Overview
ISO 3536:2016 - Road vehicles - Safety glazing materials - Vocabulary defines the standardized terms and definitions used for safety glazing in road vehicles. This ISO vocabulary clarifies language for manufacturers, test laboratories, regulators and vehicle designers by establishing consistent meanings for glazing types, optical properties and assembly concepts. The third edition replaces the earlier edition and reflects technical revision of glazing terminology.
Key Topics
ISO 3536:2016 focuses on precise vocabulary rather than test methods or performance limits. Important terms and concepts covered include:
- Safety glazing material - definition and functional intent (minimizing injury, meeting visibility, strength and durability requirements).
- Types of glazing - toughened safety glass, laminated safety glass (ordinary and treated), plastic safety glazing, glass-plastic glazing material, bullet resistant glazing, and security glazing.
- Assemblies and units - interlayer, double glazed unit, double window, safety glass faced with plastics, and design glazing outline.
- Optical properties - luminous transmittance, luminous reflectance, optical deviation / angle of deviation, secondary image, and optical distortion.
- Geometry and installation - wedge, radius of curvature, rake (inclination) angle, shade band, opaque obscuration, vision area, and primary vision area.
- Test/sample definitions - test specimen/test piece, head injury criteria (HIC) as a referenced concept in glazing impacts.
These standardized terms support consistent interpretation in specifications, test reports and regulatory documents.
Applications
ISO 3536:2016 is used wherever precise glazing terminology is required:
- Automotive OEMs and glazing suppliers drafting specifications and contracts.
- Certification bodies and type approval authorities interpreting test reports and regulatory texts.
- Test laboratories preparing reports on glazing optical and mechanical behavior.
- Vehicle designers and safety engineers specifying windscreen, side and rear glazing for visibility and occupant protection.
- Standards writers and policymakers harmonizing national regulations and technical requirements.
Using consistent vocabulary reduces ambiguity in procurement, conformity assessment and legal requirements related to road-vehicle glazing.
Related Standards
ISO 3536:2016 is a vocabulary standard linked to broader glazing and vehicle-safety standards. It is intended to be used alongside performance and test standards for glazing, regional regulations (for example UNECE Regulation No. 43 on safety glazing) and other ISO documents from ISO/TC 22/SC 35 on lighting and visibility. These complementary documents define test methods, acceptance criteria and installation requirements.
