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EN166 Marking

The order of markings on frames where relevant is: Manufacturer’s mark; EN166; Fields of use; Mechanical strength.

Markings associated with the basic requirements only – for all protective eyewear:

RequirementLens SymbolFrame Marking
Scale Number or Shade NumberRequired for filters only
Manufacturer’s IdentificationRequiredRequired
Number of the StandardEN 166
Optical Class1, 2 or 3
Mechanical Strength
Minimum RobustnessNo symbol No symbol
Enhanced RobustnessSS
If high-speed particle testing requirements are met, the S symbol is replaced by one of the symbols below.
Low Energy ImpactFF
Medium Energy ImpactBB
High Energy ImpactAA

Particular/optional requirements and associated markings:

RequirementLens SymbolFrame Marking
Droplets or splashes of liquids –3
Large dust particle –4
Gas and fine dust particle –5
Short circuit electric arc88
Molten metals and hot solids99
Resistance to surface damage by fine particlesK –
Resistance to foggingN –
Enhanced infrared reflectanceR –
Replacement ocularso –

Some of the tests in the above table are not suitable for all eyewear types. For example, the only valid tests for spectacles are those with a letter K, N or R. Spectacles cannot be tested for liquid splash or large dust particles, as they are unable to protect against those hazards.

The resistance to high-speed particle test is carried out on complete eyewear. It tests the oculars and the frame. The particle used for these tests is a 6mm diameter steel ball-bearing that weighs 0.86g.

Low energy impact (at a speed of 45m/s) is applicable to all types of protective eyewear, but the medium energy impact (at 120m/s) is only applicable to goggles and face shields.

The high energy impact test (at a speed of 190m/s) is only used for face shields. This test is usually carried out with the samples at ‘normal’ temperatures but can be carried out in extreme temperatures. In this version of the test, the eyewear is impact tested after conditioning at 55°C and -5°C.