ISO 18527-1:2021—Skiing and Snowboarding Goggles
Thousands of years ago, the Inuit and Yupik peoples of Alaska and northern Canada created the first snow goggles, which were made by carving narrow slits into ivory, antler, and wood. These goggles were tied to the head with caribou sinew; they helped diminish exposure to direct and reflected ultraviolet rays and consequently prevented snow blindness (i.e., sunburn of the eyes). Luckily, due to years of technical developments, today’s goggles incorporate polarized and photochromatic lenses and are made with more durable and comfortable materials like foam and elastic. ISO 18527-1:2021—Eye and face protection for sports use – Part 1: Requirements for downhill skiing and snowboarding goggles covers requirements for downhill skiing and snowboarding goggles.
Why Do Skiers and Snowboarders Wear Goggles?
Skiers and snowboarders wear goggles to protect their eyes from wind, snow, debris, and intense sunlight while on the slopes. By shielding the eyes from harmful elements like flying snow, ice particles, and branches, wearing googles helps assure clear vision. Essentially, ski and snowboard goggles help protect the eyes from these on-mountain hazards, making skiing and snowboarding a lot more enjoyable and safer.
What Is ISO 18527-1?
ISO 18527-1:2021 applies to downhill skiing and snowboarding goggles fitted with an insert to carry prescription lenses. This standard specifically provides testing specifications for all goggles with plano lenses intended for eye protection against hazards including ultraviolet and visible solar radiation, rain, snow, and wind, during downhill skiing, snowboarding, and other similar activities.
ISO 18527-1:2021 provides requirements for materials, performance, marking of goggles, and information to be supplied by the manufacturer. Information on the selection and use of downhill skiing and snowboarding goggles is detailed in Annex A of the standard.
Materials Used in Skiing and Snowboarding Goggles
ISO 18527-1:2021 notes that manufacturers/suppliers should perform an appropriate risk analysis on potentially harmful substances contained in goggles. The standard provides examples of documents that represent the appropriate information:
- Specification of the material(s)
- Safety data sheets relating to the materials
- Information relating to the suitability of the materials for use with food, in medical devices, or other relevant applications
- Information relating to toxicological, allergenic, carcinogenic, toxic to reproduction, or mutagenic investigations on the material
Importance of Ski and Snowboard Googles for UV Protection
At high altitudes, the air is thinner and filters less ultraviolet (UV) rays. Since snow reflects sunlight, it can expose one’s eyes to dangerous levels of UV radiation. The sun’s reflection on the snow is brighter and more intense.
UV rays can damage one’s corneas, which can lead to snow blindness. When speeding down the slopes, wind can also make the eyes tear and blur one’s vision. Goggles are essential in providing skiers and snowboards with UV protection, and ISO 18527-1:2021 specifies testing’s requirements for solar ultraviolet transmittance.
ISO 18527-1:2021—Eye and face protection for sports use – Part 1: Requirements for downhill skiing and snowboarding goggles is available on the ANSI Webstore.
