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GUIDE TO EYE PROTECTION

TO THE EN ISO 16321-1 STANDARDS

The EN ISO 16321 standard defines the basic requirements for protective eyewear used in the workplace. It applies to all types of individual eye protection designed to guard against hazards such as mechanical risks, chemical splashes, molten metal, dust, gas, and radiation.

Selecting the correct eye protection requires a clear understanding of the hazards present and the level of risk. The wrong choice can reduce visibility, cause discomfort, or fail to provide adequate protection.

1 — Identify the Hazard and the Risk of Injury

  • Mechanical hazards – flying particles, fragments, sparks, dust.
  • Chemical hazards – liquid splashes, gases, fumes.
  • Optical radiation – UV, infrared, visible light, laser.
  • Thermal hazards – hot solids, molten metal.

Risk assessment should consider likelihood of exposure and severity of injury.

2 — Understand the Types of Protection

Different lens and frame markings show what the product has been tested against.

Lens Markings (Mechanical Strength):

  • S – Increased robustness (low energy impact).
  • F – Low energy impact (45 m/s).
  • B – Medium energy impact (120 m/s).
  • A – High energy impact (190 m/s).

Other Important Lens Properties:

  • 2–6 – UV filters (number indicates level of protection).
  • 4–6 – Infrared filters.
  • 5/6 – Sun glare protection (industrial use).
  • K – Anti-scratch coating.
  • N – Anti-fog coating.

 

Lens Marking Protection Provided Typical Applications
S Increased robustness (low energy impact) General workshop use, low-risk environments
F Low energy impact (up to 45 m/s) Grinding, woodworking, light engineering tasks
B Medium energy impact (up to 120 m/s) Construction, heavy manufacturing, metal work
A High energy impact (up to 190 m/s) Extreme environments, high-risk machining
2–6 UV protection (number indicates level) Outdoor work, welding prep, UV-exposed tasks
4–6 Infrared protection Furnaces, foundries, high-heat processes
5/6 Sun glare protection (industrial use) Outdoor construction, driving, agriculture
K Anti-scratch coating Prolongs lens life in dusty/gritty environments
N Anti-fog coating Food processing, cold storage, humid areas

3 — Choose the Correct Type of Eyewear

The type of task will determine the most suitable style:

  • Safety spectacles – lightweight, good for general protection against low-energy particles.
  • Safety goggles – sealed protection against dust, liquid splashes, and gases.
  • Face shields / visors – full-face protection against molten metal, chemical splashes, or arc flash.

 

Type of Eyewear Hazards Protected Against Example Applications
Safety Spectacles Low-energy particles, basic impact, UV protection Workshops, general maintenance, outdoor tasks
Safety Goggles Dust, liquid splashes, gases, higher impact Chemical handling, woodworking, construction
Face Shields / Visors Full-face protection from molten metal, chemicals, arc flash Welding, foundries, laboratory work, grinding
Specialist Eyewear Optical radiation (laser, infrared, UV), prescription safety Laser cutting, foundry work, medical/cleanroom use

4 — Consider the Working Environment

  • Indoor use – clear lenses for maximum visibility.
  • Outdoor use – tinted or UV-filter lenses to reduce glare.
  • Variable light – photochromic lenses that adapt automatically.
  • Confined spaces – low-profile spectacles or goggles to prevent snagging.

5 — Care, Maintenance and Replacement

Eye protection should be inspected before use for scratches, cracks, or loose parts. Damaged lenses reduce visibility and can compromise protection.

  • Clean with mild soapy water, not solvents.
  • Store in a case to prevent scratches.
  • Replace lenses or eyewear at the first sign of damage or after heavy impact.
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