EN ISO 18526-3:2020

Eye and face protection - Test methods - Part 3: Physical and mechanical properties (ISO 18526-3:2020)

This document specifies the reference test methods for determining the physical and mechanical properties of eye and face protectors.
This document does not apply to any eye and face protection products for which the requirements standard(s) specifies other test methods.
Other test methods can be used if shown to be equivalent and include uncertainties of measurement no greater than those required of the reference method.

Augen- und Gesichtsschutz - Prüfverfahren - Teil 3: Physikalische und mechanische Eigenschaften (ISO 18526-3:2020)

Dieses Dokument legt die Bezugsprüfverfahren für die Bestimmung der physikalischen und mechanischen Eigenschaften von Augen- und Gesichtsschutzgeräten fest.
Dieses Dokument gilt nicht für etwaige Anforderungsnormen für Augen- und Gesichtsschutzprodukte, für die andere Prüfverfahren festgelegt sind.
Andere Prüfverfahren können angewendet werden, sofern ihre Gleichwertigkeit nachgewiesen ist und ihre Präzision die für das Referenzverfahren geforderte nicht übersteigt.

Protection des yeux et du visage - Méthodes d'essai - Partie 3: Propriétés physiques et mécaniques (ISO 18526-3:2020)

Le présent document spécifie les méthodes d'essai de référence pour la détermination des propriétés physiques et mécaniques des protecteurs des yeux et du visage.
Le présent document ne s'applique à aucun produit relatif à la protection des yeux et du visage pour lequel la norme d'exigences spécifie d'autres méthodes d'essai.
D'autres méthodes d'essai peuvent être utilisées si leur équivalence est démontrée et si les incertitudes de mesure qui leur sont associées n'excèdent pas celles exigées par la méthode de référence.

Varovanje oči in obraza - Preskusne metode - 3. del: Fizikalne in mehanske lastnosti (ISO 18526-3:2020)

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 28-Jan-2020
• Withdrawal Date: 30-Jan-2023
• ICS: 13.340.20 - Head protective equipment
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 85 - Eye-protective equipment
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 85 - Eye-protective equipment
• Current Stage: 6060 - Definitive text made available (DAV) - Publishing
• Start Date: 29-Jan-2020
• Completion Date: 29-Jan-2020
• Directive: 2016/425 - Regulation (EU) 2016/425 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on personal protective equipment and repealing Council Directive 89/686/EEC
• Ref Project: SIST EN ISO 18526-3:2020 - Eye and face protection - Test methods - Part 3: Physical and mechanical properties (ISO 18526-3:2020)

Relations

• Replaces: EN 1731:2006 - Personal eye protection - Mesh eye and face protectors
• Effective Date: 19-Nov-2025
• Replaces: EN 174:2001 - Personal eye-protection - Ski goggles for downhill skiing
• Effective Date: 19-Nov-2025
• Replaces: EN 175:1997 - Personal protection - Equipment for eye and face protection during welding and allied processes
• Effective Date: 19-Nov-2025
• Replaces: EN 167:2001 - Personal eye-protection - Optical test methods
• Effective Date: 04-Sep-2024
• Replaces: EN 168:2001 - Personal eye-protection - Non-optical test methods
• Effective Date: 04-Sep-2024

Overview

EN ISO 18526-3:2020 - Eye and face protection - Test methods - Part 3: Physical and mechanical properties (ISO 18526-3:2020) is a CEN-endorsed reference standard that specifies test methods for determining the physical and mechanical characteristics of eye and face protectors. It defines the reference procedures laboratories and manufacturers should use to assess items such as lenses, frames, headbands and complete assemblies. The standard applies unless a product-specific requirements standard prescribes different test methods; alternative methods may be used only if demonstrated equivalent with no greater measurement uncertainty than the reference method.

Key topics and technical requirements

The standard covers a comprehensive set of physical and mechanical tests and reporting requirements, including:

• Physical inspection - visual and dimensional checks for conformity and defects
• Field of view - procedures to measure optical field available to the wearer
• Area to be protected - frontal and lateral protection assessment
• Retention (headbands and harnesses) - sit, fit and retention performance
• Visual assessment of materials and surface quality - lenses and filters evaluation
• Resistance tests:
  • Thermal exposure and ignition resistance
  • Ultraviolet (solar and artificial) radiation resistance
  • Corrosion resistance for metallic components
  • Fogging resistance of lenses and filters
• Liquid and particulate protection:
  • Protection against droplets and liquid streams
  • Protection against large dust particles
• Test reporting - standardized content for consistent documentation of results

These topics form the technical backbone for verifying physical and mechanical properties of PPE eye/face protectors intended for workplaces, laboratories and industrial settings.

Practical applications and users

Who uses EN ISO 18526-3:2020 and why:

• Manufacturers and product designers - to validate designs, optimize materials, and ensure repeatable test methods during development.
• Independent test laboratories and certification bodies - to perform accredited testing and produce test reports aligned with CEN/ISO requirements.
• Procurement specialists and OEMs - to specify acceptance criteria and comparability of safety eyewear and face protectors.
• Occupational safety professionals and compliance officers - to assess suitability of PPE for specific hazards (chemical splashes, UV exposure, thermal risks, dust).
• Quality assurance teams - for batch testing, incoming inspection and ongoing product surveillance.

Using the standard helps ensure consistent, comparable test outcomes across suppliers and jurisdictions and supports regulatory compliance and workplace safety programs.

Related standards

• EN ISO 18526-3:2020 is part of the ISO 18526 test-methods series for eye and face protection and is intended to be used together with product-specific requirements standards and other parts of the ISO/CEN PPE family. Where a product standard specifies different methods, that standard takes precedence.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-april-2020
Varovanje oči in obraza - Preskusne metode - 3. del: Fizikalne in mehanske
lastnosti (ISO 18526-3:2020)
Eye and face protection - Test methods - Part 3: Physical and mechanical properties
(ISO 18526-3:2020)
Augen- und Gesichtsschutz - Prüfverfahren - Teil 3: Physikalische und mechanische
Eigenschaften (ISO 18526-3:2020)
Protection des yeux et du visage - Méthodes d'essai - Partie 3: Propriétés physiques et
mécaniques (ISO 18526-3:2020)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN ISO 18526-3:2020
ICS:
13.340.20 Varovalna oprema za glavo Head protective equipment
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EN ISO 18526-3
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
January 2020
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 13.340.20
English Version
Eye and face protection - Test methods - Part 3: Physical
and mechanical properties (ISO 18526-3:2020)
Protection des yeux et du visage - Méthodes d'essai - Augen- und Gesichtsschutz - Prüfverfahren - Teil 3:
Partie 3: Propriétés physiques et mécaniques (ISO Physikalische und mechanische Eigenschaften (ISO
18526-3:2020) 18526-3:2020)
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 7 January 2020.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2020 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN ISO 18526-3:2020 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 3

European foreword
This document (EN ISO 18526-3:2020) has been prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 94
"Personal safety -- Personal protective equipment" in collaboration with Technical Committee CEN/TC
85 “Eye protective equipment” the secretariat of which is held by AFNOR.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by July 2020, and conflicting national standards shall be
withdrawn at the latest by July 2020.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the
European Free Trade Association.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland,
Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of
North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the
United Kingdom.
Endorsement notice
The text of ISO 18526-3:2020 has been approved by CEN as EN ISO 18526-3:2020 without any
modification.
INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 18526-3
First edition
2020-01
Eye and face protection — Test
methods —
Part 3:
Physical and mechanical properties
Protection des yeux et du visage — Méthodes d'essai —
Partie 3: Propriétés physiques et mécaniques
Reference number
ISO 18526-3:2020(E)
©
ISO 2020
ISO 18526-3:2020(E)
© ISO 2020
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting
on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address
below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved

ISO 18526-3:2020(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .vi
Introduction .vii
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Preparatory information . 1
5 General test requirements . 2
6 Physical test methods . 2
6.1 Physical inspection . 2
6.1.1 Principle . 2
6.1.2 Procedure . 2
6.1.3 Test report . 2
6.2 Field of view . 3
6.2.1 Principle . 3
6.2.2 Apparatus . 3
6.2.3 Procedure . 3
6.2.4 Test report . 3
6.3 Area to be protected — Assessment from the frontal direction . 4
6.3.1 Principle . 4
6.3.2 Apparatus . 4
6.3.3 Procedure . 4
6.3.4 Test report . 4
6.4 Area to be protected — Assessment from the lateral direction . 4
6.4.1 Principle . 4
6.4.2 Apparatus . 4
6.4.3 Procedure . 4
6.4.4 Test report . 5
6.5 Retention by headbands and harnesses (sit and fit) . 5
6.5.1 Principle . 5
6.5.2 Procedure . 5
6.5.3 Test report . 5
6.6 Visual assessment of material and surface quality of lenses . 5
6.6.1 Principle . 5
6.6.2 Apparatus . 5
6.6.3 Procedure . 6
6.6.4 Test report . 6
6.7 Resistance to thermal exposure . 6
6.7.1 Principle . 6
6.7.2 Procedure . 7
6.7.3 Test report . 7
6.8 Resistance to ultraviolet radiation . 7
6.8.1 Principle . 7
6.8.2 Solar ultraviolet radiation . 7
6.8.3 Ultraviolet radiation from artificial sources. 9
6.9 Resistance to corrosion . 9
6.9.1 Principle . 9
6.9.2 Reagents and materials .10
6.9.3 Procedure .10
6.9.4 Test report .10
6.10 Resistance to ignition .10
6.10.1 Principle .10
6.10.2 Apparatus .10
ISO 18526-3:2020(E)
6.10.3 Procedure .10
6.10.4 Test report .11
6.11 Resistance to fogging of lenses or filters .11
6.11.1 Principle .11
6.11.2 Apparatus .11
6.11.3 Conditioning .12
6.11.4 Procedure .12
6.11.5 Test report .13
6.12 Protection against droplets .13
6.12.1 Principle .13
6.12.2 Reagents, material and apparatus .13
6.12.3 Procedure .13
6.12.4 Test report .14
6.13 Protection against streams of liquids .14
6.13.1 Principle .14
6.13.2 Reagents, materials and apparatus .14
6.13.3 Procedure .15
6.13.4 Test report .15
6.14 Protection against large dust particles.16
6.14.1 Test principle .16
6.14.2 Material and apparatus .16
6.14.3 Procedure .17
6.14.4 Test report .18
6.15 Protection against gases and fine dust .18
6.15.1 Principle .18
6.15.2 Apparatus .18
6.15.3 Procedure .19
6.15.4 Test report .19
6.16 Protection against radiant heat .19
6.16.1 Principle .19
6.16.2 Test apparatus .19
6.16.3 Preparation of the test sample .20
6.16.4 Procedure .20
6.16.5 Test report .21
6.17 Chemical resistance .21
6.17.1 Principle .21
6.17.2 Procedure .21
6.17.3 Test report .21
7 Mechanical test methods .21
7.1 General .21
7.2 Tests on unmounted lenses .22
7.2.1 Minimum robustness of unmounted lenses (static load test) .22
7.2.2 Drop ball test for unmounted lenses .25
7.3 Tests on complete eye protectors .27
7.3.1 Drop ball test for complete protectors .27
7.3.2 Ballistic impact test for complete protectors .28
7.3.3 High mass test for complete protectors .29
7.4 Resistance to surface damage due to flying fine particles .31
7.4.1 Principle .31
7.4.2 Material and apparatus .31
7.4.3 Preparation of reference samples for measurement of light scatter .33
7.4.4 Preparation of test samples .34
7.4.5 Procedure .34
7.4.6 Evaluation of narrow angle scatter of the test sample .34
7.4.7 Evaluation of wide angle scatter of the test sample .34
7.4.8 Test report .35
7.5 Penetration of vents and gaps .35
7.5.1 Principle .35
iv © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved

ISO 18526-3:2020(E)
7.5.2 Apparatus .35
7.5.3 Procedure .36
7.5.4 Test report .36
7.6 Protection against molten metals and hot solids .36
7.6.1 Adherence of molten metal .36
7.6.2 Resistance to penetration of protector by hot solids .39
8 Marking and packaging .40
8.1 Principle .40
8.2 Procedure .40
8.3 Test report .40
9 Information to be supplied by the manufacturer .40
9.1 Principle .40
9.2 Procedure .40
9.3 Test report .40
10 Additional test methods for protectors during welding and related techniques .41
10.1 Dimension measurements of welding hand shields .41
10.1.1 Procedure .41
10.1.2 Test report .41
10.2 Drop test of welding protectors .41
10.2.1 Principle .41
10.2.2 Apparatus .41
10.2.3 Preparation of test samples .41
10.2.4 Procedure .41
10.2.5 Test report .41
10.3 Light tightness of welding protectors .42
10.3.1 Principle .42
10.3.2 Procedure .42
10.3.3 Test report .42
10.4 Electrical insulation of welding helmets and welding hand shields .42
10.4.1 Principle .42
10.4.2 Procedure .42
10.4.3 Test report .42
11 Additional test methods for mesh protectors .43
11.1 Number of apertures in a mesh .43
11.1.1 Principle .43
11.1.2 Procedure .43
11.1.3 Test report .43
11.2 Contact with metal parts .43
11.2.1 Principle .43
11.2.2 Procedure .43
11.2.3 Test report .43
Annex A (normative) Application of uncertainty of measurement .44
Annex B (normative) Long wavelength pass filter .47
Annex C (informative) Full details of the apparatus for the streams of liquids test .49
Bibliography .51
ISO 18526-3:2020(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www .iso .org/ directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www .iso .org/ patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation on the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions related to
conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) see the following URL:
www .iso .org/ iso/ foreword .html.
This document was prepared by ISO/TC 94, Personal safety — Personal protective equipment,
Subcommittee SC 6, Eye and face protection.
This first edition of ISO 18526-3:2019 cancels and replaces ISO 4855:1981, which has been technically
revised.
A list of all parts in the ISO 18526 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www .iso .org/ members .html.
vi © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved

ISO 18526-3:2020(E)
Introduction
This family of documents was developed in response to the worldwide stakeholders' demand for
minimum requirements and test methods for eye and face protectors traded internationally. ISO 4007
gives the terms and definitions for all the various product types. The test methods are in the ISO 18526
series, while the requirements for occupational eye and face protectors are in the ISO 16321 series.
Eye protection for specific sports is mostly dealt with by the ISO 18527 series. A guidance document,
1)
ISO 19734 , for the selection, use and maintenance of eye and face protectors is in preparation.
1) Under preparation. Stage at the time of publication: ISO/CD 19734:2020.
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 18526-3:2020(E)
Eye and face protection — Test methods —
Part 3:
Physical and mechanical properties
1 Scope
This document specifies the reference test methods for determining the physical and mechanical
properties of eye and face protectors.
This document does not apply to any eye and face protection products for which the requirements
standard(s) specifies other test methods.
Other test methods can be used if shown to be equivalent and include uncertainties of measurement no
greater than those required of the reference method.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 48-2, Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic — Determination of hardness — Part 2: Hardness between
10 IRHD and 100 IRHD
ISO 4007, Personal protective equipment — Eye and face protection — Vocabulary
ISO 18526-2:2020, Eye and face protection — Test methods — Part 2: Physical optical properties
ISO 18526-4, Eye and face protection — Test methods — Part 4:Headforms
ISO 18527-2, Eye and face protection for sports use — Part 2: Requirements for eye protectors for Squash
and eye protectors for Racquetball and Squash 57
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 4007 apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http:// www .electropedia .org/
4 Preparatory information
Before testing, refer to the product's requirement standard for the information needed to apply the
tests in this document, for example:
2)
— the number of test samples ;
2)  For the purpose of this document, “test sample” is taken to be the object under test, e.g. “lens”, “filter”, or
"complete protector" as specified in the product's requirements standard.
ISO 18526-3:2020(E)
— preparation of test samples;
— the selection of test samples (if included in this document);
— any prior conditioning or testing;
— test method (if more than one are included in this document);
— any deviations from the method(s);
— characteristics to be assessed subjectively (if appropriate);
— pass/fail criteria.
5 General test requirements
Unless otherwise specified, the values stated in this document are expressed as nominal values. Except
for temperature limits, values that are not stated as maxima or minima shall be subject to a tolerance
of ±5 %.
Unless otherwise specified, the ambient temperature for testing shall be between 16 °C and 32 °C but if
any temperature limits are specified, these shall be subject to an accuracy of ±2 °C. Relative humidity
shall be maintained at (50 ± 20) %.
Unless otherwise specified, the test samples shall be tested at the reference points (for testing) as
defined in ISO 4007.
The tests shall be performed by trained observers.
For each of the required measurements performed in accordance with this document, a corresponding
estimate of the uncertainty of measurement shall be evaluated in accordance with Annex A.
6 Physical test methods
6.1 Physical inspection
6.1.1 Principle
This test is intended to demonstrate that prior to applying any other test methods, the protector is free
from visible defects or sharp edges.
6.1.2 Procedure
The test shall be carried out as follows:
— Inspect the mounting and surfaces of the lens of the complete test sample.
— Inspect all exposed surfaces of the protector for projections regarding sharp edges or other features
that are likely to cause discomfort or injury to the wearer or interfere with vision.
6.1.3 Test report
Record surface and internal defects detected in the lenses and other components of the test sample that
are likely to cause discomfort or injury to the wearer or interfere with the wearer’s vision.
2 © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved

ISO 18526-3:2020(E)
6.2 Field of view
6.2.1 Principle
This test is intended to demonstrate that the protector provides a minimum field of view for the wearer.
6.2.2 Apparatus
6.2.2.1 Headform, according to ISO 18526-4.
6.2.2.2 Goniometric device, to determine the rotation of the headform (6.2.2.1) in the horizontal and
vertical planes.
NOTE A type A or type B goniometer can be used for purely horizontal or purely vertical measurements, see
References [2] and [3].
6.2.2.3 CW-laser, emitting light in visible range, with beam diameter (2 ± 1) mm.
6.2.2.4 Detector, placed at the corneal vertex of the headform (6.2.2.1).
6.2.3 Procedure
The test shall be carried out as follows:
— Mount the test sample on the headform in accordance with the fitting information supplied by the
manufacturer.
— Set the goniometric device to indicate 0° in the horizontal and vertical directions, with its axes of
rotation passing through the right corneal vertex position of the headform. The angular setting of
the goniometer shall be made with an uncertainty of measurement not exceeding 1°.
— Direct the laser beam so that it passes through the corneal vertex position of the right eye of the
headform, along the horizontal line perpendicular to the facial plane of the headform.
NOTE Laser source and detector position are interchangeable.
— Rotate the headform to the left about the vertical axis to the position where the edge of the lens or
the mounting prevents half of the laser beam from reaching the corneal vertex position. This is the
temporal field of view. Record the angle to the nearest degree.
— Repeat by rotating the headform to the right to establish the nasal field of view.
— Return the headform to the 0° setting in the horizontal. Rotate the headform down to establish the
superior field, and up for the inferior field.
— Repeat for the left eye.
— For a protector fitted with a single lens to cover both eyes, the field to the right should be measured
as the temporal field for the right e
...