EN 166 - European standard for protective eyewear
EN166 is the European standard covering the requirements for protective eyewear. It applies to all eye protection and guarantees adequate marking and the quality of the equipment. The standard also defines the basic characteristics to which all eye protection must conform with regard to two criteria: optical quality and minimum mechanical strength. While all eye protection must be EN166 certified, filters and equipment are also covered by specific standards which must be understood in order to ensure protective equipment is adapted to the activity of its wearer.
EN 166
Standards for protection against artificial and natural radiation
EN170
EN171
EN172
Standards relative to welding work for equipment and against radiation
EN169
EN175
EN379
Standards relative to laser work
EN207
EN208
Mandatory Markings
| Requirement | Lens Symbol | Frame Marketing |
|---|---|---|
| Scale Number or Shade Number | Required for filters only | - |
| Manufacturer’s Identification | Required | Required |
| Number of the Standard | See below for explanation | EN166 |
| Optical Class | 1, 2 or 3 | |
| Minimum Robustness | No symbol | No symbol |
| Enhanced Robustness | S | S |
| Low Energy Impact | F | F |
| Medium Energy Impact | B | B |
| High Energy Impact | A | A |
Particular / Optional Markings
| Requirement | Lens Symbol | Frame Marketing |
|---|---|---|
| Droplets or splashes of liquids | 3 | 3 |
| Large dust particle | 4 | 4 |
| Gas and fine dust particle | 5 | 5 |
| Short circuit electric arc | 8 | 8 |
| Molten metals and hot solids | 9 | 9 |
| Resistance to surface damage by fine particles | K | |
| Resistance to fogging | N |
Marking for standards numbers
- EN170
- 2: UV filter, color recognition may be affected
- 2C: UV filter with good color recognition
- EN171
- 4: IR protection
- EN172
- 5: Solar filter without infrared protection
- 6: Solar filter with infrared protection