AS/NZS 4399:1996

This Standard sets out requirements for determining the rated ultraviolet protection factor of sun protective textiles, garments and other items of personal apparel (such as hats) which are worn in close proximity to the skin. It also specifies appropriate detailed labelling requirements. It does not cover sunscreen products for topical application to the human skin, fabrics for architectural or horticultural use such as shadecloth, or sunglasses. It does not cover items which offer protection at a distance from the skin, such as umbrellas or shade structures, or protection from ultraviolet radiation sources other than the sun.

This Standard sets out requirements for determining the rated ultraviolet protection factor of sun protective textiles, garments and other items of personal apparel (such as hats) which are worn in close proximity to the skin. It also specifies appropriate detailed labelling requirements. It does not cover sunscreen products for topical application to the human skin, fabrics for architectural or horticultural use such as shadecloth, sunglasses or items which offer protection at a distance from the skin, such as umbrellas or shade structures. It does not cover protection from ultraviolet radiation sources other than the sun.NOTES:1 Requirements for sunscreens are specified in AS/NZS 2604.2 Requirements for sunglasses are given in AS 1067, Parts 1 and 2.3 Requirements for shadecloth are given in AS 4174.4 Products such as umbrellas and shade structures which are not in close proximity to the skin will provide a lesser degree of protection than would be indicated by the rating of the material from which the product is made, because of the amount of scattered radiation that could enter from around the edges of the product. The amount of this radiation will vary with the area of the product, and the distance of the product from the body. This Standard is therefore not appropriate for evaluating such items.

First published as AS/NZS 4399:1996.