STANDARD EN 166

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1. Risk Classification :
   • The standard classifies eye protection equipment into different categories based on the risks they are designed to protect against:
     • Impact : Protection against flying particles and impacts.
     • liquids : Protection against liquid splashes.
     • Gas and Vapor : Protection against chemical fumes.
     • Dust : Protection against solid particles.
     • Optical Radiation : Protection against UV, infrared and laser radiation.
2. Performance Requirements :
   • Eye protection equipment must be sufficiently durable to protect the eyes against the hazards specified in its protection class.
   • They should be designed to minimize the risk of injury, irritation or discomfort when worn for long periods of time.
3. Tests and Evaluation Methods :
   • Eye protection equipment undergoes a series of tests to evaluate its impact resistance, light transmission, resistance to liquids and chemicals, scratch resistance, and other characteristics specific to its protection class .
   • The test results determine whether the equipment meets the requirements of EN 166 and is certified as compliant.
4. Marking :
   • Eye protection equipment complying with EN 166 must be marked with the standard number, CE symbol, manufacturer identification code, protection class, and other relevant information.

Importance of the EN 166 Standard

The EN 166 standard is essential to ensure that eye protection equipment provides adequate protection against a variety of eye hazards in the workplace. By meeting the requirements of this standard, manufacturers can produce protective eyewear, face shields and other eye protection devices that are effective, reliable and comfortable to wear, helping to reduce the risk of eye injuries and ensuring worker safety.

Use of Equipment Compliant with Standard EN 166

Eye protection equipment complying with EN 166 is used in a variety of professional environments, including:

• Industry : For workers exposed to flying particles, liquid splashes and chemicals.
• Construction Sector : For workers working on construction sites where there is a risk of falling objects and splashes.
• Laboratories : For researchers and technicians handling chemicals and hazardous substances.
• Health care : For medical professionals treating patients at risk of splashing bodily fluids