Addressing Public Concerns - Providing confidential testing services for members of the public, professional individuals and consultants
Independent testing to provide peace of mind

Safety Testing Sunglasses, Ski Goggles and Motorcycle Visors

sunglasses testing It is essential, that sunglasses provide adequate protection from harmful UV light.It is also important that the lenses of sunglasses worn when driving or for any other road use, must allow sufficient visible light to pass through and not adversely affect the recognition of traffic signals. We test many sunglasses every year and find significant numbers which do not comply with the safety legislation.

We have also begun testing motorcycle visors for UV transmittance as required by BS4110:1999, and ski goggles which are also required to have protection against UV light, as required by BSEN 174:2001.

 

Regulations

The safety of products such as sunglasses is controlled by the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations. These Regulations provide a legal framework to ensure that a producer or distributor supplies a safe product.

Relevant Standards

The BS EN 1836, Personal Eye Protection - Sunglasses And Sunglare Filters For General Use, documents the procedures to be used for testing and the standards to be achieved.

The tests methods documented in BS EN 1836 for Luminous Transmittance and Recognition Of Traffic Signals are the same methods documented in BS 4110, which is a specification for visors for vehicle users (motorcycle visors).

Available Tests

Listed below is a selection of tests, relating to the safety of sunglasses, that can be carried out by Staffordshire Scientific Services:

  • BS EN 1836
    • Filter category
    • Spectral transmittance 280 nm to 315 nm
    • Spectral transmittance 315 nm to 350 nm
    • Solar UVA transmittance
    • Recognition of traffic signals
  • BS 4110
    • Luminous transmittance
    • Recognition of traffic signals

spectral transmittance

 

Our Credentials

Staffordshire Scientific Services is an efficient and reliable scientific service offering testing and analysis, advice and support to customers in the public and private sector.

We have two Public Analysts, twenty well-qualified, experienced staff, based in our Stafford laboratory which is accredited to UKAS Quality Standard ISO/IEC 17025 and is an Official UK Food Enforcement Laboratory.

View UKAS accreditation schedule for Staffordshire.

Getting In Touch

Staffordshire Scientific Services
14 Martin Street
Stafford ST16 2LG

T: 01785 277 825 F: 01785 277 812Email: county.analysts@staffordshire.gov.uk

Staffordshire County Council website