Safety glasses and other eye protection are an essential PPE requirement in a wide range of job roles. From dust particles to wayward shards of concrete, wood, glass and even sparks from welding – all of these to name just a few are a clear and present danger to your eyesight. The EN Spec EN166 is the European standard for safety eyewear, with all manufacturers being independently tested on a range of attributes. The frames and lenses are tested, and as a prerequisite – both parts must have the CE logo and manufacturers logo.
The Frames
Safety glasses/goggles will have their markings usually on the inside part of the arms. It is essential that this marking is shown, otherwise the frames of the safety glasses may not have been tested, voiding any claims they are EN166 from the start. If this is the case, our suggestion would be to put them down and notify the shop keeper, and see if there are an alternative pair. Failing that, you may have to shop elsewhere. If the correct marking is on the eyewear, you will notice a combination of numbers and letters. These signify the different levels of protection which they are effective against.
Frame shape
3 – Any eyewear with a 3 rating will protect against liquid droplets and splashes. This is a rating usually given to glasses and goggle which offer a full seal around the eyes, ensuring penetration from liquids is kept to a bare minimum.
4 – Type 4 is designated to eyewear which will protect the eyes from larger dust particles, over five microns in size.
5 – Any safety eyewear with a type 5 rating, will keep the eyes safe from dust and fine dust particles, which are less than 5 microns in size.
Frame strength (these marking can also appear on lenses)
• S – withstand impacts against small objects travelling up to 12 meters per second
• F – withstand impacts against small objects travelling up to 45 meters per second
• B – withstand impacts against small objects travelling up to 120 meters per second
• A – withstand impacts against small objects travelling up to 190 meters per second
• T – withstand impacts at extreme temperatures
Frame strength is determined by a letter, and frames can have a combination of the above markings to denote their effectiveness.
Lenses
Lens Markings
The lenses of safety glasses differ in rating criteria, due to the fact they are the main protective part of the glasses or goggles – and they can fall under a number of different safety specifications. There are a number of factors which can determine the overall suitability for your specific role, and just how effective they are.
Optical Quality
Optical quality is measured in three classes.
1 – Class 1 High optical, quality suitable for regular use. Refractive power of ± 0.06
dioptres.
• 2 – Class 2 Medium optical, quality suitable for occasional use. Refractive power of
± 0.12 dioptres
• 3 – Class 3 Low optical, quality suitable for exceptional use. Refractive power of
±0.25 dioptres
Radiation protection
• 2 – UV Protection (EN170). The number 2 indicates the filter may effect colour
recognition
• 2C or 3 – UV Protection (EN170). The number 2C (previously 3) indicates the filter
allows good colour recognition
• 4 – Infrared Protection (EN171). i.e. protection from heat
• 5 – Solar Protection (EN172). i.e. 100% UV sun glare protection – with no infrared
(IR) protection
• 6 – Solar Protection (EN172). i.e. 100% UV sun glare protection – with infrared (IR)
protection
Strength of the lens
• F – withstand impacts against small objects travelling up to 45 meters per second
• B – withstand impacts against small objects travelling up to 120 meters per second
• A – withstand impacts against small objects travelling up to 190 meters per second
• T – withstand impacts at extreme temperatures.
Lens Shading
• 1.2 – Allows more than 74.4% light transmission, but less than 100%
• 1.7 – Allows more than 43.2% light transmission, but less than 58.1%
• 2.5 – Allows more than 17.8% light transmission, but less than 29.1%
• 3.1 – Allows more than 8.0% light transmission, but less than 17.8%
Here at Mammoth Workwear, we value your safety on site. Click our logo below to view Our extensive range of PPE, including Safety Goggles.
