AS 4174-2018 (2019) PDF

Full title and description

AS 4174:2018 — Knitted and woven shade fabrics. Specifies classification, performance and labelling requirements for knitted and woven shade fabrics intended for horticultural and human protection uses, including test methods and performance categories for cover factor, UV transmittance and strength.

Abstract

This standard establishes requirements and test methods for knitted and woven shade fabrics used to provide shade in horticultural settings and for human sun protection. It defines measurement procedures (cover factor, UV-visible transmittance), performance limits, durability (resistance to degradation by light), strength criteria (before and after exposure), flammability considerations and labelling obligations; the document was issued as the 2nd edition in 2018 and reissued to incorporate Amendment No. 1 (2019).

General information

• Status: Current (reissued incorporating Amendment No. 1:2019).
• Publication date: 14 February 2018 (AS 4174:2018); Amendment No. 1 published 2019.
• Publisher: Standards Australia.
• ICS / categories: Textiles — textile fabrics (commonly listed under ICS 59.080.30 / textile fabrics).
• Edition / version: 2nd edition (AS 4174:2018), reissued incorporating Amendment 1 (2019).
• Number of pages: 22 pages (official publication listing).

Scope

Specifies the classification, performance requirements and labelling for knitted and woven shade fabrics for horticultural and human protection applications. The standard covers methods for measuring cover factor, determining UV and visible transmittance, calculating ultraviolet effectiveness (UVE) for human-protective fabrics, strength requirements (including after light exposure), mass per unit area, solar transmittance, flammability testing and required label information; appendices provide additional test procedures and guidance for design of shade structures.

Key topics and requirements

• Classification of shade fabrics by cover factor and intended application (horticultural vs human protection).
• Method for measurement of cover factor using a standard instrument and specified cover factor ranges for categories.
• Strength requirements for knitted and woven fabrics, including provisions for testing after a defined period of light exposure.
• Methods to determine UV-visible transmittance and calculations for Ultraviolet Effectiveness (UVE) for human-protective fabrics.
• Requirements for resistance to degradation by light (durability) and test methods (appendices).
• Procedures for determining mass per unit area and solar radiation transmittance.
• Flammability test requirements and labelling information (label content and colour trim guidance).

Typical use and users

Manufacturers and suppliers of shade fabrics and shadecloth, horticultural and nursery operators, landscape architects, architects and specifiers of outdoor shading, testing and certification laboratories, product compliance officers and regulatory agencies concerned with sun-protective products and horticultural coverings. The standard is used to specify product performance, inform procurement and guide conformity testing for market and safety claims.

Related standards

References and related standards commonly associated with AS 4174 include textile test methods in the AS 2001 series (physical and colourfastness tests), AS/NZS 4399 (sun protective clothing standards / UPF), AS/NZS 1530.3 (fire test methods) and other Australian methods for textile testing and solar/UV measurement; AS 4174 also superseded earlier AS 4174 editions.

Keywords

shade fabric, shadecloth, knitted shade fabric, woven shade fabric, cover factor, ultraviolet effectiveness (UVE), UV transmittance, solar transmittance, textile test methods, horticultural shade, human sun protection, labelling, durability, flammability.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: AS 4174:2018 is an Australian Standard titled "Knitted and woven shade fabrics" that sets out classification, performance criteria, test methods and labelling requirements for shade fabrics used in horticulture and for human protection.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers measurement and classification of cover factor, strength before and after light exposure, UV and visible transmittance testing, calculation of Ultraviolet Effectiveness (UVE) for human-protective fabrics, mass per unit area, solar transmittance, flammability requirements and mandatory labelling information, plus appendices with test procedures and guidance.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Product manufacturers and designers, horticultural businesses, landscape architects, test laboratories, regulators and procurement/specification professionals who need consistent performance and labelling for shade fabrics.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2018 edition (AS 4174:2018) is the current edition and was reissued to incorporate Amendment No. 1 in 2019; it superseded earlier editions such as AS 4174-1994. Users should confirm the current status with Standards Australia for any later amendments.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the suite of textile and sun-protection related standards (references include AS 2001 test methods, AS/NZS 4399 for sun-protective clothing and related standards for test methods and fire testing) and was prepared by committee TX‑008 (Textiles for Horticulture and Agriculture).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Shade fabric, shadecloth, cover factor, UVE, UV transmittance, knitted, woven, horticulture, human protection, labelling, textile test methods.