Safety Eye Wear In Schools
Over the past few years the standards for eye protection have been reviewed and from November 2024 a
new harmonised standard will be used by manufacturers.
In the past, in D&T we used the standard EN 166 (sometimes referred to as BS EN166), from November
2024 this is being replaced with EN ISO 16321.
What’s changing?
- The new rules only apply to work and school eyewear. They no longer cover things like sports, medical, or laser protection – those now have their own specific standards.
- Fit testing is now much more precise! Instead of just two sizes (small and medium), there are now six headform sizes that represent about 95% of people, ensuring a better fit for everyone.
- The field of vision requirements are stricter, meaning eyewear can’t block or distort your view – helpful for safety on machinery, for example.
- Lenses also have new rules for how much light they should let through, depending on their thickness and design.
- The testing procedures for scattering of light and impact protection has changed too, meaning eyewear will need to meet higher standards for clarity and strength.
- PPE should also be CE/UKCA/UKNI marked.
When Eye Protection is Needed?
Eye protection is required for tasks involving flying debris, splashing liquids, radiant heat, and harmful chemicals. Trainees should be advised to consult risk assessments before starting any activity.
Types of Eye Protection:
- Safety spectacles: Basic impact protection, can be worn over prescription glasses.
- Goggles: More comprehensive, often used against splashes, fumes, or dust.
- Face shields: Protect the face but do not enclose the eyes, used for impacts and splashes.
Key Markings:
- C: Suitable for low-energy impact (45m/s) – adequate for most school tasks.
- D/E: For higher impact risks, such as working with molten metal.
- Welding: Face shields are required for UV and spark protection.
Schools should provide a range of sizes for students, ensure eyewear fits over prescription glasses, and have eye washing facilities nearby. Proper storage and replacement of damaged PPE are essential.
When delivering training in schools, it’s worth being aware of these updates so that the right protective eyewear is being recommended for use on the various equipment staff are trained on. All new eyewear must meet these updated standards, so it’s important to make sure everything is up to date for the safety of students and staff. We expect to see a gradual shift from old to new markings from manufacturers
