prEN 166

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-december-2007
2VHEQRYDURYDQMHRþL6SHFLILNDFLMH
Personal eye-protection - Specifications
Persönlicher Augenschutz - Anforderungen
Protection individuelle de l'oeil - Spécifications
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 166
ICS:
13.340.20 Varovalna oprema za glavo Head protective equipment
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD
DRAFT
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
September 2007
ICS 13.340.20 Will supersede EN 166:2001
English Version
Personal eye-protection - Specifications
Persönlicher Augenschutz - Anforderungen
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee CEN/TC 85.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which
stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language
made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN Management Centre has the
same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland,
France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,
Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are aware and to
provide supporting documentation.
Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without notice and
shall not be referred to as a European Standard.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36  B-1050 Brussels
© 2007 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 166:2007: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents
page
Foreword.3
1 Scope .4
2 Normative references .4
3 Terms and definitions .5
4 Classification.5
5 Designation of filters .6
6 Design and manufacturing requirements .8
7 Basic, particular and optional requirements .8
8 Allocation of requirements, test schedules and application .18
9 Marking .28
10 Information supplied by the manufacturer .40
Annex A (informative) Significant technical changes between this European Standard and the
previous edition .42
Annex ZA (informative) Clauses of this European Standard addressing essential requirements or
other provisions of EU Directives.43

Foreword
This document (prEN 166:2007) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 85 “Eye protective
equipment”, the secretariat of which is held by AFNOR.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
This document will supersede EN 166:2001.
This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the European
Free Trade Association, and supports essential requirements of EC Directive(s).
For relationship with EC Directive(s), see informative Annex ZA which is an integral part of this document.
Annex A provides details of significant technical changes between this European Standard and the previous
edition:
1 Scope
This European Standard specifies functional requirements for various types of personal eye-protectors and
incorporates general considerations such as:
 designation;
 classification;
 basic requirements applicable to all eye-protectors;
 various particular and optional requirements;
 allocation of requirements, testing and application;
 marking;
 information for users.
The transmittance requirements for various types of filter oculars are given in separate standards (see clause 2).
This European Standard applies to all types of personal eye-protectors used against various hazards, as
encountered in industry, laboratories, educational establishments, DIY activities, etc. which are likely to damage the
eye or impair vision, with the exception of nuclear radiation, X-rays and laser beams.
The requirements of this standard do not apply to eye-protectors for which separate and complete standards exist,
such as laser eye-protectors, sunglasses for general use, etc. unless such standards make specific reference to
this standard.
The requirements of this standard apply to oculars for welding and allied processes but do not apply to equipment
for eye and face protection for welding and allied processes, requirements for which are contained in EN 175.
Eye-protectors fitted with prescription lenses are not excluded from the field of application. The refractive power
tolerances and other special characteristics dependent upon the prescription requirement are specified in
EN ISO 8980-1 and EN ISO 8980-2.
2 Normative references
This European Standard incorporates by dated or undated reference, provisions from other publications. These
normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text, and the publications are listed hereafter. For
dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any of these publications apply to this European
Standard only when incorporated in it by amendment or revision. For undated references the latest edition of the
publication referred to applies (including amendments).
EN 136, Respiratory protective devices – Full face masks – Requirements, testing, marking.
EN 165, Personal eye-protection — Vocabulary.
prEN 167:2007, Personal eye-protection — Optical test methods.
prEN 168:2007, Personal eye-protection — Non-optical test methods.
EN 169, Personal eye-protection — Filters for welding and related techniques — Transmittance requirements and
recommended utilisation.
EN 170:2002, Personal eye-protection — Ultraviolet filters —Transmittance requirements and recommended use.
EN 171, Personal eye-protection — Infrared filters — Transmittance requirements and recommended use.
EN 172, Personal eye-protection — Sunglare filters for industrial use.
EN 175, Personal protection — Equipment for eye and face protection during welding and allied processes.
EN 379, Specification for welding filters with switchable luminous transmittance and welding filters with dual
luminous transmittance.
EN ISO 6942, Protective clothing. Protection against heat and fire. Method of test: Evaluation of materials and
material assemblies when exposed to a source of radiant heat.
EN ISO 8980-1, Ophthalmic optics — Uncut finished spectacle lenses - Part 1: Specifications for single-vision and
multifocal lenses (ISO 8980-1:1996).
EN ISO 8980-2, Ophthalmic optics — Uncut finished spectacle lenses - Part 2: Specifications for progressive
power lenses (ISO 8980-2:1996).
EN ISO 8980-3, Ophtalmic optics – Uncut finished spectacle lenses – Part 3 : Transmittance specifications and test
methods (ISO 8980-3 :1999).
3 Terms and definitions
For the purpose of this European Standard, the terms and definitions given in EN 165 and the following apply.
3.1
visual centre
the point on the ocular corresponding to the intersection of the horizontal and vertical planes through the pupil of
the appropriate head-form specified in clause 17 of prEN 168:2007 when the eye-protector is fitted to it in
accordance with the manufacturers instructions
3.2
radiant heat
longer wavelength infrared radiation (IR-B and IR-C) from low temperature sources, which is typically not
associated with emission of significant quantities of visible radiation.
NOTE The emission spectrum of a radiating heat source is a function of the source temperature. Hotter sources emit
predominantly at shorter wavelengths (<2000nm) covered by EN 171.
4 Classification
4.1 Function of eye-protectors
The function of eye-protectors is to provide protection against:
 impacts of different severities;
 optical radiations;
 molten metals and hot solids;
 droplets and splashes;
 dust;
 gases;
 short circuit electric arc;
or any combination of these.
4.2 Types of eye-protectors
NOTE Refer to definitions given in EN 165.
4.2.1 Spectacles with or without lateral protection
4.2.2 Goggles
4.2.3 Face-shields
NOTE Face-shields normally incorporate a suitable headband, browguard, helmet, protective hood or other appropriate
mounting device.
4.3 Types of ocular
4.3.1 Mineral oculars (glass)
4.3.1.1 Untoughened mineral oculars
4.3.1.2 Toughened mineral oculars, toughened chemically, thermally or by other processes to give superior
resistance to impact in comparison with untoughened mineral oculars.
4.3.2 Organic oculars (plastic)
4.3.3 Laminated oculars
Oculars made in multiple layers joined together by a binder.
NOTE All types of oculars may be further classified into filtering types (for example according to EN 169, EN 170, EN 171,
EN 172 and EN 379). They may also be classified as oculars with corrective effect and oculars without corrective effect. They
may also have coatings on their surface(s) to give additional characteristics.
5 Designation of filters
The transmittance characteristics of a filter are represented by a scale number.
The scale number is a combination of the code number and the shade number of the filter, joined together by a
dash.
The scale number for welding filters does not include a code number, it comprises the shade number only.
Table 1 gives the designation of the various types of filters specified in this European Standard.
Table 1 — Scale numbers for filters
Welding filters Ultraviolet filters Infrared filters Filters for sunglare
No number Code Code Code Code
code
number 2 number 4 number 5 number 6
Scale number
1,2 2 – 1,2 4 – 1,2 5 – 1,1 6 – 1,1
1,4 2 – 1,4 4 – 1,4 5 – 1,4 6 – 1,4
1,7 2 – 1,7 4 – 1,7 5 – 1,7 6 – 1,7
2 2 – 2 4 – 2 5 – 2 6 – 2
2,5 2 – 2,5 4 – 2,5 5 – 2,5 6 – 2,5
3 2 – 3 4 – 3 5 – 3,1 6 – 3,1
4 2 – 4 4 – 4 5 – 4,1 6 – 4,1

5 2 - 5 4 - 5
6  4 - 6
7  4 – 7
8  4 – 8
9  4 – 9
10  4 - 10
Code number key :
2 Ultraviolet filter
4 Infrared filter ;
5 Sunglare filter without infrared specification ;
6 Sunglare filter with infrared specification.

Additional classifications :
C = Ultraviolet filter with enhanced colour recognition in accordance with clause 5.3 of EN 170:2002
R = Infrared filter with enhanced reflectance in accordance with clause 7.3.3 of this standard
6 Design and manufacturing requirements
6.1 General construction
Eye-protectors shall be free from projections, sharp edges or other defects which are likely to cause discomfort or
injury during use.
6.2 Materials
No parts of the eye-protector which are in contact with the wearer shall be made of materials which are known to
cause any skin irritation.
6.3 Headbands
Headbands, when used as the principal means of retention, shall be at least 10 mm wide over any portion which
may come into contact with the wearer’s head. Headbands shall be adjustable or self-adjusting.
7 Basic, particular and optional requirements
All eye-protectors shall meet the basic requirements given in 7.1.
Furthermore, according to their intended use, eye-protectors shall, if appropriate, meet one or more of the particular
requirements given in 7.2.
Optional requirements related to additional properties of eye-protectors are given in 7.3.
7.1 Basic requirements
7.1.1 Field of vision
The size of the field of vision is defined in conjunction with the appropriate head-form described in clause 17 of
prEN 168:2007.
Eye-protectors shall exhibit a minimum field of vision defined by the two ellipses in Figure 1 when placed and
centered at a distance of 25 mm from the surface of the eyes of the appropriate head-form. The horizontal axis
shall be parallel to and 0,7 mm below the height of the line connecting the centres of the two eyes.
The horizontal length of the ellipses shall be of 22,0 mm, the vertical width of the ellipses shall be 20,0 mm. The
centre distance of the two ellipses shall be d = c + 6 mm, where c is the pupillary distance. The pupillary distance is
64 mm for the medium head-form and 54 mm for the small head-form, if not specified differently by the
manufacture.
The test shall be carried out in accordance with clause 18 of prEN 168:2007.
Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 1 — Definition of the field of vision
7.1.2 Optical requirements
7.1.2.1 Spherical, astigmatic and prismatic refractive powers
The refractive powers of oculars shall be measured by the reference methods specified in clause 3 of
prEN 167:2007. This clause refers also to an optional method for use in specific circumstances; the details of this
method are given in annex A of prEN 167:2007.
7.1.2.1.1 Unmounted oculars covering one eye
The refractive power characteristics of unmounted oculars covering one eye shall be measured by the method
specified in 3.1 of prEN 167:2007 (non-corrective oculars), and by the methods specified in EN ISO 8980-1
(corrective oculars).
The permissible tolerances for oculars without corrective effect are given in Table 2.
The permissible deviations for the vertex powers of oculars with corrective effect are specified in EN ISO 8980-1
and EN ISO 8980-2. Oculars that comply with EN ISO 8980-1 and EN ISO 8980-2 shall be categorised as class 1.
-1
For class 2, the deviations in vertex refractions may be 0,06 m higher than for class 1.
Table 2 — Permissible tolerances for refractive powers of unmounted oculars without corrective effect
covering one eye
Optical class Spherical refractive Astigmatic refractive Prismatic refractive
power power power
(D +D ) / 2
D −D
1 2
1 2
-1 -1
m m cm/m
1 0,06 0,12
± 0,06
2 ± 0,12 0,12 0,12
NOTE D and D are the refractive powers in the two principal meridians.
1 2
7.1.2.1.2 Mounted oculars and unmounted oculars covering both eyes
The refractive power characteristics of mounted oculars or unmounted oculars covering both eyes shall be
measured by the method specified in 3.2 of prEN 167:2007 at two positions on the ocular corresponding to the
maximum and minimum PD over which the optical class of the device is met, as claimed by the manufacturer.
The permissible tolerances for oculars without corrective effect are given in Table 3.
The permissible deviations for vertex powers of oculars with corrective effect are as defined in 7.1.2.1.1. Deviations
that would correspond to class 3 shall not be permitted.
NOTE The difference in prismatic refractive power specified for an eye-protector depends not only on the prismatic
refractive power of each ocular, but also on the position of the optical axis of the ocular in relation to the axis of vision, and
therefore the shape of the frame. It is therefore necessary to use replacement oculars for which the difference in prismatic
power remains within the permissible tolerance limits for the frame in question.
Table 3 — Permissible tolerances for refractive powers of mounted oculars without corrective effect and
unmounted oculars without corrective effect covering both eyes
Optical class Spherical Astigmatic Difference in prismatic refractive power
refractive power refractive power
(D +D ) / 2
D −D
1 2
1 2
-1 -1
m m cm/m
Horizontal Vertical
Base out Base in
1 ± 0,06 0,06 0,75 0,25 0,25
2 ± 0,12 0,12 1,00 0,25 0,25
3 + 0,12 0,25 1,00 0,25 0,25
– 0,25
NOTE D and D are the refractive powers in the two principal meridians. For optical class 3 the axes of
1 2
the principal meridians shall be parallel within ± 10°.
7.1.2.1.3 Cover plates
The refractive powers of cover plates shall comply with the tolerances for optical class 1 given in Tables 2 and 3.
7.1.2.2 Transmittance
7.1.2.2.1 Oculars without filtering action
Oculars intended to protect the eyes against mechanical or chemical hazards only, and cover plates, shall have a
luminous transmittance greater than 74,4 % when measured as given in clause 6 of prEN 167:2007 (based on CIE
source A (2856 K)).
7.1.2.2.2 Oculars with filtering action (filters) and housings for oculars with filtering action.
The transmittance of oculars with filtering action shall meet the requirements given in the specific standards relating
to the various types of ocular (see 7.2.1).
Frames and housings of goggles and face-shields which claim to provide protection against optical radiation shall
provide at least the same level of protection against optical radiation as given by a filter of any scale number
declared usable with the eye-protector by the manufacturer or supplier. Testing shall be in accordance with clause
6 of EN 167:2001.
Frames and housings shall be designed so that no radiation can penetrate from the side unintentionally. This
requirement is met if for the horizontal angle range α from - 50° (nasal side) to + 90° (temporal side) the vertical
angle β range is protected within the following limit angles in degree (°).
The upward limit β of the protected range shall be:
u
2 −6 4
β = 55− 0,0013·(α −12) −1,3·10 ·(α −12)
u
The downward limit β of the protected range shall be:
l
−5 2 −6 4
β =−70+ 10 ·(α − 22) + 2,3·10 ·(α − 22)
l
7.1.2.2.3 Variations in transmittance (Oculars without filtering action are exempt from this requirement)
7.1.2.2.3.1 Oculars without corrective effect
Variations in luminous transmittance shall be measured in accordance with clause 7 of prEN 167:2007.
The relative variations of the luminous transmittance around the visual centre(s) P (and P ) shall not exceed the
1 2
values of Table 4.
The relative difference in luminous transmittance P between left and right eye shall not exceed the values of
Table 4 or 20 % whichever is greater.
Table 4 — Variations in luminous transmittance
Luminous transmittance Permissible relative variation
less than up to
% % %
100 17,8 ± 5
17,8 0,44 ± 10
0,44 0,023 ± 15
0,023 0,0012 ± 20
0,0012 0,000023 ± 30
7.1.2.2.3.2 Oculars with corrective effect (prescription oculars)
The requirements of 7.1.2.2.3.1 shall also apply to prescription oculars, with the provision that variations in
luminous transmittance which are due to thickness variations inherent in the design of the ocular are not taken into
account, providing the luminous transmittance at no point deviates by more than a factor of 2,68 (one shade
number) from its value at the visual centre.
The IR and UV transmittance shall meet the requirements of the specified shade number at every point on the
ocular.
7.1.2.3 Diffusion of light
The diffusion of light shall be measured in accordance with one of the reference methods specified in clause 4 of
prEN 167:2007.
The maximum value of the reduced luminance factor shall be:
cd
1,00 for welding filters;
m ⋅ lx
cd
0,75 for oculars used in eye-protectors against high speed particles;
m ⋅ lx
cd
0,50 for all other oculars.
m ⋅ lx
7.1.3 Quality of material and surface
Except for a marginal area 5 mm wide, oculars shall be free from any significant defects likely to impair vision in
use, such as bubbles, scratches, inclusions, dull spots, pitting, mould marks, scouring, grains, pocking, scaling and
undulation.
The assessment shall be carried out in accordance with the method specified in clause 5 of prEN 167:2007
7.1.4 Robustness
7.1.4.1 Minimum robustness
This requirement relates only to cover plates and oculars with filtering effect and need not be assessed if these
items are intended to meet the requirements for increased robustness or resistance to high speed particles, in
which case the requirements of 7.1.4.2 or 7.2.2 shall be met.
The requirement for minimum robustness is satisfied if the ocular withstands the application of a 22 mm nominal
diameter steel ball with a force of (100 ± 2) N, when tested in accordance with clause 4 of prEN 168:2007.
On so testing the following defects shall not occur:
a) ocular fracture : an ocular shall be considered to have fractured if it cracks through its entire thickness into two
or more pieces, or if ocular material becomes detached from the surface away from the one in contact with the
ball, or if the ball passes through the ocular;
b) ocular deformation : an ocular shall be considered to have been deformed if a mark appears on the white
paper on the opposite side to the one on which the force is applied.
7.1.4.2 Increased robustness
7.1.4.2.1 Unmounted oculars
The oculars shall withstand the impact of a 22 mm nominal diameter steel ball, of 43 g minimum mass, striking the
ocular at a speed of approximately 5,1 m/s, when tested in accordance with 3.1 of prEN 168:2007.
On so testing the following defects shall not occur:
a) ocular fracture : an ocular shall be considered to have fractured if it cracks through its entire thickness into two
or more pieces, or if ocular material becomes detached from the surface away from the one struck by the ball,
or if the ball passes through the ocular;
b) ocular deformation : an ocular shall be considered to have been deformed if a mark appears on the white
paper on the opposite side to that struck by the ball.
7.1.4.2.2 Complete eye-protectors and frames
The complete eye-protector or frame shall withstand the lateral and frontal impacts of a steel ball striking at a
specified speed.
The diameter of the steel ball and the corresponding impact speed are given in Table 5.
Table 5 — Requirements relating to increased robustness of complete eye-protectors
Spectacles Goggles Face-shields

Size, mass and speed of steel Frontal Lateral Frontal Lateral
ball impact impact impact impact
22 mm nominal diameter steel
√ √ √ √ √
ball, of 43 g minimum mass, at a
speed of approximately 5,1 m/s
The test shall be in accordance with the method specified in 3.2 of prEN 168:2007.
If a spectacle is claimed to have lateral protection it shall not be possible for the ball to strike the lateral impact
points without first striking the lateral protection.
On so testing the following defects shall not occur:
a) ocular fracture : an ocular shall be considered to have fractured if it cracks through its entire thickness into two
or more pieces, or if ocular material becomes detached from the surface away from the one struck by the ball,
or if the ball passes through the ocular;
b) ocular deformation : an ocular shall be considered to have been deformed if a mark appears on the white
paper on the opposite side to that struck by the ball;
c) ocular housing or frame fracture : an ocular housing or frame shall be considered to have failed if it separates
into two or more pieces, or if it is no longer capable of holding an ocular in position, or if an unbroken ocular
detaches from the frame, or if the ball passes through the housing or frame;
d) lateral protection failure : the lateral protection shall be considered to have failed if it fractures through its entire
thickness into two or more separate pieces, or if one or more particles become detached from the surface
remote from the impact point, or if it allows the ball to penetrate completely, or if it partially or totally detaches
from the eye-protector, or if its component parts become separated.
7.1.5 Resistance to ageing
NOTE Cover plates and glass oculars are exempt from these tests. The exemption does not apply to coated or laminated
glass.
7.1.5.1 Stability at an elevated temperature
Assembled eye-protectors shall show no apparent deformation when tested by the method specified in clause 5 of
prEN 168:2007.
7.1.5.2 Resistance to ultraviolet radiation (oculars only)
Oculars shall be subjected to the test for resistance to ultraviolet radiation in accordance with the method specified
in clause 6 of prEN 168:2007.
At the end of the test, oculars shall meet the following requirements.
a) The relative change of luminous transmittance shall not be greater than the values specified in Table 6.
If for welding filters the relative change of the luminous transmittance is larger than the values specified in
Table 6 but the actual value of luminous transmittance remains within the range specified by its shade number,
a second irradiation is performed in accordance with clause 6 of prEN 168:2007 on the same sample. The
relative change of luminous transmittance due to the second irradiation shall not be greater than the values
specified in Table 6 and the actual value of luminous transmittance shall remain within the range specified by
its shade number;
b) The value of the reduced luminance factor shall not exceed the permissible limits given in 7.1.2.3.
Table 6 — Permissible relative change in luminous transmittance following the ultraviolet radiation test
Luminous transmittance Permissible relative
change
less than up to
% % %
100 17,8 ± 5
17,8 0,44 ± 10
0,44 0,023 ± 15
0,023 0,0012 ± 20
0,0012 0,000023 ± 30
7.1.6 Resistance to corrosion
After having undergone the test for resistance to corrosion specified in clause 8 of prEN 168:2007, all metal parts of
the eye-protector shall display smooth surfaces, free from corrosion, when they are examined by a trained
observer.
7.1.7 Resistance to ignition
Eye-protectors shall be tested in accordance with the method specified in clause 7 of prEN 168:2007 and shall be
considered to be satisfactory if no part of the eye-protector ignites or continues to glow after removal of the steel
rod.
7.2 Particular requirements
7.2.1 Protection against optical radiation
7.2.1.1 Welding filters – see EN 169.
7.2.1.2 Ultraviolet filters – see EN 170.
7.2.1.3 Infrared filters – see EN 171.
7.2.1.4 Sunglare filters for industrial use – see EN 172.
7.2.1.5 Welding Filters with switchable luminous transmittance - see EN 379.
7.2.2 Protection against high-speed particles
Eye-protectors intended to provide protection against high-speed particles shall withstand the impact of a 6 mm
nominal diameter steel ball of 0,86 g minimum mass, striking the oculars and the lateral protection at one of the
speeds given in Table 7.
Eye-protectors for protection against high-speed particles shall also meet the requirements for increased
robustness given in 7.1.4.2.
Table 7 — Requirements relating to protection against high-speed particles
Impact speed of ball
Low energy impact (F) Medium energy impact (B) High energy impact(A)
Type of eye-protector
+1,5 +3 +5
45 m/s 120 m / s 190 m / s
−0 −0
−0
Spectacles + Not applicable Not applicable
Goggles + + Not applicable
Face-shields + + +
The test shall be in accordance with the method specified in clause 9 of prEN 168:2007.
It shall not be possible for the ball to strike the lateral impact point without first striking the lateral protection.
On so testing the following defects shall not occur:
a) ocular fracture : an ocular shall be considered to have fractured if it cracks through its entire thickness into two
or more pieces, or ocular material becomes detached from the surface away from the one struck by the ball, or
if the ball passes through the ocular;
b) ocular deformation : an ocular shall be considered to have been deformed if a mark appears on the white
paper on the opposite side to that struck by the ball;
c) ocular housing or frame failure : an ocular housing or frame shall be considered to have failed if it separates
into two or more pieces, or if it is no longer capable of holding an ocular in position, or if an unbroken ocular
detaches from the frame, or if the ball passes through the housing or frame;
d) lateral protection failure : the lateral protection shall be considered to have failed if it fractures through its entire
thickness into two or more separate pieces, or if one or more particles becomes detached from the surface
remote from the impact point, or if it allows the ball to penetrate completely, or if it partially or totally detaches
from the eye-protector, or if its component parts become separated.
NOTE Eye-protectors offering protection against high-speed particles must provide lateral protection (see 7.2.8).
7.2.3 Protection against molten metals and hot solids
Eye-protectors intended to provide protection against molten metals and hot solids shall be considered to be
satisfactory if:
a) the eye-protector is either a goggle or a face-shield;
b) the viewing area of oculars for face-shields has a minimum vertical centre-line depth of 150 mm when mounted
in the appropriate housing;
c) face-shields cover the eye-region rectangle of the appropriate head-form as assessed in accordance with 10.2
of prEN 168:2007;
d) the eye-protector satisfies the requirements for one of the three impact energy categories given in 7.2.2;
e) when tested and assessed in accordance with 10.1 of prEN 168:2007 they prevent the adherence of molten
metal to the portion of the eye-protector which affords protection to the eye-region rectangle ABCD shown in
Figure 11 of prEN 168:2007;
f) complete penetration of oculars for goggles, and all types of frames, housings, browguards, etc. does not
occur within 7 s when tested as described in clause 11 of prEN 168:2007;
g) complete penetration of oculars for face-shields does not occur within 5 s when tested as described in
clause 11 of prEN 168:2007.
7.2.4 Protection against droplets and splashes of liquids
Eye-protectors for use against droplets (goggles) and splashes of liquids (face-shields) shall be tested in
accordance with the methods specified in clause 12 of prEN 168:2007. The results shall be considered to be
satisfactory if:
a) no pink or crimson colouration appears in the ocular regions defined by the two circles when assessing
goggles for protection against droplets. No account shall be taken of any such colouration up to a distance of
6 mm inside the edges of the eye-protector;
b) face-shields cover the eye-region rectangle of the appropriate head-form as described in 10.2.2.2 of
prEN 168:2007 as assessed in accordance with 10.2 of prEN 168:2007.
Additionally, face-shields for protection against splashes of liquids shall have a viewing area with a minimum
vertical centre-line depth of 150 mm when mounted in the appropriate housing.
7.2.5 Protection against large dust particles
Eye-protectors for use against large dust particles shall be tested in accordance with the method specified in
clause 13 of prEN 168:2007. The result shall be considered to be satisfactory if the reflectance after the test is not
less than 80 % of its value before the test.
7.2.6 Protection against gases and fine dust particles
Eye-protectors for use against gases and fine dust particles shall be tested in accordance with the method
specified in clause 14 of prEN 168:2007. They shall be regarded as satisfactory if no pink or crimson coloration
appears in the area covered by the eye-protector. No account shall be taken of any such coloration up to a
distance of 6 mm inside the edges of the eye-protector.
7.2.7 Protection against short circuit electric arc
Eye-protectors for protection against short circuit electric arc shall be face-shields only. They shall have no
exposed metal parts and all external edges of the protector shall be radiussed, chamfered or otherwise treated to
eliminate sharp edges.
Oculars shall have a minimum thickness of 1,4 mm and a scale number of 2-1,2 or 2C -1,2.
Face-shields shall satisfy the requirements for area of coverage defined in clause 7.2.4 (b) and shall have a
viewing area with a minimum vertical centre line depth of 150 mm when mounted in the appropriate housing.
NOTE The specification of a minimum ocular thickness of 1,4 mm was derived from a series of tests in Germany on a
range of materials, including polycarbonate, cellulose acetate and cellulose propionate. The distance of the material under test
from the electric arc was a nominal 300 mm and the arc conditions were as follows :
Current = 12 kA max. ;
Voltage = 380 – 400 V ;
Frequency = 50 Hz nominal ;
Duration = 1 s max.
7.2.8 Lateral Protection
Eye-protectors claimed to provide lateral protection shall pass the lateral region coverage assessment detailed in
clause 19 of prEN 168:2007.
7.2.9 Protection against radiant heat
Eye-protectors against radiant heat shall be faceshields only and shall be tested in accordance with clause 20 of
prEN 168:2007. Information on the performance achieved shall be included in the information supplied by the
manufacturer (see clause 10(r))
Note: for most visor materials, radiant heat protection varies significantly with the temperature of the heat source.
Provision of this information is essential to enable the user to select the optimum protective equipment for their
application.
7.3 Optional requirements
Optional requirements are specified for additional characteristics of eye-protectors which may be found to be
beneficial to the user for operational reasons.
7.3.1 Resistance to surface damage by fine particles
If oculars are described as resistant to surface damage by fine particles they shall have a reduced luminance factor
cd
of not more than 5 following the test specified in clause 15 of prEN 168:2007.
m ⋅ lx
NOTE This procedure does not assess resistance to abrasion.
7.3.2 Resistance to fogging of oculars
If oculars are described as resistant to fogging they shall remain free from fogging for a minimum of 8 s when
tested in accordance with clause 16 of prEN 168:2007.
NOTE This procedure does not assess resistance to fogging of the complete eye-protector.
7.3.3 Oculars with enhanced reflectance in the infrared
Oculars which are claimed to have enhanced reflectance in the infrared shall have a mean total reflectance greater
than 60 % within the wavelength range 780 nm to 2 000 nm when measured in accordance with clause 8 of
prEN 167:2007.
7.3.4 Protection against high speed particles at extremes of temperature
Eye-protectors intended to provide protection against high-speed particles at extremes of temperature shall
withstand the impact of a 6 mm nominal diameter steel ball of 0,86 g minimum mass, striking the oculars and the
lateral protection at one of the speeds given in Table 7. The impacts are carried out after the eye-protectors have
been conditioned at extremes of temperature ((55 ± 2) °C and (-5 ± 2) °C) using the method specified in clause 9 of
prEN 168:2007.
It shall not be possible for the ball to strike the lateral impact point without first striking the lateral protection.
On so testing the following defects shall not occur:
a) ocular fracture : an ocular shall be considered to have fractured if it cracks through its entire thickness into two
or more pieces, or if more than 5 mg of the ocular material becomes detached from the surface away from the
one struck by the ball, or if the ball passes through the ocular;
b) ocular deformation : an ocular shall be considered to have been deformed if a mark appears on the white
paper on the opposite side to that struck by the ball;
c) ocular housing or frame failure : an ocular housing or frame shall be considered to have failed if it separates
into two or more pieces, or if it is no longer capable of holding an ocular in position, or if an unbroken ocular
detaches from the frame, or if the ball passes through the housing or frame;
d) lateral protection failure : the lateral protection shall be considered to have failed if it fractures through its entire
thickness into two or more separate pieces, or if one or more particles becomes detached from the surface
remote from the impact point, or if it allows the ball to penetrate completely, or if it partially or totally detaches
from the eye-protector, or if its component parts become separated.
NOTE Eye-protectors offering protection against high speed particles at extremes of temperature must provide lateral
protection (see 7.2.8)
8 Allocation of requirements, test schedules and application
8.1 Requirements and test methods
The requirements and test methods for oculars and complete eye-protectors are specified in various European
Standards (see clause 2). It is the object of this clause to allocate the individual requirements and test methods to
the different types of eye-protector.
Table 8 specifies those requirements and tests which apply to oculars.
Table 9 specifies those requirements and tests which apply to frames and complete eye-protectors.
8.2 Test schedules for type examination
The necessary number of samples for type examination and the required order of the individual tests to be carried
out are shown in Table 10 (mounted and unmounted oculars) and Table 11 (frames and complete eye-protectors).
NOTE More than one test may be performed on the same sample if mutually agreed between test laboratory and
manufacturer.
8.3 Application of eye-protector types
The application of eye-protector types to the various fields of use is shown in Table 12.
Table 8 — Allocation of requirements and tests for unmounted and mounted oculars
Type of ocular
Requirement Testing
according to according to
EN Clause EN Clause
Field of vision 166 7.1.1 + + + + + + 168 18
Refractive powers 166 7.1.2.1 + + + + + + 167 3.1 and 3.2
Transmittance 166 7.1.2.2.1 +   + 167 6
169 5 +   167 6
170 5  +  167 6
171 5  +  167 6
172 4.1   + 167 6
379 4.3.2/4.4.2 +   167 6
Variation in transmittance 166 7.1.2.2.3 + + + + 167 7
Diffusion of light 166 7.1.2.3 + + + + + + 167 4
Quality of material and 166 7.1.3 + + + + + + 167 5
surface
a
166 7.1.4.1 + + + + + 168 4
Minimum robustness
a
166 7.1.4.2.1 + X X X X X 168 3.1
Increased robustness
Temperature stability 166 7.1.5.1 + + + + + 168 5
UV-stability 166 7.1.5.2 + + + + + 168 6
Ignition 166 7.1.7 + + + + + + 168 7
High speed particles 166 7.2.2 X X X X X X 168 9
Molten metals and hot solids 166 7.2.3 X X X X X X 168 10 and 11
Short circuit electric arc 166 7.2.7  +  Measurement and
inspection
Radiant heat 166 7.2.9  +  168 20
Surface damage by fine 166 7.3.1 X X X X X X 168 15
particles
Fogging 166 7.3.2 X X X X X X 168 16
High speed particles at 166 7.3.4 X X X X X X 168 9
extremes of temperature
Marking 166 9.2 + + + + + + Visual inspection
Ocular reflectance 166 7.3.3 X X X X X X 167 8
Key
+ Requirement is specified
Empty field Requirement is not specified
X Optional requirement
a
If the requirement for increased robustness is met the requirement for minimum robustness need not be assessed.
Ocular without filtering effect
Welding filters
Ultraviolet filters
Infrared filters
Sunglare filters for industrial
use
Cover plates against welding
splashes
Table 9 — Allocation of requirements and tests for frames and complete eye protectors
Field of use and symbol
3 4 5 6 8 9
Requirement Testing
according to according to
EN Clause EN Clause
Construction and materials 166 6.1 and + + + + + + + By visual inspection and
6.2 manufacturer’s
certificates
Headband 166 6.3 + + + + + + + By measuring
Field of vision 166 7.1.1 + + + + + + + 168 18
a
a a a a a a a
166 7.1.2.2.2 167 6
Transmittance
b
166 7.1.4.2.2 + + + + + + + 168 3.2
Increased robustness
Temperature stability 166 7.1.5.1 + + + + + + + 168 5
Corrosion 166 7.1.6 + + + + + + + 168 8
Ignition 166 7.1.7 + + + + + + + 168 7
c
166 7.2.2 X X X X X X X 168 9
High speed particles
c
166 7.2.3    + 168 10 and 11
Molten metals and hot solids
Droplets and splashes of 166 7.2.4 +   168 12
c
liquids
c
166 7.2.5  +   168 13
Large dust particles
c
166 7.2.6  +  168 14
Gas and fine dust particles
Short circuit electric arc 166 7.2.7   + Visual inspection
d
166 7.2.8 X X X X X X X 168 19
Lateral protection
c
166 7.2.9   +  168 20
Radiant heat
High speed particles at 166 7.3.4 X X X X X X X 168 9
c
extremes of temperature
Marking 166 9.3 + + + + + + + Visual inspection
Key
a
Transmittance need only be assessed if the eye-protector is a
+ Requirement is specified
goggle or face-shield, and can be fitted with a filter(s) for use
Empty field Requirement is not specified
against optical radiation.
X Optional requirement
b
Complete eye-protectors fitted with oculars meeting the
minimum robustness requirement only, shall only be tested for lateral

impact.
c
These requirements when applied to frames supplied without

oculars shall be tested with the appropriate oculars fitted.
d
Lateral protection assessment is mandatory if high-speed
particle protection is claimed.
Basic use NONE
Droplets and splashes of
liquids
Large dust particles
Gas and fine dust particles
Radiant heat
Short circuit electric arc
Molten metals and hot solids
Table 10 — Type examination test schedule for oculars
Requirement according to Testing Quantity of test sample
according to
EN Clause EN Clause
Marking 166 9.1/9.2/9.4 Visual inspection All
Information 166 10 Visual inspection All
Quality of material and surface 166 7.1.3 167 5 6
Refractive powers 166 7.1.2.1 167 3 6
d
166 7.1.5.1 168 5 3
Thermal stability
Transmittance 166 7.1.2.2.1
169 5 6
170 5 167 6
171 5
172 4.1
Variation in transmitta
...