The recently released Australian Standard AS 4602.1:2024, titled High Visibility Safety Garments – Part 1: Garments for High-Risk Applications, introduces several important revisions—most notably to the classification structure of high-visibility garments.

Expanded Classification Structure

The 2024 edition refines the classification system to better address a wider range of workplace hazards and operational scenarios. Key changes include:

• Introduction of Garment Levels: The standard introduces multiple levels within existing classes (Class N and Class D/N), based on the amount and placement of high-visibility materials on various parts of the body, such as arms and legs.

• Coverage of Lower Garments: For the first time, the standard explicitly includes requirements for trousers and the lower portions of coveralls under Class N and Class D/N garments—areas not comprehensively addressed in earlier versions.