The full AS1609 specification cannot be published here so only the relevant extracts are provided
The standard covers attributes like stability at elevated and lower temperatures, mechanical strength, skin irritation, ventilation, ease of operation etc, mostly very dry reading and in some respects outdated in terms of modern attachment methods and coatings.
The helmet standard AS1698-1988 mandated by the ACCC under Consumer Protection Notice 9 states visors fitted to helmets must meet Australian Standard AS1609-1981. This is a variation from the voluntary AS1698-1988 standard which states AS1609.
AS1609-1981 allows the limited use of tinted and graduated visors and does not specify that a "Standards Mark" label be placed on the visor, at the time this standard was written the label was an option which could be licenced for use from Standards Australia. Packaging, Wrapping and Brochures only are required to have informative labelling.
AS1609-1981 requires marking with the mfr, helmet model the visor is designed to fit and embossed clear or tinted.
AS1609-1981 specifies visors as clear or tinted by the following criteria
Clear Lenses are considered "clear" if they have a luminance transmittance of not less than 85%.
Tinted Lenses are permitted if they have a luminance transmittance of not less than 50%.
Gradient-density lenses are permitted if they have a luminance transmittance of not less than 50%.
The standard notes, "visors assembled with a tinted strip positioned outside the normal field of view do not require specific labelling. However, the tinted area must comply with the prescribed coloration requirements and optical performance."
AS1609-1981 also states the visor must meet the coloration and luminous density requirements for AS1067, the standard for sun glass lenses. AS1067 has been updated (in 2003) so what is required and allowable in visor optics has also been updated.
Only "integral" visors forming "a single congruous whole with a helmet" are required to be clear under AS1609-1981.
The AS1609-1981 standard does not require the Australian Standard No on the visor.
Note
UNECE 22.05 Visor Regulations specify visors as clear if luminance transmittance is 80% or more and allow tinted visors with a luminance transmittance between 50% and 80%. There is no reference to "integral visors".
The regulations have been updated to cover surface treatments and mist retardant treatments unlike AS1609.
In the EU they are suffering problems with non compliant visors in the market place and are acting on it. The proposal includes allowing integral sun screens in helmets and lower luminance transmittance visors.