Standards in winter sports

All uvex products meet or exceed the respective safety regulations of the CE guideline 89/686/EEC for personal protection equipment (PPE).

Our products are always tested according to the latest standards and the toughest procedures. In addition to constant internal testing, all products requiring certification are tested at well-known testing institutes such as the Technical Control Board [TÜV].

Ski helmets

All uvex ski helmets are tested according to standard number EN 1077.

  • Shock absorption: test of the helmet’s characteristics with a simulated fall. The test is done at -25°C and room temperature.
  • Resistance to penetration: sharp objects such as the tips of ski poles must not penetrate the helmet shell so far as to touch the head. This is simulated and tested.
  • Strap strength: strap and lock must not break, open or tear during the test (jerky stress).
  • Stability of the helmet on the head: when the helmet is pulled jerkily, it must not leave the test head.

Ski goggles

All uvex ski goggles are tested according to EN 174.

  • Determining the degree of light transmission (translucence) in the visible range, then classification into filter categories:
    S0 = 80-100%
    S1 = 43-80%
    S2 = 18-43%
    S3 = 8-18%
    S4 = 3-8%
  • UV protection: the goggles are subject to strict requirements for protection against UV radiation.
  • Mechanical strength of the lenses: the lenses are tested as to their mechanical strength (resistance to breaking). In addition to the standard requirement, uvex carries out a firing test. When a steel ball (6 mm in diameter) is fired at them with an impact velocity of 162 km/h (45 m/s), the lenses must not break or be penetrated. 
  • Optical quality: the goggles must not have any distorting effect.
  • Impermeability against water and snow
  • Resistance to fogging: this test is optional according to the standard. It is passed by all uvex ski goggles.

Sports eyewear

All uvex sports glasses are tested according to standard number EN 1836.

  • Determining the degree of light transmission (translucence) in the visible range, then classification into filter categories:
    0 = 80-100%
    1 = 43-80%
    2 = 18-43%
    3 = 8-18%
    4 = 3-8% (not permitted for road traffic)
  • UV protection: the glasses are subject to strict requirements for protection against UV radiation.
  • Signal light recognition: the colors ‘red’, ‘yellow’, ‘green’ and ‘blue’ must be clearly recognisable if the glasses are to be suitable for road use.
  • Mechanical strength of the lenses: the lenses are tested as to their mechanical strength (resistance to breaking). In addition, uvex carries out a firing test for the standard requirement. When a steel ball (6 mm in diameter) is fired at them with an impact velocity of 162 km/h (45 m/s), the lenses must not break or be penetrated.
  • Optical quality: the glasses must not have any distorting effect.

Protectors

All uvex skiing protectors are tested according to standard number EN 1621.

Part 1: Requirements and test procedures for impact protectors
Part 2: Back protectors; requirements and test procedures

  • Shock absorption: the damping characteristics of the protector are tested by the impact of a beam-like impact body with hemispherical impact surface on the protector. The test is done at room temperature.
  • Area of protection: the protector must cover the specified minimum areas.

To some extent, other standards also apply outside the EU (e.g., ASTM, CPSC). However, these requirements are generally similar to the European standards. Where it is relevant, uvex products are also tested and certified according to the corresponding foreign standards.