The Australian/New Zealand standard AS/NZS 4399 is used to determine the ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of textiles and similar materials, such as protective films. In other words, this standard describes the requirements for determining the nominal ultraviolet protection factor of sun-protective textiles, clothing, and other personal wear (such as hats) worn close to the skin. It also describes appropriate detailed labeling requirements. However, this standard does not cover sunscreens for topical application to human skin, architectural or horticultural fabrics such as awnings and sunglasses, or objects providing protection at a distance from the skin, such as umbrellas or shade structures. Nor does it cover protection from ultraviolet radiation sources other than the sun.
This standard aims to provide the consumer with information on the relative capabilities of textiles and personal clothing items to protect against solar ultraviolet radiation, in order to assist consumers in choosing the items best suited to their sun protection needs.
Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) measures the protection a textile provides against harmful ultraviolet rays with a single value. It is defined as the ratio of the effective UVR radiation calculated for unprotected skin to the average effective UVR radiation calculated for the skin protected by the test fabric. In short, the ultraviolet protection factor indicates how much ultraviolet radiation a fabric allows to reach the skin. For example, a UPF 50 fabric blocks 98 percent of the sun's rays and allows two percent to penetrate, significantly reducing the risk of exposure.
In advanced laboratories, ultraviolet protection is tested as the ultraviolet protection factor of textiles. The ultraviolet protection factor provides an assessment of the ultraviolet protection of textiles, taking into account the spectral composition of sunlight and human skin sensitivity. The classification is at 15, 30, 50 or 50+ UPF levels.
Material testing and certification based on this standard is generally accepted as evidence in the context of regulation (EU) 2016/425 on personal protective clothing.
Among the numerous test, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies it provides for businesses in various sectors, our organization also provides testing services for evaluation and classification for sun protective clothing, within the scope of AS/NZS 4399 standard, with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.
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