European Standards for PPE
International Standards for Eye, Head & Hearing Protection
SAFETY EYEWEAR
The General Standard Applicable to Protective Eyewear is the EN: 166.
EN:166 Personal Eye Protection Specification
EN:167 Optical Tests Methods
EN:168 Non-Optical Tests Methods
EN:169 Welding Filters
EN:170 UV Filters
EN:171 Infrared Filters
EN:172 Sun Glare Filers
EN:175 Equipment for eye & face protection During welding & allied products
EN:166: 2001 Optical Class of the lens
| Lens Marking | Recommended for | Tolerance to Optical Power |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Continuous Wear | +/- 0.06 diopters |
| 2 | Intermittent Wear | +/- 0.12 diopters |
| 3 | Occasional Wear | +/- 0.25 diopters |
Other Specific requirements
| Symbol | Mechanical Strength Requirements |
|---|---|
| No Symbol | Basic Use |
| 3 | Liquids |
| 4 | Large Dust Particles |
| 5 | Gas & Fine Dust Particles |
| 8 | Short Circuit Electric Arc |
| 9 | Molten Metals & Hot Solids |
Identification Symbols for Mechanical Strengths
| Symbol | Mechanical Strength Requirements |
|---|---|
| No Symbol | Minimum Robustness |
| S | Increased Robustness |
| F | Low Energy Impact |
| B | Medium Energy |
| A | High Energy Impact |
Symbol T is used in conjunction with F, B or A to indicate that the Eye Wear conforms to the High Speed particle Classification at extreme temperature.
ANSI Z87.1-American National Standards for Occupational & Eye & Face Protection Devices
| Marking | Indication |
|---|---|
| Z87 | Complies with Basis Impact Testing Requirements |
| Z87+ | Complies High Impact Testing Requirements |
Symbol T is used in conjunction with F, B or A to indicate that the Eye Wear conforms to the High Speed particle Classification at extreme temperature.
Sheds of Lens & its Characteristics
Most of the FAB Brand Eyewear Lenses are made from Polycarbonate providing 99-.9% U.V Protection Prescription – Quality Clarity for better sight, Light Weight for more long Comfort to wearer & provides protection against most common hazards like Impact protection.
The right lens color is recommended for appropriate work condition & protection to avoid any damage or injury
| Lens Colors | Lens Scale | EN standard | Recommended Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clear | 2.1-2 | EN 166-EN 170 | For Indoor & Outdoor work environment where normal to low light condition exist |
| Indoor/Outdoor | I 5.1-7 | EN 166-EN170, EN 172 | Light Filter for outdoor work environment where sunlight & glare cause eyestrain & fatigue |
| Silver Mirror | R 5-3-1 | EN 166-EN 170, EN 172 | Outdoor Use to reduce the sunlight & glare |
| Smoke | 5.2-5 | 5.2-5 EN 166-EN 170 | For Outdoor work environment where the sunlight & glare cause eyestrain. |
| Amber | 2.1-2 | EN:166, EN:169 | To provide high visibility & contrast in low light condition, |
| I.R Shade | 4-3.0 for Shed 3 & 4-5.0 For Shed 5 | & EN:171 | Provides protection against most common hazards like impact protection Shade 3 Torch Brazing, Torch Soldering & Cutting Operation, Welders assistants Shade 5 Welding, & Cutting Operations. |
SAFETY EYEWEAR
The European Norm for Helmet in General Use in EN: 397. The test is done to ensure the protection provided to wearer is against falling objects. The optional tests are for Helmet attachments fixed or Mounted Separately.
HEARING PROTECTION
European EN 352 Standards define testing method for Hearing Protectors, based on directives 89/686/EEC on PPE, the basic requirement of design & use of hearing protectors against Harmful noise & Directive 2003/10/EEC defines minimum health & safety requirements for workers regarding noise exposure.
EN-352 1, 2 & 3 are the basic parts of EN 352 Standard of Hearing Protection.
EN 352 1 Testing a Safety Requirement of EARMUFF.
EN352 2 Testing a Safety Requirement of EARPLUG.
EN 352 3Testing Methods of EARMUFF attached to Industrial Safety Helmets.
ANSI S319
These standards are used to make sure that the hearing protection provides a predictable level of protection. There are many levels depending on requirements /need. To comply with ANSI Standards, the products are tested by authorized testing agencies & the products are SOLD with NRR Marking (Noise Reduction Rating) NRR Range from 22 dB to 32dB applied to ear plugs & Ear Muff .
dB= Decibel is a unit of measurement used to check the intensity of sound.
SNR= Stands for peak Signal to noise ration.