Our ultraviolet radiation (UVR) laboratory offers measurement services including:

  • clothing and fabric testing
  • sunglass testing
  • shadecloth testing
  • film, glass and materials testing
  • UVR hazard assessments
  • calibration of UVR detectors

We also provide:

  • swing tags for labelling sun protective clothing
  • swing tags for labelling UV protective shadecloth products
  • links to manufacturers and retailers of sun protective clothing via a Buyer's Guide
  • information about UVR and sun protection 

Ultraviolet radiation services - testing and services guide

 

Our testing and services guide provides an overview of the services we offer:

See our information page about the Australian/New Zealand standard for sun protective clothing. 

Contact UVR Services:

Close-up of a pair of hands examining a green piece of fabric with testing equipment.
Clothing and fabric testing
All fabrics have some ability to block UVR but laboratory testing is needed to tell how useful different fabrics are for sun protection by measuring the Ultraviolet Protection Factor or 'UPF' rating.
Several tall buildings of various heights and shapes with reflective window panels cascading around all of the walls
Film, glass and materials testing
ARPANSA can measure the amount of UV radiation blocked out by transparent plastic films and all types of glass as well as transparent and translucent building materials. Examples include automotive window tint films, product packaging films and polycarbonate roofing.
A folded white t-shirt with an attached ARPANSA UPF Certification Trade Mark swing tag.
Labelling sun protective clothing
The UPF Certification Trade Mark is an Australian government trademark that is used to label sun protective clothing.
Series of triangular shade sails blocking sections of a cloudy sky.
Shade fabric testing
Shade fabric, also known as shadecloth, is a popular method of providing climate control in greenhouses and nurseries for plants and for providing shade for people outdoors. We operate a service for measuring effectiveness of shade fabrics for sun protection
Close up hands placing a pair of sunglasses into a large machine for testing.
Sunglass testing
We test all common types of sunglass lenses to the Australian standard and issue test reports that state the lens category and other mandatory labelling information.
A male scientist wearing a white lab coat and dark eye protecting glasses leans forward to adjust an ultraviolet radiation measuring device which is positioned to measure the ultraviolet radiation coming from a black light.
Ultraviolet radiation hazard assessments
We can assess natural and artificial UVR hazards in both public spaces and in occupational exposure situations using a variety of techniques and instruments.
Terms & Conditions for Service and Conditions for Test Samples
These Terms and Conditions specify the basis of the Agreement under which the Service is provided to the Client by the Commonwealth of Australia through the CEO of ARPANSA.

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