In the past few years, many changes have been implemented in relation to facial protection. We would like to take the opportunity to run through the changes that will affect your selection.
Current versus the new standard
Below is an overview of both the existing and new standards for facial protection, and we have highlighted how the old standards have been interpreted within the context of the new standards.
| Existing | New | |
|---|---|---|
| Glasses, over-spectacles, facial screens and goggles |
Certification according to EN 166:2001
“Auxiliary standards”
|
Certification according to EN ISO 16321-1: 2022
Testing according to:
|
| Welding |
EN 379:2003+A1:2009 certification automatic welding filters (lenses only) EN 175:1997 certification welding protectors |
Certification according to EN ISO 16321-2: 2021 (additional requirements for welding)
Testing according to:
|
| Mesh visor | EN 1731:2006 certification mechanical and/or heat |
Certification according to EN ISO 16321-3 :2022 (additional requirements for mesh visors)
Testing according to:
|
| Visors on helmets |
EN 14458:2004 Eye and face shield and visors for protective helmets |
Certification according to EN 14458:2018 |
| Sunglasses | EN 1836: 1997 sunglasses and solar filters for “general use” without impact protection |
Certification according to EN ISO 12312-1:2020 sunglasses general EN ISO 12312-2:2015 observation sun
Testing according to:
|
| Laser |
Certification EN 207:2010+C1:2012 laser protection Certification 208:2010 Eye-protectors for adjustment work on lasers and laser systems |
EN ISO 19818-1 :2021 ready (certification + testing) EN ISO 19818-2 still being drafted |
Markings on glasses and frames
Below is an overview of the changes in the indications that are found on glasses and frames. Which codes are there and what do they mean?
| Existing | New | |
|---|---|---|
| Code |
166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172 |
EN ISO 16321-1:2022 |
| 1 |
Category 1 Category 2 Category 3 (1 is the highest category and value) |
Increased optical category (optional marking)
1 is mandatory for welders only |
| 3 |
Goggles: liquids are sprayed frontally on the goggle. Visor: measure whether the surface is large enough to cover the face. No test with liquids required. |
The code has remained the same, but the testing method has changed. Now the droplets are projected onto the visor in all directions. |
| 4 |
Large dust particles |
NO CHANGE Large dust particles |
| 5 | Gas and fine dust particles |
NO CHANGE Gas and fine dust particles |
| 6 |
Liquid flows Only goggles |
Liquid flows Possible for all protective equipment (glasses, shields...) |
| 7 |
/ |
NEW Radiated heat This only applies to a shield with headband or helmet with IR filter. Temperature increase behind shield < 25°C after 3 minutes’ exposure at 10 kW/m². |
| 8 |
Arc |
No longer covered by this standard: protection against arcs is encompassed within another standard IEC 62819, Eye and face protection against electric fault arc |
| 9 | Molten metals and hot solids |
Molten metals and hot solids |
| CH |
/ |
NEW Chemical resistance
100 ml of product is poured over the full shield in 10 seconds, including the assembly system, then 5 minute wait. Rinse and dry:
The assembly system must still work. Impact is also tested, as is resistance to ignition. |
| K | Surface damage by fine particles |
NO CHANGE Surface damage by fine particles |
| S |
Increased strength “increased robustness” |
MODIFIED TEST (stricter) Basic impact level (without coding) Ball-bearing 25.4 mm diameter, weight 66.8 g. (new ball-bearing) |
| N | Resistance to fogging |
NO CHANGE Resistance to fogging |
| C |
F 45 m/s glasses, goggles and shields |
MODIFIED TEST Impact 45m/s (test zone defined instead of type of protector) Side protection mandatory Test ball-bearing remains the same (6 mm 0.86 g) |
| D | B 120 m/s goggles and shields |
MODIFIED TEST Impact 80m/s (test zone defined instead of type of protector) Side protection mandatory Test bearing remains the same |
| E |
A 190 m/s shields |
MODIFIED TEST Impact 120m/s (test zone defined instead of type of protector) Side protection mandatory Test bearing remains the same |
| HM |
/ |
NEW Impact level large mass
Point is aimed at vertical through eyes |
| CT |
/ |
NEW Impact 45m/s at low and high temperatures (T)
|
| DT | / |
NEW Impact 80m/s at low and high temperatures (T) |
| ET |
/ |
NEW Impact 120m/s at low and high temperatures (T) |
| HMT | / |
NEW Impact level large mass at low and high temperatures (T) |
|
To indicate whether the glass is original or has been replaced, the manufacturer can use the symbols “O” (original) or “Ñ” (replacement). |
No longer applicable |
Filters
The frames must fulfil the same visibility requirements as the lenses. Below is an overview of the old filters compared to the new filters.
| Filters | Existing | New |
|---|---|---|
| UV |
2-1,2 2-1,4 2-1,7 2-2 2-2,5 2-3 2-4 2-5 |
U1,2 U1,4 U1,7 U2 U2,5 U3 U4 U5
UL: compliant for signalling lights (colour recognition) |
| IR |
4-1,2 4-1,4 4-1,7 4-2 4-2,5 4-3 4-4 4-5 4-6 4-7 4-8 4-9 4-10 |
R1,2 R1,4 R1,7 R2 R2,5 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 R8 R9 R10
Amended criteria: now 1 requirement for the whole area 780-3000 nm
|
|
Solar filter professional use (illuminance and UV)
! By this, we mean sunglasses without other properties |
5-1,1 to 5-4,1
|
G0 G1 G2 G3 G4 GL0, … : also fulfil the signalling light requirement GL4 : even though it fulfils the signalling light requirement, it cannot be used on the roads. Photochromatic filters GL0-2 for example.
If also fulfils IR reflection + “R” (e.g. GLR2) |
| Did not exist |
SF1 |
Glass blowers Didymium filter: filters at 589 nm for glass blowers with soda-lime glass (T< 1000°C) To be combined with UV and IR filters |
What is the impact on the facial screen that you have bought and are using today?
Since 2 May 2023, EN ISO 16321-1 has been a harmonised standard. These modifications will be indicated on the product’s frame or lens. Furthermore, certain tests and criteria have been (slightly) modified, without any visible changes to the marking.
The first test results under this harmonised standard will indicate whether current product ranges meet the new standards or whether modified products will be brought to market.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which has been certified according to the “old standards” may still be produced and sold until the existing certificates expire. Once the certificates have expired, the product must be certified according to the most recent standards.
Manufacturers have until 11 November 2024 to have existing facial protection products certified according to EN 166:2001. Products that have been certified according to EN 166:2001, can be sold until the expiry date on the corresponding certificate.
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