AS ISO 12312.2-2020 PDF

Full title and description

AS ISO 12312.2:2020 — Eye and face protection — Sunglasses and related eyewear — Part 2: Filters for direct observation of the sun. This Australian adoption is identical to ISO 12312-2 and specifies optical, mechanical and marking requirements for non‑magnifying (afocal, plano‑power) filters and eyewear intended for direct viewing of the Sun (for example: solar eclipse viewers and eclipse glasses).

Abstract

Specifies requirements and test methods for filters used for direct observation of the Sun, including limits on spectral and luminous transmittance, uniformity and material quality, mounting and mechanical safety, and mandatory labeling and instructions for safe use. It is intended to ensure viewers provide adequate protection against visible, ultraviolet and infrared radiation when used as directed.

General information

• Status: Current (Australian adoption of the international standard).
• Publication date: 15 May 2020.
• Publisher: Standards Australia (adopting ISO 12312-2).
• ICS / categories: 13.340.20 — Head protective equipment / Eye and face protection.
• Edition / version: Edition 1 — AS adoption of ISO 12312-2 (identical to ISO 12312-2:2015).
• Number of pages: 11 pages (published PDF form).

Scope

Applies to afocal (plano power) products intended for direct observation of the Sun (e.g., handheld viewers and spectacle‑style eclipse glasses). It does not apply to general‑purpose sunglasses, prescription sunglass lenses, eyewear for artificial light sources, sport‑specific eye protectors, or magnifying/focusing optical devices. The standard provides guidance on use (Annex material) and requires markings, warnings and instructions to ensure safe use.

Key topics and requirements

• Spectral transmittance limits: defined maximum visible/infrared/UV transmittance so that filters block harmful solar radiation while allowing a useful image of the photosphere.
• Luminous transmittance and shade equivalence (filter darkness) bounds appropriate for safe direct solar viewing.
• Uniformity of transmission across the aperture and limits on non‑uniformity.
• Material and surface quality requirements (no defects such as pinholes, scratches, bubbles or inclusions beyond permitted size/counts).
• Mounting and mechanical safety: secure mounting so the filter cannot be dislodged, absence of sharp edges or skin‑irritating materials where in contact with the wearer.
• Mandatory markings, labeling and user instructions, including warnings about supervision of children and instructions for inspection (pinhole/scratch checks) and correct use.
• Referenced test methods and laboratories for conformity assessment (references include ISO test method standards used to verify optical and mechanical properties).

Typical use and users

Manufacturers and designers of solar viewers and eclipse glasses; conformity assessment and test laboratories; event organizers and public safety authorities advising on eclipse viewing; product retailers and procurement officers; informed consumers who purchase eclipse viewing eyewear.

Related standards

ISO 12312-2 (original international text), ISO 12312-1 (general sunglasses standard), ISO 12311 and the ISO 18526 series (test methods for sunglasses and related eyewear / physical and optical test methods) and ISO 4007 (vocabulary for eye and face protection) are commonly referenced alongside AS ISO 12312.2:2020 for testing, terminology and related protective eyewear requirements.

Keywords

solar viewers, eclipse glasses, filters for direct observation of the sun, solar filters, eye protection, sunglasses standard, AS ISO 12312.2, ISO 12312‑2, spectral transmittance, luminous transmittance, conformity testing

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: AS ISO 12312.2:2020 is the Australian adoption of ISO 12312-2 (Part 2) that sets requirements for non‑magnifying filters and eyewear intended for directly observing the Sun (eclipse viewers and similar products).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers optical (spectral and luminous transmittance), material and surface quality, uniformity, mounting and mechanical safety, labeling and user information, and references laboratory test methods for verifying conformity. It excludes general sunglasses, prescription lenses, sports eye protectors and optical (telescope/camera) aperture filters.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers of eclipse glasses and handheld solar viewers, conformity test laboratories, standards and safety regulators, event organizers, retailers and consumers seeking safe solar‑viewing products.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: AS ISO 12312.2:2020 is the current Australian adoption (published 15 May 2020) and is the presently applicable document for direct‑sun viewing filters in Australia; it reproduces the accepted ISO technical requirements for this product class. Users should monitor future ISO/Standards Australia revisions for any updates.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 2 of the ISO 12312 series. Part 1 addresses sunglasses for general use; additional related standards cover test methods (ISO 12311, ISO 18526‑series) and vocabulary (ISO 4007).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Solar filters, eclipse glasses, direct observation of the Sun, spectral transmittance, luminous transmittance, optical uniformity, filter mounting, labeling and instructions.