There have been a number of new ISO Standards on Glasses that have just been released. I’m going to review them in my blog today. They are usually classified under the terminology “eye-protectors” and may be used in industrial settings as well as everyday life. They are written by ISO Technical Committee 94, Subcommittee 6, on Eye and Face Protection. Things have been pretty quiet at the committee until recently. However, the vocabulary standard ISO 4007 was updated in 2012 and now a group of 4 new standards (with 1 additional draft in process) are out.
Here is further information on the new ISO Standards:
ISO 12312-1, 1st Edition, Eye and face protection – Sunglasses and related eyewear – Part 1: Sunglasses for general use
This particular standard is intended for regular sunglasses that are used by the public when driving, sunbathing, and other activities in sunlight. You could even use them in tanning beds, as the critical issue is the wavelength protection not the source.
This is a technical standard, providing the sunglass manufacturer with specific guidelines to be used not only for the “filter” but also the frame. Filters (the lenses) are classified in 5 categories, depending on how much protection they offer. A number of parameters are reviewed, including resistance to perspiration! And there’s even a section on the symbols the manufacturer can use on product labeling to communicate various levels of protection.
The 28 page standard is rounded out by a “Use of Sunglass filters” Annex A that is FYI only and an Annex B on Unmounted Filters that does form a part of the technical requirements of the document.
FYI: ISO 12312-2 is a committee draft at this time: Eye and face protection — Sunglasses and related eyewear — Part 2: Filters for direct observation of the sun
This Part 2 is in the works and will cover glasses intended to be used for the direct viewing of the sun (like when you’re looking at eclipses).
ISO 12311, 1st Edition, Personal protective equipment – Test methods for sunglasses and related eyewear
I’m reviewing this standard second because it covers the actual tests to use for the ISO 12312 Parts above. Here’s the document where you’re going to find out how various testing platforms have to be constructed (dimensions), what values have to be met and so on.
There are 2 test methods for construction and materials, 11 for measuring spectrophotometric properties, 3 for measuring optical properties, and 10 for mechanical properties. There’s a mix of informative (FYI Only) and normative (required) Annexes A through L at the end of the 92-page standard.
ISO 12609-1, 1st Edition, Eyewear for protection against intense light sources used on humans and animals for cosmetic and medical applications – Part 1: Specification for products
These last 2 standards are focused on glasses meant for protection from Intense Light Sources (ILS). I immediately think of opening the lid on the photocopier too soon and getting a view of the light bar as it goes across the scanning path. But really, these are serious eye protection for applications more severe than simple tanning beds or medical/cosmetic uses.
Part 1 defines what is considered an ILS and what levels of protection the eyewear can provide. These are heavy duty glasses, with the filters removable only with tools. You’ll get complete equations for transmittance (the range of wavelengths allowed through) and color recognition. There’s a brief section on auto-darkening and then detailed performance requirements for construction of the glasses.
You’ll also find a section that lists the information that should be included by the manufacturer for the use of the eventual customer. And then again, there are a series of Annexes A through H that provide both content for information only and for compliance (manditory).
ISO 12609-2, 1st Edition, Eyewear for protection against intense light sources used on humans and animals for cosmetic and medical applications – Part 2: Guidance for use
So the last of the standards we review today is the ISO 12609 Part 2 which tells you how to select the appropriate eye protection for various situations. You’ll be able to get guidance on risk assessment, the use of eyewear as a last resort (when engineering considerations can’t mitigate all hazards), and a review of the other factors to consider when choosing this type of protective device.
Again there are Annexes A through H, all of which are informative. These will give you flowcharts, sample calculations and the like to support your need for properly choosing the eyewear appropriate to your situation.
Protection of employees, customers and test subjects from various spectral, thermal and radiation hazards is essential. Now that ISO TC 94 Subcommittee 6 is on the case, we’ve got new parameters to work with to meet these safety goals.
Remember, Document Center has been selling standards since 1982 and on the web since 1993. You’ll be able to purchase the ISO standards you need like the ones reviewed above by using our webstore, www.document-center.com. And you’re always welcome to reach us by phone (650-591-7600), fax (650-591-7617) or email (info@document-center.com). We’re here to help you understand what information various standards have to offer and to keep the standards you do use up-to-date.
