BRITISH STANDARD BS EN

172:1995
Incorporating
Amendment Nos. 1
and 2

Personal eye
protection — Sunglare
filters for industrial use

The European Standard EN 172:1994, with the incorporation of

amendments A1:2000 and A2:2001, has the status of a British Standard

ICS 13.340.20

NO COPYING WITHOUT BSI PERMISSION EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY COPYRIGHT LAW

BS EN 172:1995

Committees responsible for this

British Standard

The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted to Technical

Committee PSM/2, Eye protection, upon which the following bodies were
represented.

Association of Consulting Scientists

British College of Optometrists
British Foundry Association
British Glass Manufacturers’ Confederation
British Plastics Federation
British Steel plc
Department of Trade and Industry (National Physical Laboratory)
Electricity Association
Engineering Equipment and Materials Users’ Association
Federation of Manufacturing Opticians
Flat Glass Manufacturers’ Association
Health and Safety Executive
Industrial Safety (Protective Equipment) Manufacturers’ Association
Institution of Gas Engineers
Institution of Mechanical Engineers
Institution of Occupational Safety and Health
Light Metal Founders’ Association
Manufacturing Science Finance
Ministry of Defence
National Radiological Protection Board
Safety Equipment Distributors’ Association
Steel Casting Research and Trade Association
Trades Union Congress
Zinc Alloy Die Casters’ Association

This British Standard, having

been prepared under the
direction of the Consumer
Products and Services Sector
Board, was published under
the authority of the Standards
Board and comes into effect on
15 May 1995

© BSI 30 January 2002

Amendments issued since publication

Amd. No. Date Comments

The following BSI references
relate to the work on this
10942 August 2000 Clause 4.2.2 deleted, Annex ZA added
standard:
Committee reference PSM/2 13373 30 January 2002 Indicated by a sideline
Draft for comment 89/41144 DC

ISBN 0 580 23956 X

 BS EN 172:1995

Contents

Page
Committees responsible Inside front cover
National foreword ii
Foreword 2
Text of EN 172 4

© BSI 30 January 2002 i

BS EN 172:1995

National foreword

This British Standard has been prepared by Technical Committee PSM/2 and is
the English language version of EN 172:1994, Personal eye-protection —
Sunglare filters for industrial use, including amendments A1:2000 and A2:2001,
published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). EN 172 was
produced as a result of international discussions in which the United Kingdom
took an active part.
It should be noted that this standard is one of several standards for filters used
in personal eye-protection, others being BS EN 169, BS EN 170, BS EN 171. Like
these other standards, this standard does not specify a complete eye-protector,
and therefore does not replace BS 2724 Specification for sunglare eye-protectors
for general use, which will be replaced by a separate BS EN (in course of
preparation) for sunglasses and sunglare filters for general use (see clause 1 of
this standard).

Cross-references
The British Standards which implement international or European publications
referred to in this document may be found in the BSI Standards Catalogue under
the section entitled “International Standards Correspondence Index” or by using
the “Find” facility of the BSI Standards Electronic Catalogue.
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i and ii,
the EN title page, pages 2 to 15 and a back cover.
The BSI copyright displayed in this document indicates when the document was
last issued.
Sidelining in this document indicates the most recent changes by amendment.

ii © BSI 30 January 2002

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 172
December 1994
NORME EUROPÉENNE
+ A1
EUROPÄISCHE NORM April 2000

+ A2
August 2001

ICS 13.340.20

Descriptors: Accident prevention, eyes, radiation protection, solar radiation, sunlight, optical filters, designation, specifications,
physical properties, transmittance, tests, labelling

English version

Personal eye protection —

Sunglare filters for industrial use
(includes amendments A1:2000 and A2:2001)

Protection individuelle de l’oeil — Persönlicher Augenschutz — Sonnenschutzfilter für

Filtres de protection solaire pour usage industriel den betrieblichen Gebrauch
(inclut les amendements A1:2000 et A2:2001) (enthält Änderungen A1:2000 und A2:2001)

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 1994-12-05. Amendment A1

was approved by CEN on 2000-03-07. Amendment A2:2001 was approved by
CEN on 2001-06-29. 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 Central Secretariat 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
Central Secretariat has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium,
Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy,
Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and
United Kingdom.

CEN
European Committee for Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation
Europäisches Komitee für Normung

Central Secretariat: rue de Stassart 36, B-1050 Brussels

© 1994 Copyright reserved to CEN members
Ref. No. EN 172:1994 + A1:2000 + A2:2001 E
EN 172:1994

Foreword Foreword to Amendment A2

This European Standard was prepared by the This Amendment EN 172:1994/A2:2001 to the
Technical Committee CEN/TC 85, Eye-protective EN 172:1994 has been prepared by Technical
equipment, of which the Secretariat is held by Committee CEN/TC 85, Eye-protective equipment,
AFNOR. the Secretariat of which is held by AFNOR.
This European Standard has been prepared under a This Amendment to the European Standard
mandate given to CEN by the European EN 172:1994 shall be given the status of a national
Commission and the European Free Trade standard, either by publication of an identical text
Association, and supports essential requirements of or by endorsement, at the latest by February 2002,
EC Directive(s). and conflicting national standards shall be
withdrawn at the latest by February 2002.
This European Standard shall be given the status of
a national standard, either by publication of an This Amendment to the European Standard
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by EN 172:1994 has been prepared under a mandate
June 1995, and conflicting national standards shall given to CEN by the European Commission and the
be withdrawn at the latest by June 1995. European Free Trade Association, and supports
essential requirements of EU Directive(s).
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal
Regulations, the following countries are bound to According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal
implement this European Standard: Austria, Regulations, the national standards organizations
Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, of the following countries are bound to implement
Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Czech
Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany,
Switzerland, United Kingdom. Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg,
Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden,
Foreword to Amendment A1 Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
This Amendment EN 172:1994/A1:2000 to
EN 172:1994 has been prepared by Technical
Committee CEN/TC 85, Eye protective equipment,
the Secretariat of which is held by AFNOR.
This Amendment to the European Standard
EN 172:1994 shall be given the status of a national
standard, either by publication of an identical text
or by endorsement, at the latest by October 2000,
and conflicting national standards shall be
withdrawn at the latest by October 2000.
This Amendment to the European Standard
EN 172:1994 has been prepared under a mandate
given to CEN by the European Commission and the
European Free Trade Association, and supports
essential requirements of EU Directive(s).
For relationship with EU Directive(s), see
informative Annex ZA, which is an integral part of
this standard.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal
Regulations, the national standards organizations
of the following countries are bound to implement
this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany,
Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg,
Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

2 © BSI 30 January 2002

 EN 172:1994

Contents
Page
Foreword 2
1 Scope 4
2 Normative references 4
3 Designation and marking 4
4 Requirements 4
5 Test method 6
6 Filters not suitable for driving and road use 8
Annex A (informative) Use of sunglare filters 9
Annex B (normative) Definitions 10
Annex C (normative) Standard illuminant D 12
Annex D (normative) Test for determining the
axis of polarization 13
Annex E (informative) Test for determination
of fatigue of photochromic materials 14
Annex F (informative) 14
Annex ZA (informative) Clauses of this European
Standard addressing essential requirements or
other provisions of EU Directives 15
Figure 1 — Symbol “Not suitable for driving
and road use” 8
Figure D.1 — Apparatus for determination of
axis polarization 13
Figure F.1 14
Table 1 — Permissible transmittance for
filters without a requirement for infra-red
protection 5
Table 2 — Permissible transmittance for
filters with a requirement for infra-red
protection 5
Table 3 — Irradiance for testing the darkened
state of photochromic lenses 7
Table 4 — Measurement conditions for the
different luminous transmittance values 7
Table A.1 — Scale numbers and use 9
Table ZA.1 15

© BSI 30 January 2002 3

EN 172:1994

1 Scope
This European Standard specifies the scale numbers, transmittances and related requirements for
sunglare filters for industrial use. Other valid requirements for these types of filters are specified in
prEN 166.
Selection criteria and information on use of these filters are given in Annex A.
This standard does not apply to filters for protection against radiation from artificial light sources such as
those used in solaria. EN 170 applies for these filters.
This standard does not apply to ski goggles for which a separate standard is in preparation or for other
types used for leisure activities.
A separate standard for sunglasses and sunglare filters for general use is in preparation.
2 Normative references
This European Standard incorporates by dated or undated reference, provisions from other publications.
These normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text and the publications are listed
hereafter. For dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any of these publications apply
to this European Standard only when incorporated in it by amendment or revision. For undated references,
the latest edition of the publication referred to applies.
prEN 165, Personal eye protection — Vocabulary.
prEN 166, Personal eye protection — Specifications.
prEN 167, Personal eye protection — Optical test methods.
prEN 168, Personal eye protection — Non-optical test methods.
EN 169, Personal eye protection — Filters for welding and related techniques.
EN 170, Personal eye protection — Ultra-violet filter — Transmittance requirements and recommended use.
CIE Publication 15 Colorimetry.
3 Designation and marking
A complete table of filter designation and marking is given in clauses 4 and 9 of prEN 166.
The scale number of a sunglare filter contains the code numbers 5 (filter with no requirement for protection
in the infra-red) or 6 (filter with a requirement for protection in the infra-red) and the shade number of the
filter (see clause 4 and Annex A.2).
4 Requirements
The requirements of prEN 166 apply to sunglare filters for industrial use. Only those requirements that
are different from or supplement the prEN 166 specifications are given in the following.
4.1 Permissible transmittance and scale numbers
4.1.1 Filters with code number 5
See Table 1.
4.1.2 Filters with code number 6
See Table 2.
4.2 General transmittance requirements
4.2.1 Spectral transmittance
Between 500 nm and 650 nm the spectral transmittance shall not be less than 0, 2 Ùuvv .
4.2.2 deleted
4.2.3 Recognition of signal lights
As sunglasses are often worn while driving, filters of scale numbers 5-1,1 to 5-3,1 and 6-1,1 to 6-3,1 shall
meet the requirements for recognition of signal lights in addition to the protection requirements.
The relative visual attenuation quotient for signal lights red, yellow, green and blue filters of these scale
numbers shall not be less than 0,8.

4 © BSI 30 January 2002

 EN 172:1994

Table 1 — Permissible transmittance for filters without a requirement for infra-red protection
Scale number Ultraviolet spectral range Visible spectral range
Maximum value of spectral Maximum mean value Range of luminous transmittance
transmittance of spectral Ùv
Ù(2) transmittance
from 280 nm over 315 nm to 350 nm from 315 nm to 380 nm from to over
to 315 nm % %
5-1,1a 100 80,0
5-1,4 80,0 58,1
5-1,7 0,1Ùv Ùv Ùv 58,1 43,2
5-2 43,2 29,1
5-2,5 29,1 17,8
5-3,1 0,01Ùv 0,5Ùv 0,5Ùv 17,8 8,0
5-4,1 8,0 3,0
a This scale number only applies to certain photochromic sunglare filters in their clear condition and for the high luminous
transmittance range of gradient filters.
Table 2 — Permissible transmittance for filters with a requirement for infra-red protection
Scale number Ultraviolet spectral range Visible spectral range Infra-red spectral
range
Maximum value of spectral Maximum mean Range of luminous transmittance Maximum value of
transmittance value of Ùv infra-red
Ù(2) spectral transmittance
transmittance
from 280 nm over 315 nm from 315 nm from to over ÙSIR
to 315 nm to 350 nm to 380 nm % %
6-1,1a 100 80,0
6-1,4 80,0 58,1
6-1,7 0,1Ùv Ùv Ùv 58,1 43,2 Ùv
6-2 43,2 29,1
6-2,5 29,1 17,8
6-3,1 0,01Ùv 0,5Ùv 0,5Ùv 17,8 8,0
6-4,1 8,0 3,0
a This scale number only applies to certain photochromic sunglare filters in their clear condition and for the high luminous
transmittance range of gradient filters.

4.3 Special transmittance requirements

4.3.1 Photochromic filters
The luminous transmittance value of the filter in its clear state Ù0 and after 15 min irradiation Ùl determine
the scale numbers. In both states, the requirements specified in 4.1.1 to 4.1.2 shall be met.
For photochromic filters Ù0/Ù1 shall be 71,25.
When tested in accordance with Annex E.3, the change in luminous transmittance value relative to that
measured initially as described in E.2, shall not be greater than ±5 % for the clear state nor ±20 % for the
dark state.
NOTE When checking photochromic filter materials for the other requirements of this standard, this test need not be repeated if
corresponding results are available, e.g. from the manufacturer of the raw material.

4.3.2 Polarizing filters

Where sunglasses are fitted with polarizing filters, these shall be fitted in the frame so that the plane of
polarization does not deviate from the vertical, or the nominal direction if different from the vertical, by
more than ±3°.
For polarizing filters, the ratio of the luminous transmittance values parallel and perpendicular to the
plane of polarization shall be greater than 20:1.

© BSI 30 January 2002 5

EN 172:1994

4.3.3 Gradient filters

The scale number for gradient filters shall be determined by the lightest and darkest spot within a circle
of 15 mm radius around the geometric centre for the non-mounted filters or the visual centre for the
mounted filters.
5 Test method
prEN 167 and prEN 168 contain test methods for sunglare filters for industrial use. The following
describes only those test methods that are not included in the above standards or require supplementing.
5.1 Permissible transmittance and scale numbers
5.1.1 Luminous transmittance
The spectral distribution of a beam of standard illuminant D65 and the standard spectral values of the
colorimetric 2° standard observer CIE 1931 shall be used to determine the luminous transmittance.
For details, see Annex B and Annex C.
5.1.2 Infra-red transmittance
The infra-red transmittance ÙSIR is calculated from the spectral transmittance values using the values
given in Annex B.3.
5.1.3 UV transmittance
When calculating the mean value of spectral transmittance from 315 nm to 380 nm, the step width shall
not exceed 5 nm.
5.2 General transmittance requirements
5.2.1 Spectral transmittance
The spectral transmittance is determined by means of parallel beams.
5.2.2 Recognition of signal lights
When calculating the value of Q from the spectral measurements, the value as determined in Annex B and
Annex C shall be used. It is permitted to make a linear interpolation of these values for steps of less
than 10 nm. The definitions are given in Annex B.2.
5.3 Special transmission requirements
The following measurement requirements shall be met for filters with special properties.
5.3.1 Photochromic sunglare filters
5.3.1.1 Conditioning
Unless the manufacturer specifies a different procedure to reach the faded state in the information
supplied with the product, photochromic filters shall be conditioned by the following procedure.
Store samples in the dark at (65 ± 5) °C for (2 ± 0,2) h. Then store in the dark at (23 ± 5) °C for at least 12 h.
5.3.1.2 Measurement
NOTE Most photochromic materials respond to normal room lighting and all measurements should therefore be made in absence of
extraneous light.
WARNING Care should be taken to ensure that the radiation used for the measurements does not cause
darkening or bleaching of the sample.
In order to test the variability of the transmittance, a source simulating daylight shall be used. It should
approximate as closely as practicable to the spectral distribution of solar radiation for air mass m = 2
(P. Moon, Journal of the Franklin Institute, Vol. 230 (1940), pp 583-617, see also Table 6 of CIE 85:1989 for
the spectral distribution of solar radiation) at an illuminance of (50 000 ± 5 000) lux, respecting the values
given in Table 4.
Testing shall be done with a Xenon high pressure lamp with filters chosen so that the specified illuminance
of (50 000 ± 5 000) lux and the irradiance values given in Table 3 are reached. The permissible tolerances
of the irradiance values are also given in Table 3.

6 © BSI 30 January 2002

 EN 172:1994

Table 3 — Irradiance for testing the darkened state of photochromic lenses

Wavelength range Irradiance Tolerance
nm W/m2 W/m2

300-340 <2,5 —
340-380 5,6 ±1,5
380-420 12 ±3
420-460 20 ±3
460-500 26,0 ±2,6
The luminous transmittance values of photochromic filters defined in 4.3.1 and for the special conditions
of use in Annex A.4 are determined for the conditions given in Table 4.
Where testing at 15 000 lux is specified, the irradiance values and the permissible tolerances of these
values are those given in Table 3, but multiplied by a factor 0,3.
The surface temperature of the filter shall be maintained within ±1 °C of the required temperature
(see Table 4).oe
NOTE Darkening may be carried out in a water bath. However, since immersion of the specimen in water reduces the reflectivity
of the surface thereby increasing the measured transmittance relative to the transmittance values that would be measured in air, the
transmittance values determined using water immersion need correction to yield the equivalent air values. Calibration of the
equipment may be checked using a test sample with a refractive index deviating by not more than ±0,01 from the refractive index of
the sample.
Table 4 — Measurement conditions for the different luminous transmittance values
Luminous transmittance value Surface temperature of the test Illumination at the surface of the
specimen sample
°C lux
Ù0 23 ± 1 0 (faded state)
Ù1 23 ± 1 50 000 ± 5 000
Ùw 5±1 50 000 ± 5 000
Ùs 35 ± 1 50 000 ± 5 000
Ùa 23 ± 1 15 000 ± 1 500
NOTE These measurement conditions are also recommended for additional data, such as time constant for example.

The requirements of 4.1.1, 4.1.2 and 4.2 shall be met in the faded state and after irradiation for 15 min.
5.3.2 Polarizing filters
The luminous transmittance values for polarizing filters shall be determined using unpolarized light or be
calculated as a mean value of the transmittances for polarized light and the direction of polarization of the
measuring source shall be set parallel and vertical to the direction of polarization of the filter. For the other
measurements, a polarizer of known plane of polarization in the path of the rays shall be used; for
example, the procedure described in Annex D.
5.3.3 Gradient filters
A 5 mm diameter measurement field shall be used.

© BSI 30 January 2002 7

EN 172:1994

6 Filters not suitable for driving and road use

In the case of filters with scale numbers 5-4,1 and 6-4,1 and of filters not meeting 4.2.1 or 4.2.3 the following
warning: “Not suitable for driving and road use” in the form of the approved symbol (see Figure 1) or in
writing shall be marked on the filters. The minimum height of the symbol shall be 5 mm.

Figure 1 — Symbol “Not suitable for driving and road use”

8 © BSI 30 January 2002

 EN 172:1994

Annex A (informative)
Use of sunglare filters
A.1 Daytime
The main purpose of sunglare filters is to protect the human eye against excessive solar radiation and to
reduce eye strain and increase visual perception. In order to ensure fatigue-free vision, even for prolonged
usage, the choice of filter depends on the ambient light level and the individual sensitivity to glare. If in
doubt, professional ophthalmic advice should be sought.
Besides the absorption of visible glare, protection of the eye should be ensured in the ultraviolet and, in
some cases infra-red, spectrum. These requirements are taken into account for filters complying with this
standard. Generally, solar infra-red radiation does not present a hazard. The generally recommended uses
and designations are given in Table A.1.
Table A.1 — Scale numbers and recommended use
Scale number Use Designationa
5-1,1 This scale number applies only to certain photochromic sunglare
6-1,1 filters in the clear state and for the high visible transmittance range of
gradient filters
5-1,4 A very light filter Very light
6-1,4
5-1,7 A light filter Light
6-1,7
5-2 Recommended general filter for most uses Medium
6-2
5-2,5 Generally used in Central Europe Dark
6-2,5
5-3,1 For use in the tropics and sub-tropics, for observation of the sky, for Very dark
6-3,1 use in high mountain regions, snow covered areas, bright stretches of
water, sandy plains, chalk and limestone quarries
5-4,1 Only for use in extremely bright conditions, not suitable for driving Extremely dark
6-4,1
aThe designation is not translated literally in the various language versions of this standard since the filter “darkness” will be
considered differently according to the intensity of light experience in the countries concerned
NOTE 1 Filters with protection against IR are numbered 6-1,1 to 6-4,1.
NOTE 2 These recommendations apply to general use in different geographical latitudes. They can be modified for people suffering
from photophobia or who are undergoing medical treatment which may increase the sensitivity of the eye to optical radiation.
Lens shape and size are often matters of fashion but in some circumstances wrapped around lenses in
spectacles, or side shields may be appropriate.
WARNING. Filters complying with this standard are not suitable for direct observation of the sun
(e.g. during eclipses). For this, welder’s protection filters with scale numbers 12 to 16 as specified in
EN 169 should be used.
A.2 Reduced light
In reduced light, sunglare filters intended for bright daylight reduce visual perception. The lower the
luminous transmittance value of the sunglare filter, the more vision is impaired. Sunglare filters with a
luminous transmittance of less than 75 % are not suitable for use in twilight or at night. Photochromic
sunglare filters are considered suitable for use in twilight or at night if they reach a luminous
transmittance of more than 75 % after testing as follows:
a) filters are conditioned as described in 5.3.1;
b) filters are then exposed to (15 000 ± 1 500) lux at (23 ± 1) °C for 15 min;
c) filters are then stored in the dark at (23 ± 1) °C for 60 min.
A.3 Reduction of reflection
In order to eliminate or reduce reflections from light sources which may have a considerable disturbing
effect with some sunglare filters, an anti-reflection treatment is recommended.

© BSI 30 January 2002 9

EN 172:1994

A.4 Photochromic sunglare filters

The luminous transmittance value of photochromic sunglare filters depends quite considerably on the
intensity of radiation, temperature and other parameters. Thus values can result for the luminous
transmittance value in special conditions of use which differ from those expressed by the scale number
range.
These are in particular:
a) transmittance Ùw at low temperatures, e.g. in winter;
b) transmittance Ùs at high temperatures, e.g. in high summer, the tropics;
c) transmittance Ùa at reduced irradiation, e.g. when driving.
A.5 Polarizing sunglare filters
The user of polarizing sunglare filters can be distracted by confusing optical effects when looking through
glass having a polarizing optical effect.

Annex B (normative)
Definitions
The definitions in prEN 165 apply, as do the following, which will be included in a later revision of
prEN 165.
B.1 Scale number
The scale number of photochromic sunglare filters, results from the transmittance values in the clear and
dark states.
The scale number of gradient filters results from the transmittance values 15 mm above and below the
visual centre of the filter. If the visual centre of the filter is not known, the geometrical centre is used.
B.2 Relative visual attenuation quotient
The relative visual attenuation quotient Q is defined as:
Ù sign
Q = -----------
-
Ùv

where:

Ùv is the luminous transmittance of the sunglare filter for CIE standard illuminant D65;
Ùsign is the luminous transmittance of the sunglare filter for the spectral power distribution of the
signal light.
These are given by the equations:

10 © BSI 30 January 2002

 EN 172:1994

where:

SA(Æ) is the spectral distribution of radiation of CIE standard illuminant A

[or S 3 200 K (Æ): 3 200 K light source for blue signal light];
SD65(Æ) is the spectral distribution of radiation of CIE standard illuminant D65;
V (Æ) is the spectral visibility function for daylight vision;
Ùs(Æ) is the spectral transmittance of the signal lens;
Ù(Æ) is the spectral transmittance of the sunglare filter.
B.3 Infra-red transmittance
The transmittance -SIR is obtained by integration between the limits 780 nm and 2 000 nm based on the
solar spectral distribution of radiation

The values of E2 are given in Annex A of prEN 165.

© BSI 30 January 2002 11

EN 172:1994

Annex C (normative)
Standard illuminant D
The product of the spectral radiation distribution of signal lights and standard illuminant D65 and spectral
brightness sensitivity for daylight vision as specified in CIE Publication 15 (1971).

Wavelength SA(Æ) × V(Æ) × Ùs(Æ) in relative values SD65 (Æ) × V(Æ)

nm Red Yellow Green Blue a
380 0.000 0 0.000 0 0.000 0 0.000 1 0.000 0
390 0.000 0 0.000 0 0.000 0 0.000 8 0.000 5

400 0.000 0 0.000 0 0.001 4 0.004 2 0.003 1

410 0.000 0 0.000 0 0.004 7 0.019 4 0.010 4
420 0.000 0 0.000 0 0.017 1 0.088 7 0.035 4
430 0.000 0 0.000 0 0.056 9 0.352 8 0.095 2
440 0.000 0 0.000 0 0.128 4 0.867 1 0.228 3

450 0.000 0 0.000 0 0.252 2 1.596 1 0.420 7

460 0.000 0 0.000 0 0.485 2 2.638 0 0.668 8
470 0.000 0 0.000 0 0.902 1 4.040 5 0.989 4
480 0.000 0 0.000 0 1.671 8 4.902 5 1.524 5
490 0.000 0 0.000 0 2.997 6 7.886 2 2.141 5

500 0.000 0 0.000 0 5.355 3 10.156 6 3.343 8

510 0.000 0 0.000 0 9.083 2 13.056 0 5.131 1
520 0.000 0 0.1 13.018 0 12.836 3 7.041 2
530 0.000 0 0.951 5 14.908 5 9.663 7 8.785 1
540 0.000 0 3.279 4 14.762 4 7.206 1 9.424 8

550 0.000 0 7.518 7 12.468 7 5.780 6 9.792 2

560 0.000 0 10.734 2 9.406 1 3.254 3 9.415 6
570 0.000 0 12.053 6 6.328 1 1.397 5 8.675 4
580 0.428 9 12.263 4 3.896 7 0.848 9 7.887 0
590 6.628 9 11.660 1 2.164 0 1.015 5 6.354 0

600 18.238 2 10.521 7 1.127 6 1.002 0 5.374 0

610 20.382 6 8.965 4 0.619 4 0.639 6 4.264 8
620 17.654 4 7.254 9 0.296 5 0.325 3 3.161 9
630 13.291 9 5.353 2 0.048 1 0.335 8 2.088 9
640 9.384 3 3.735 2 0.000 0 0.969 5 1.386 1

650 6.069 8 2.406 4 0.000 0 2.245 4 0.810 0

660 3.646 4 1.441 8 0.000 0 1.359 9 0.462 9
670 2.005 8 0.789 2 0.000 0 0.630 8 0.249 2
680 1.114 9 0.437 6 0.000 0 1.216 6 0.126 0
690 0.559 0 0.219 1 0.000 0 1.149 3 0.054 1

700 0.290 2 0.113 7 0.000 0 0.712 0 0.027 8

710 0.153 3 0.060 1 0.000 0 0.391 8 0.014 8
720 0.074 2 0.029 0 0.000 0 0.205 5 0.005 8
730 0.038 6 0.015 2 0.000 0 0.104 9 0.003 3
740 0.023 2 0.008 9 0.000 0 0.051 6 0.001 4

750 0.007 7 0.003 0 0.000 0 0.025 4 0.000 6

760 0.004 5 0.001 7 0.000 0 0.012 9 0.000 4
770 0.002 2 0.000 9 0.000 0 0.006 5 0.000 0
780 0.001 0 0.000 4 0.000 0 0.003 3 0.000 0

Totals 100.000 0 100.000 0 100.000 0 100.000 0 100.000 0

a The blue flashing light is not based on standard illuminant A, but on the distribution for 3 200 K.

12 © BSI 30 January 2002

 EN 172:1994

Figure D.1 — Apparatus for determination of axis polarization

Annex D (normative)
Test for determining the axis of polarization
D.1 Apparatus
A pair of individually mounted split field polarizers. These polarizers are cut to give a +3° to –3° angle
about the horizontal. The top and bottom halves of the polarizers are then butt jointed together and glass
mounted. The polarizers are capable of being rotated by means of a lever carrying a corresponding pointer.
The pointer transverses a scale calibrated in degrees left or right of zero. The split fields are illuminated
from behind by a diffused light source (see Figure D.1).
D.2 Procedure
Mount the sunglasses (as worn) on the apparatus, i.e. the front towards the split fields on a horizontal
register bar and ensure that the split field appears in the centre of the lens by means of vertical adjusters.
For the left hand lens, move the lever from side to side until the top and bottom halves of the illuminated
split field appears of equal density when viewed through the lens.
Read off the pointer position to give the deviation in degrees (plus or minus) of the polarizing axis of the
lens from the vertical. Repeat the procedures for the right hand lens.

© BSI 30 January 2002 13

EN 172:1994

Annex E (informative)
Test for determination of fatigue of photochromic materials
E.1 Apparatus
The source is intended to reproduce as closely as possible the spectral energy distribution of solar radiation
defined as air mass m = 2 [P. Moon, Journal of Franklin Institute, Vol. 230 (1940), pages 583–617] with an
intensity of 60 000 lux. At present this is best realized in practice with a xenon high pressure arc lamp
combined with a heat absorbing filter as indicated in Annex F.
E.2 Preparation of samples
Samples of working thickness are stored in the dark at 65 °C for one hour. The samples are subjected to
ten clear-dark cycles at (23 ± 5) °C. Each cycle consists of 15 min exposure as described in 5.3.1 and 30 min
storage in the dark.
The samples are then stored at (23 ± 5) °C in the dark for a minimum of 48 h and not more than 96 h.
The clear and dark conditions are then determined in accordance with 5.3.1.
E.3 Procedure
The samples are subjected to 500 clear-dark cycles at (23 ± 5) °C. Each cycle consists of a 15 min exposure
as described in 5.3.1 and a 30 min storage period in the dark. The samples are then stored in the dark for
not less than 48 h and not more than 96 h at (23 ± 5) °C.
E.4 Evaluation
Clear and dark conditions are determined once again in accordance with 5.3.1. The relative change in
luminous transmittance shall not be more than ±5 % in the clear condition and not more than ±20 % in the
dark condition.
The thickness of the sample shall be mentioned in the test report.
Annex F (informative)
Spectral transmittance of the heat absorbing filter as specified in 5.3.1 and Annex E.
This transmittance curve can be achieved using, for example, a Schott KG 2 of 3 mm thick heat absorbing
filter or a Pittsburg 2043, 2 mm thick heat absorbing filter.

Figure F.1

14 © BSI 30 January 2002

 EN 172:1994

Annex ZA (informative)
Clauses of this European Standard addressing essential requirements or other
provisions of EU Directives
This European Standard has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission
and the European Free Trade Association and supports essential requirements of EU Directive
89/686/EEC.
WARNING: Other requirements and other EU Directives may be applicable to the product(s) falling within
the scope of this standard.
The following clauses of EN 172:1994 and its amendment A1 are likely to support requirements of Directive
89/686/EEC, Annex II.
Compliance with the clauses of EN 172:1994 and its amendment A1 provides one with means of conforming
with the specific essential requirements of the Directive concerned and associated EFTA regulations.
Table ZA.1
EU-Directive 89/686/EEC, Annex II Clauses of this standard

1.1.2 Levels and classes of protection 4

1.1.2.1 Highest level of protection possible 4

1.1.2.2 Classes of protection appropriate to different levels of risk 4.1.1, 4.1.2

1.2.1 Absence of risks and other “inherent” nuisance factors 4.2.3

3.9.1 Non-ionizing radiation 4

© BSI 30 January 2002 15

BS EN 172:1995

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