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EN 166 - 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.

Standard EN166 also defines the basic characteristics to which all eye protection must conform with regard to two criteria: the optical quality and the minimum strength. While all eye protection must be EN166 certified, all 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

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Standards for protection against artificial and natural radiation

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Standards relative to welding work for equipment and against radiation

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Standards relative to laser work

EN207

EN208

Requirement

Lens Symbol

Frame Marketing

Scale Number or Shade Number

Required for filters only

-

Manufacturer’s Identification

Required

Required

Number of the Standard

EN166

Optical Class

Mechanical Strength

Minimum Robustness

No symbol

No symbol

Enhanced Robustness

S

S

If high-speed particle testing requirements are met, the S symbol is replaced by one of the symbols below.

F

F

Low Energy Impact

B

B

Medium Energy Impact

A

A

High Energy Impact

Mandatory Markings

Particular/optional markings

Requirement

Lens Symbol

Frame Marketing

Droplets or splashes of liquids

3

Large dust particle

4

Gas and fine dust particle

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

Below

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.

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