Workwear

Choosing the right workwear

Workwear in Australian trades spans four broad categories — hi-vis safety clothing and rain gear for outdoor visibility, welding apparel for heat and spatter protection, disposable protective wear for chemical and biological work, and ergonomic supports like knee pads and back belts. Each serves a distinct hazard profile, and the right combination depends on what the worker is actually doing.

Hi-vis safety vests & rain suits

Day, night, and day/night-rated hi-vis vests, jackets, and rain suits compliant with AS/NZS 4602.1. For any work near vehicle traffic, plant, or machinery, correctly-rated hi-vis is mandatory. Browse hi-vis →

Welding apparel & blankets

Welding jackets, aprons, sleeves, and spatter blankets in leather, flame-retardant cotton, and Kevlar. Protect workers and the surrounding work area from sparks, spatter, and radiant heat. Browse welding apparel →

Disposable protective wear

Single-use coveralls, overboots, hoods, and aprons for asbestos removal, chemical handling, spray-painting, and biological work. Cat III chemical-rated and Type 5/6 particulate configurations. Browse disposables →

Knee protection & back support

Knee pads for tilers, plumbers, and floorers; lumbar support belts for manual-handling roles. Comfort PPE that genuinely gets worn — unlike most ergonomic kit that ends up in the ute. Browse ergonomic wear →

Understanding AS/NZS 4602 hi-vis classifications

AS/NZS 4602.1 classifies hi-vis garments by visibility configuration:

• Class D (day use only) — fluorescent background fabric without retro-reflective tape. Acceptable for daytime site work but not for night or low-light conditions.
• Class N (night use only) — retro-reflective tape on non-fluorescent background. Rare — almost always combined with D for D/N rating.
• Class D/N (day & night) — fluorescent fabric plus retro-reflective tape in specified positions. The all-purpose specification. Required for roadside work, any night work, and most general construction.

Under most state road-authority specifications and large construction programs, D/N-rated garments are the minimum issued standard regardless of intended shift. Specifying D-only introduces risk for the small cost saving.

Care and laundering

Hi-vis, welding, and flame-retardant garments all have limited wash cycles before performance degrades. Typical industrial laundering life is 40–60 wash cycles for hi-vis before retro-reflective tape loses effectiveness. Replace after that — worn-out hi-vis is not compliant even if the colour still looks acceptable. Flame-retardant garments lose fire resistance with incorrect laundering (bleach, fabric softener); follow the manufacturer's wash instructions exactly.

Frequently asked questions

How often should hi-vis be replaced?

Under AS/NZS 4602.1, retro-reflective tape must maintain minimum luminance. Most manufacturers specify 40–60 wash cycles or 12–24 months of regular use. Inspect before every shift for fading, tape delamination, or abrasion; replace at the first sign of wear.

Is flame-retardant the same as welding-rated?

No — flame-retardant treatments protect against ignition from brief flame exposure, while welding-rated garments are built to resist welding spatter, slag, and sustained radiant heat. Welding-rated garments are flame-retardant, but general flame-retardant workwear is not welding-rated.

Do I need full chemical coveralls or Type 5/6 for asbestos work?

Type 5 (dust-tight) coveralls are the standard for asbestos work, combined with P3 PAPR respiratory protection, glove-sleeve integration, and boot covers. Type 6 (light spray) is insufficient for asbestos.

Do you offer trade or bulk pricing?

Yes — trade accounts get 5% off RRP, and workforce uniform programs qualify for bulk pricing. Embroidered or heat-transferred logos available for all ranges. Apply for a trade account →