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IS 9995:1981 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for visors for non-metal police and firemen's helmets. This standard specifies the requirements for visors intended for attachment to non-metal helmets worn by police and fire services personnel. It outlines the material, dimensional, optical, and performance characteristics like impact resistance and clarity. The standard's purpose is to ensure the visor provides adequate facial protection without compromising the wearer's vision during duty.
Specification for visors for non-metal police and firemen's helmets
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
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International Equivalents
Similar International Standards
EN 14458:2018CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
HighCurrent
Personal eye-equipment - High performance visors intended only for use with protective helmets
Directly addresses high-performance visors for fire-fighters', ambulance, and emergency service helmets.
NFPA 1971:2018National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), USA
HighCurrent
Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting
Covers the entire firefighter protective ensemble, with specific requirements for the helmet faceshield/visor component.
NIJ Standard 0104.02National Institute of Justice (NIJ), USA
HighCurrent
Riot Helmets and Face Shields
Specifically addresses visors for police riot control helmets, aligning with the 'police' aspect of the IS code.
AS/NZS 4067:2012Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand, Australia/New Zealand
MediumCurrent
Firefighters' helmets
Specifies requirements for firefighters' helmets, which includes performance criteria for the integrated visor.
Key Differences
≠IS 9995:1981 has a single, high-velocity impact test (150 m/s), whereas modern standards like EN 14458 and NFPA 1971 have multiple, graded impact energy levels and tests for different impactor types (e.g., large mass).
≠Thermal performance in IS 9995 is limited to a basic heat stability test at 60°C. In contrast, EN 14458 and NFPA 1971 mandate stringent tests for resistance to high radiant heat flux (e.g., 14 kW/m²) and direct flame contact.
≠Modern international standards specify detailed optical quality requirements, including limits on prismatic, spherical, and astigmatic power. IS 9995 relies on a more basic assessment of haze, transmittance, and a qualitative check for distortion.
≠International standards like EN 14458 and NIJ 0104.02 often include requirements for resistance to specific chemicals and molten metals, which are not specified in IS 9995.
Key Similarities
≈The primary purpose across all standards is to provide robust impact and splash protection for the face and eyes of emergency service personnel.
≈All standards are fundamentally based on the use of high-impact transparent polymers, with polycarbonate being the most common material due to its superior impact resistance and optical clarity.
≈The principle of testing impact resistance using a small, high-velocity steel ball projectile is a common methodology found in both IS 9995 and its international counterparts, although specific parameters vary.
≈All standards mandate a high level of light transmittance (>75-80%) and low haze to ensure the wearer maintains a clear and unobstructed field of vision.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Impact Resistance (Small Projectile)
No penetration by 0.88 g steel ball at 150 ± 5 m/s.
Medium Energy (B): No penetration by 0.86 g steel ball at 120 m/s. High Energy (A): 190 m/s.
EN 14458:2018
Nominal Thickness
2.0 mm ± 0.2 mm
Not specified as a mandatory dimension; performance-based criteria are used instead.
EN 14458:2018
Luminous Transmittance
Greater than 80%
Greater than 75% for clear faceshields.
NFPA 1971:2018
Heat Resistance (Thermal Stability)
No shrinkage or distortion after 1 hour at 60°C.
No melting, dripping, or ignition after 5 minutes at 260°C (500°F).
NFPA 1971:2018
Resistance to Radiant Heat
Not specified.
Must meet transmittance requirements after exposure to a radiant heat flux of 14 kW/m².
EN 14458:2018
Haze
Less than 2%
Less than 3% (as per referenced ANSI/ISEA Z87.1).
NFPA 1971:2018
Abrasion Resistance
Visual inspection after test with steel wool under 500 g load.
Taber abrasion test: Haze increase must be less than or equal to 4% after 100 cycles with a 500 g load.
NIJ 0104.02
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values5
Quick Reference Values
Minimum light transmission85 %
Maximum haze2 %
Minimum thickness2.0 mm
Impact Resistance (Ball Drop)No fracture with 500 g steel ball from 1.3 m height