Overview
EN ISO 10256-3:2024 - Protective equipment for use in ice hockey - Part 3: Face and eye protectors for skaters (ISO 10256-3:2024) is a CEN-endorsed international standard that defines performance requirements and test methods for face and eye protectors used in ice hockey. The standard applies to protectors worn by skaters (excluding goalkeepers) and by referees. It supersedes the 2018 edition and provides harmonized requirements used across CEN member states.
Key topics and technical requirements
EN ISO 10256-3:2024 addresses both design and test aspects to ensure safety, visibility and user comfort. Core topics include:
- Types of protectors - Classification into face protector types (B1, B2) and eye protectors (Type C).
- Ergonomics - Fit, retention and user interaction to ensure protection without undue impediment.
- Innocuousness (materials & design) - Selection of constituent materials and surface conditions to avoid hazards or irritants.
- Markings and information - Required labelling, manufacturer instructions and traceability information.
- Protected area - Defined coverage for face and eye protection depending on type (B1, B2, C).
- Penetration resistance - Test blade procedures to verify protection against sharp impacts.
- Puck impact resistance - Dynamic impact testing (puck impact) to validate energy absorption and integrity.
- Field of vision & optical quality - Tests for visual field, luminous transmittance, haze and optical power to maintain safe sightlines.
- Test methods and sampling - Conditioning, sampling, mass determination and tolerances for reproducible testing.
These requirements are accompanied by detailed test methods (e.g., apparatus and procedures for penetration and puck-impact tests) and conformity mapping to EU Regulation (EU) 2016/425 (see Annex ZA).
Practical applications
This standard is essential for ensuring safety and performance of ice hockey face and eye protectors. Typical applications include:
- Product design and development for manufacturers of ice hockey protective equipment.
- Type testing and certification by test laboratories and conformity assessment bodies.
- Procurement specifications for sports clubs, schools, leagues and refereeing organizations.
- Regulatory compliance guidance where EN ISO 10256-3 supports presumption of conformity under PPE regulations.
Who uses this standard
- Equipment manufacturers and R&D engineers
- Independent testing laboratories and notified bodies
- Sports governing bodies, clubs and facility safety officers
- Standards and regulatory professionals involved in PPE compliance
Related standards
- Other parts of ISO 10256 (head protection series) and CEN standards on head protective equipment (CEN/TC 158).
- EU Regulation (EU) 2016/425 - personal protective equipment (for conformity relationship).
Keywords: EN ISO 10256-3:2024, ice hockey face protectors, eye protectors, puck impact resistance, penetration test, optical quality, protective equipment.