EN 166 2001 Personal Eye Protection
EN 166: 2001 Personal Eye Protection
EN 166 is the European Norm for personal eye protection requirements in general. Safety glasses in accordance with this EN Norm consist of a frame and lenses which are classified according to the following standards into safety lenses and lenses with a filter effect. Labelling Requirements for EN 166.
The protective properties of a safety lens in EN 166 are as follows:
- Protection Class (filters only)
- Manufacturer Mark
- Optical Class (except for ancillary lenses)
- Certification Mark (if applicable)
- Symbol for Mechanical Strength
- Symbol for non-adherence of molten metal
Basic Standards
EN 166 Specifications
EN 167 Optical test methods
EN 168 Test method other than optical
Frame Marking
Frame marking must include the CE Symbol and manufacturer’s name (logo or brand). If the glasses refer to the EN standard, the EN standard number is mandatory together with the various use and mechanical strength symbols, in accordance with the tests requested by the manufacturer.
Use symbols:
1. Liquid droplets or splashes.
2. Large dust particles > 5 microns.
3. Gas and fine dust particles < 5 microns.
4. Electrical short circuit arc.
5. Molten metal and hot solids.
Mechanical strength symbols:
S. Extra strong, resists a 22 mm, 43 g ball falling 1.30 m.
F. Low energy impact, resists a 6 mm, 0.86 g ball at 45m/s.
B. Medium energy impact, resists a 6 mm, 0.86 g ball at 120 m/s.
A. High energy impact, resists a 6 mm, 0.86 g ball at 190 m/s.
Lens Marking
Lens marking must include:
The scale number for filtering lenses. the manufacturer’s name (logo or brand recommended by the manufacturer).
Optical class symbols:
1. Continuous work
2. Intermittent work
3. Occasional work, but must not be worn continuously.
Use symbols:
Molten metal and hot solids.
Mechanical strength symbols:
S. Extra strong, resists a 22 mm 43 g ball falling 1.30 m at 5,1 m/s
F. Low energy impact, resists a 6 mm, 0.86 g ball at 45 m/s
B. Medium energy impact, resists a 6 mm, 0.86 g ball at 120 m/s
A. High energy impact, resists a 6 mm, 0.86 g ball at 190 m/s
K. Resistance to surface damage by fine particles (optional)
N. Resistance to fogging (optional)
T. The letter T, immediately after the mechanical strength symbol, authorises use for high-speed particles at extreme temperatures.
Summary:
F. Maximum protection for glasses.
B. Maximum protection for goggles.
A. Maximum protection for face shields.
If the S, F, B and A symbols do not apply to both the lens and frame, then the lowest level must be assigned to the protective eyewear.