EN ISO 16321 specifies the requirements for eye and face protection equipment intended for occupational use.
Eye and face hazards are among the most common workplace risks and can result from flying particles, dust, liquid splashes, molten materials, heat, optical radiation, and other hazardous conditions.
Protective equipment certified according to EN ISO 16321 is designed to reduce the risk of eye and facial injuries while ensuring comfort, visibility, and compatibility with other PPE.
Please note: these devices protect against the specific mechanical, thermal, chemical, and optical hazards covered by the standard, but they may not be suitable for special applications such as live electrical work, laser protection, or arc flash protection, for which dedicated standards apply. [bsigroup.com], [bsigroup.com]
1. Optical Requirements
Protectors must provide clear, distortion-free vision and maximum comfort during prolonged use.
Testing includes:
- Optical quality of lenses.
- Adequate field of view.
- Light transmission.
- Absence of visual defects affecting performance.
2. Protection Requirements
Equipment may be tested against various hazards:
- High-speed particle impacts.
- Chemical splashes and liquids.
- Dust and solid particles.
- Molten metal and hot materials.
- Optical radiation including UV and infrared.
3. Markings and Classifications
Certified products carry markings identifying:
- Type of protection provided.
- Mechanical protection level.
- Optical filters where applicable.
- Manufacturer and certification details.
To ensure maximum workplace safety, safety eyewear and face shields must be selected according to the risk assessment and used together with any other required PPE.
Properly worn, maintained, and replaced when damaged, eye protection plays a key role in preventing occupational injuries.