AS/NZS 1906.4 Explained: Reflective Tape for Safety Garments

Key Takeaways

• AS/NZS 1906.4 covers performance requirements for high-visibility materials, including fluorescent fabrics and reflective materials like tape, not tape alone.
• Reflective tape compliance is based on material performance (visibility, reflectivity, durability), not garment design or layout rules.
• Garment design, including tape placement and coverage, is governed by AS/NZS 4602.1.
• The 2023 update introduced new classifications (SP and NF(W)), updated testing methods, and expanded colour options.
• There is no fixed rule for tape width or lifespan under AS/NZS 1906.4; both depend on product certification and manufacturer testing.
• Claims about PPE lifespan are variable and use-dependent, not fixed standards.
• Compliance should be verified through labels, certification documents, and real-world visibility checks.
• Ongoing maintenance is essential, as reflective performance degrades with washing, UV exposure, and wear.

High-visibility safety gear plays a critical role in reducing workplace injuries in environments where people and vehicles share space. Many of these risks are linked to visibility failures — especially in low-light, high-movement conditions.

High-visibility clothing relies on certified fluorescent materials and retroreflective components (including reflective tape) that must meet strict performance requirements under Australian and New Zealand standards.

This guide explains how AS/NZS 1906.4 applies to high-visibility materials, what changed in the 2023 update, and how to assess whether your reflective tape and garments are actually compliant on site.

What is AS/NZS 1906.4 and Why It Matters

AS/NZS 1906.4 is the Australian and New Zealand standard that sets performance requirements for high-visibility materials, including:

• Fluorescent background materials
• Retroreflective materials (such as reflective tape)

It applies to materials themselves, not garment design or layout. Garment configuration is covered under AS/NZS 4602.1.

This standard evaluates whether materials:

• Maintain visibility in daylight (fluorescent properties)
• Reflect light effectively in low-light or night conditions (retroreflection)
• Resist degradation from UV exposure, abrasion, washing, and wear

Using non-compliant materials can reduce visibility performance and expose businesses to safety and regulatory risks under workplace health and safety obligations requiring PPE to remain fit for purpose.

What’s New in AS/NZS 1906.4:2023

The 2023 revision updates material classifications and testing methods to reflect modern fabrics and manufacturing techniques.

1. New Approved Colours

Green and pink fluorescent background colours were introduced as optional additions, expanding design flexibility for specialised applications. 

2. New Material Classifications

• Class SP (Separate Performance)

Applies to materials that meet visibility requirements but do not fit traditional fluorescent or retroreflective definitions. These are often used in specialised or hybrid material systems.

• Class NF(W) (Non-Fluorescent Wet Weather)

Designed for wet-weather garments where fluorescent performance may be limited. These materials are tested for visibility in low-light or wet conditions.

3. Enhanced Durability Testing (Optional)

Manufacturers may now conduct additional testing for:

• Extended wash cycles
• UV exposure resistance
• General wear performance

This helps determine how materials perform over time in real working conditions.

4. Updated Testing for Modern Tape Types 

The standard now includes updated methods for:

• Chequered reflective patterns
• Heat-applied reflective materials

These updates reflect newer manufacturing technologies used in safety garments.

Garment Fabric and Retroreflective Tape Classifications

Under AS/NZS 1906.4, high-visibility fabrics and reflective materials are grouped into classes based on how they perform under different lighting and environmental conditions.

Class R – Retroreflective

Lighting Conditions: Night use or low-light environments

Key Features:

• Reflects light back to its source (e.g. headlights)
• Does not include fluorescent properties
• Must meet minimum reflectivity and durability under wash, UV, and abrasion tests

Used in: Class N and Class D/N garments

Best suited for: Night shift, roadwork, warehouse, and low-light work areas

Class RF – Retroreflective and Fluorescent

Lighting Conditions: Day and night use

Key Features:

• Provides daytime visibility through fluorescence
• Reflects light at night like Class R
• Ideal for garments needing round-the-clock visibility

Introduced: In the 2013 update of AS/NZS 1906.4

Best suited for: Transport, logistics, rail, and shift work that crosses lighting conditions

Class SP – Separate Performance

Lighting Conditions: Varies by material type

Key Features:

• For materials that meet visibility standards but do not fit into standard fluorescent or retroreflective definitions
• May be used in combination with other compliant components

Introduced: In the 2023 update of AS/NZS 1906.4

Best suited for: Specialised garments, complex designs, or mixed-material PPE

Class NF(W) – Non-Fluorescent Wet Weather

Lighting Conditions: Low light or overcast daylight (wet conditions)

Key Features:

• Designed for rainwear or non-fluorescent garments
• Offers visibility without relying on UV-dependent fabrics
• Tested for visibility and performance in wet or low-UV conditions

Introduced: In the 2023 update

Best suited for: Rain jackets, wet-weather overgarments, and civil construction in poor light

How to Check if Your Reflective Tape is Compliant

Reflective tape failure is one of the most common reasons hi-vis garments don’t pass inspection. If you’re issuing PPE or managing safety gear, here’s how to make sure your reflective tape meets AS/NZS 1906.4.

Check for the Standard

Look for AS/NZS 1906.4:2023 or a previous valid version (2013 or 2010). The standard should be clearly marked on the garment label or included in the product documentation. If the label doesn’t list AS/NZS 1906.4, the tape likely hasn’t been tested to Australian safety requirements. 

This is a basic check that will rule out most non-compliant imports. 

Request Certification or Test Reports

Ask your supplier to provide a compliance certificate or third-party test report. A legitimate supplier will be able to show proof that their tape has passed the necessary luminance, durability, and retroreflection tests. If they hesitate or can’t provide documentation, walk away.

Field-Test the Tape

Shine a torch or headlight at the garment from 10 metres away. The tape should reflect light sharply and directly back toward the source. If it looks dull, scattered or fails to reflect clearly, it won’t perform under real conditions.

Check Tape Width and Layout

Tape must be at least 50 mm wide to meet layout requirements. AS/NZS 4602.1 requires reflective tape to be a certain width and placed in specific patterns like H, X or hoop configurations. If the tape is narrower, broken up, or covered by logos, it doesn’t meet the design standard, even if the material itself is compliant.

Inspect Tape Condition

Look for cracks, fading, or lifting edges. Over time, even compliant tape will wear out. UV exposure, repeated washing, poor storage and harsh weather will all reduce performance. Many tapes lose effectiveness after 30 to 50 washes.

You don’t need to be a compliance officer to spot bad hi-vis. Most failures are obvious if you know what to look for, and they show up across worksites more often than they should. 

Common Failures We See on Site

Faded fluorescent fabric

Fluorescent materials lose visibility when UV exposure and washing degrade brightness. If the colour no longer contrasts with the environment, visibility performance is reduced. 

Cracked or peeling reflective tape

Damage may result from movement, heat exposure, or manufacturing quality. Some modern designs use breathable reflective tape to improve flexibility and reduce cracking in high-movement environments. 

Narrow or broken tape patterns

Tape that is too narrow or broken up by seams or branding can reduce visibility effectiveness, especially in low-light conditions. 

Wrong layout or missing tape

Incomplete tape placement reduces visibility from certain angles. Full 360-degree visibility is typically required for night-use garments under design standards.

Branding interference

Logos placed over reflective or fluorescent zones may reduce effective visibility and compromise compliance.

Missing certification information

If a garment lacks clear compliance labelling or documentation, its conformity to AS/NZS standards cannot be verified.

How to Take Care of Your Reflective Tape

Even the best reflective tape will fail if you don’t look after it. Poor maintenance is one of the top reasons garments lose compliance well before the end of their lifespan. Here’s how to keep your hi-vis tape performing to standard.

• Wash With Care

Washing is where most damage occurs. Many budget-friendly reflective tapes used in Australian hi-vis workwear start to lose effectiveness after around 30 washes. To keep your gear compliant and long-lasting, always follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. In most cases:

• Cold or lukewarm water (max 40°C) helps preserve reflectivity.
• Mild detergent only – no bleach, no fabric softener.
• Do not tumble dry on high heat – it can crack or delaminate the tape.
• Avoid dry cleaning – solvents can break down tape adhesives.

If your site uses industrial laundering, ask your supplier for tapes tested to ISO 15797 standards, which simulate commercial wash cycles.

• Store Correctly

Sunlight, heat, and humidity can degrade retroreflective materials even when not in use. Avoid leaving hi-vis gear on dashboards, hung in direct sunlight, or bunched up in a ute tray. Store clean, dry garments in a cool, ventilated space and out of UV exposure to avoid premature fading or tape peeling.

• Inspect Regularly

Visual checks should be part of every pre-start or toolbox talk. Look for:

• Fading or yellowing of the reflective tape
• Cracks, bubbling or delamination
• Edges lifting or peeling away from the fabric
• Dullness or patchy reflectivity under light

If any of the above are visible, retire the garment from active use and replace it. Most standard PPEs only last for 6 months. 

• Don’t Iron Reflective Tape

Heat from irons can melt or warp reflective layers, permanently damaging their ability to bounce light. If you must iron the garment, do it inside-out and avoid the tape area completely.

• Use a Garment Log

Sites that issue hi-vis uniforms often overlook garment tracking. A simple spreadsheet or app that records issue date, number of washes, and inspection results can help safety managers rotate stock before compliance becomes an issue.

Looking after your reflective tape isn’t hard, but ignoring it costs more than a few shirts. Treat your PPE like any other safety-critical equipment: maintain it, track it, and replace it before it fails.

Need certified hi-vis gear with tape that meets the standard? We supply what works, what lasts, and what keeps workers safe. Contact us at reflectivefabrications.com.au or call (03) 9357 9828.