AS/NZS 4836:2023 is here. Is your PPE still stuck in 2011?

In 2011, the iPhone 4S was cutting-edge. Today, no one would rely on it to run a modern business.

Yet across Australia, many electrical contractors are still operating with a 2011 safety mindset when it comes to Arc Flash protection.

The release of AS/NZS 4836:2023 is not just an update. It signals a shift in how “safe” is defined when working on or near low-voltage installations.

If PPE is still being treated as a commodity, here are 3 critical shifts worth rethinking:

1. From “Components” to “Systems”
– The 2023 Standard reinforces that PPE must be appropriate, integrated, and fit for purpose.
– Protection is no longer about individual garments — it’s about how everything works together as a system.
– Small details matter. Non-FR embroidery, melting badge materials, or incompatible trims may
   introduce additional risk and compromise system integrity under arc exposure.

2. The DC Risk is Now Front and Centre
– The 2011 version gave limited attention to DC environments.
–  With the rapid growth of EV infrastructure, solar, and BESS across Australia, the 2023 update places stronger
emphasis on DC arc hazards  and  incident energy considerations.
–  Legacy PPE selections may no longer align with today’s operating conditions.

3. Maintenance is No Longer Optional
– The Standard places increased focus on inspection, condition, and ongoing suitability of PPE.
– It’s not just about what you purchase — it’s about what you continue to rely on.
– Worn reflective tape, degraded stitching, or damaged trims are no longer minor issues —
they are part of the compliance picture.

The Bottom Line

Compliance is not static. It evolves — and so does risk.

In today’s environment, “we’ve always done it this way” is not a defence — it’s exposure.

At Breelyn Uniforms, we focus on the final layer of detail —  the part most people overlook.

Because in Arc Flash protection, the last 1% is often where the risk lives.