ISO 16321-3:2021/Amd 1:2025

Overview

ISO 16321-3:2021/Amd 1:2025 is an amendment to the international standard focusing on eye and face protection for occupational use, specifically addressing additional requirements for mesh protectors. Published by ISO, this standard provides updated specifications for the design and testing of mesh face shields, goggles, and spectacles used in workplace environments to ensure safety and compliance.

This amendment refines the minimum aperture criteria for mesh protectors, which are critical in offering sufficient visibility while maintaining effective protection against hazards like flying particles and debris. The document is essential for manufacturers, safety engineers, and regulatory bodies involved in personal protective equipment (PPE).

Key Topics

• Mesh Protector Requirements: Specifies stricter parameters on the size and number of apertures in mesh protectors to ensure optimal protection without compromising vision.

• Minimum Aperture Density:

  • For mesh face shields and goggles, the mesh must contain at least 15 whole apertures per cm² when tested with a square aperture covering at least 90 apertures.
  • For mesh spectacles, at least 50 whole apertures per cm² are required when tested with a square aperture covering no less than 150 apertures.

• Testing Positions:

  • The required aperture density must be verified at five designated testing positions within the eye protection area to guarantee consistent safety coverage.

• Testing Standard Reference: The amendment references ISO 18526-3:2020, part 11.1, as the testing method for assessing mesh aperture specifications.

• Collaboration and Standardization: Developed by ISO Technical Committee ISO/TC 94 and European Committee for Standardization (CEN/TC 85), ensuring harmonized global safety guidelines.

Applications

ISO 16321-3:2021/Amd 1:2025 applies to industries where occupational eye and face protection is paramount, including:

• Manufacturing and Industrial Work: Protection against sparks, metal shavings, woodworking debris, and other airborne particles.
• Construction and Engineering: Safeguarding workers from dust, flying fragments, and mechanical impacts.
• Metalworking and Welding: Use of mesh protectors to enable visibility while providing physical barrier protection.
• Agriculture and Forestry: Prevention of injury from branches, thorns, and particulate matter.
• Maintenance and Assembly: Situations where eye and face safety must balance protection and visibility.

Adhering to these requirements helps employers comply with occupational safety regulations and minimize workplace injuries related to eye and facial hazards.

Related Standards

• ISO 16321 Series: Covers comprehensive eye and face protection for occupational use, including full-face shields, spectacles, and goggles.
• ISO 18526-3:2020: Details methods for testing mesh aperture sizes to determine compliance with protection standards.
• ISO/IEC Directives Part 1 & Part 2: Outline the procedures and editorial rules for developing and maintaining ISO standards.
• European Committee for Standardization (CEN) Standards: Collaborates closely with ISO in eye protection standard harmonization.

For further information or to access the full series of ISO 16321 standards, visit the official ISO website at www.iso.org.

Keywords: ISO 16321-3 amendment, occupational eye protection, mesh protectors, mesh face shields, eye safety standards, PPE mesh goggles, occupational face protection, ISO eye protection standards, mesh aperture requirements