Overview
ISO 10256-3:2016 - Protective equipment for use in ice hockey: Part 3 - Face protectors for skaters specifies performance requirements and test methods for face protectors (including visors) used in ice hockey. Published in 2016, it is intended to be used together with ISO 10256‑1 (General requirements) and applies to players (other than goalkeepers) and certain functionaries (e.g., referees). The standard aims to reduce facial injury risk while preserving the form and appeal of the game.
Key topics and technical requirements
ISO 10256-3 covers both design/performance and test procedures. Major technical topics include:
- Construction and area of coverage
- Definitions of full-face protectors and visors and protected areas.
- Puck impact resistance
- Specified test setups for evaluating face protector resistance to hockey puck impacts.
- Penetration resistance
- Blade/penetration tests and apparatus to check protection against sharp object penetration.
- Field of vision and optical quality
- Requirements and test methods for geometric optics, visual acuity, peripheral field of vision, and image distortion.
- Transmittance and haze
- Optical transmission and haze testing (references ASTM D1003 and annexed test methods).
- Marking and user information
- Mandatory permanent marking and instructions for correct use and helmet/face-protector combinations.
- Test methods and sampling
- Procedures for conditioning, positioning on headforms (EN 960 and CSA references), tolerances, and reporting.
- Types and restrictions
- Classification of protector types (e.g., Type B1, B2 full-face; Type C visors) and size/mass limitations where applicable.
Annex A contains normative optical quality test methods; Annex B provides puck specifications.
Practical applications - who uses this standard
ISO 10256-3 is essential for stakeholders involved in the design, certification, procurement and use of ice hockey face protection:
- Manufacturers and designers - to design helmets, visors, and full-face protectors that meet agreed safety and optical-performance criteria.
- Test laboratories and certification bodies - to perform standardized impact, penetration and optical tests and to generate compliant test reports.
- Sports equipment purchasers and leagues - to specify required safety levels for players (non-goalkeepers) and referees.
- Safety officers and facility managers - to evaluate product compliance and advise on correct helmet/face-protector combinations.
- Standards committees and regulators - for harmonization with other ice hockey protective equipment standards.
Related standards and references
- ISO 10256-1:2016 - General requirements (to be used in conjunction)
- ISO 10256-2:2016 - Head protection for skaters
- EN 960 - Headforms for helmet testing
- ASTM D1003 - Haze and luminous transmittance test method
- CSA Z262.6-14 - Facially featured headforms
Keywords: ISO 10256-3, face protectors for skaters, hockey visors, puck impact resistance, penetration resistance, optical quality, transmittance and haze, ice hockey protective equipment, helmet-face protector combination.