications |
|
Class D
|
Daylight conditions | High-visibility fluorescent or approved daytime background material | Landscaping, daytime construction, outdoor maintenance and controlled yards |
|
Class N
|
Night-time or low-light conditions | Retroreflective tape visible when illuminated by headlights or work lights | Night maintenance, tunnels, night logistics and some underground work |
|
Class D/N
|
Both daylight and night-time conditions | High-visibility background material combined with retroreflective tape | Roadworks, transport, civil construction, utilities and changing shifts |
Class N garments use retroreflected light, so they work best when a worker is seen from a vehicle, mobile plant, or another light source. Class D/N combines bright daytime colours with reflective elements for night, making it useful when working hours or visibility conditions change.
What Do Levels 1, 2 and 3 Mean?
AS 4602.1:2024 adds Levels 1, 2, and 3 to Class N and Class D/N. These levels refer to how much visibility material is used and where it is placed on the garment.
Broadly:
- Level 1 is intended for lower-risk environments.
- Level 2 provides greater visibility for medium-risk environments.
- Level 3 provides the highest level of visibility coverage for higher-risk environments.
Higher levels might need extra retroreflective tape on the arms or legs. The updated standard now also covers full-body outfits, like matching tops and trousers, instead of just looking at the upper body. You do not always need a Level 3 garment just because the job is outdoors. Choose the right level based on real hazards, traffic, and visibility on your site.
Matching Hi-Vis Workwear to the Site
Start with the following table when talking with your safety manager, site controller, or uniform supplier.
| Job-site conditions | Class or level to investigate | Why |
| Outdoor work performed only in clear daylight | Class D | Daytime background material helps workers stand out against the surrounding environment |
| Day shifts that may continue into dusk or darkness | Class D/N | Covers both daylight and night-time visibility requirements |
| Night work where vehicles or mobile plant use headlights | Class N or D/N | Retroreflective tape returns light towards the vehicle operator |
| Controlled yard with low speeds and separated pedestrian areas | Level 1 may be suitable | Worker exposure to moving equipment may be relatively controlled |
| Construction site with regular vehicle and pedestrian interaction | Level 2 may be appropriate | Greater visibility may be needed around moving plant and changing site conditions |
| High-speed traffic, rail, airport or high-risk mobile plant environment | Level 3 may be required | Higher-risk locations may require greater reflective coverage and more precise tape placement |
Five Questions to Ask Before Ordering
Before you approve a bulk uniform order, check these points:
- Will the hi vis shirts be worn during the day, at night or across both periods?
- Are workers exposed to public traffic, forklifts, trucks or heavy mobile plant?
- How fast are vehicles moving, and are workers physically separated from them?
- Does the site require torso visibility only or a hi vis coveralls?
- Does the garment label state the standard, class and applicable level?
Also think about heat, rain, fit, layering, and how the garment works with other PPE. A compliant jacket will not help if it is taken off because it is too hot. Likewise, a vest worn under a non-hi-vis jumper will not provide the visibility you need.
Safe Work Australia states that PPE must be suitable for the worker and the task, fit properly, remain reasonably comfortable and work correctly with other PPE. Workers should also receive instructions on its use, storage and maintenance.
Ready to Outfit Your Team?
Before you order, check your site conditions, the class you need, visibility level, garment colour, and where you want your branding. Always review your final choice against your workplace risk assessment, site rules, and the current standard.
