What is BS EN 16679:2020?

BS EN 16679:2020 is a technical standard that focuses on the safety requirements and test methods for personal eye protection equipment used to protect against various hazards in different work environments. This standard sets forth guidelines and specifications for the design, performance, and testing of protective eyewear such as goggles, face shields, and visors.

The Importance of BS EN 16679:2020

Personal eye protection is crucial in many industries where workers are exposed to potential eye injuries caused by chemical splashes, flying debris, harmful radiation, and other hazards. BS EN 16679:2020 ensures that the eyewear worn by workers meet acceptable safety standards, offering them the necessary protection against such risks.

Compliance with this standard guarantees that the eyewear has undergone rigorous testing to ensure its effectiveness. By adhering to BS EN 16679:2020, employers can minimize the risk of eye injuries in the workplace, enhance worker safety, and prevent accidents that could lead to legal liabilities.

Key Requirements of BS EN 16679:2020

BS EN 16679:2020 outlines several essential requirements that protective eyewear should meet. These include optical properties such as visual acuity, field of vision, and refractive power. The standard also specifies mechanical properties such as robustness, stability, and resistance to penetration from high-velocity particles or fragments.

Moreover, the standard addresses ergonomic aspects to ensure comfort during prolonged use. It covers aspects like adjustability, weight, and compatibility with other personal protective equipment. Additionally, BS EN 16679:2020 establishes requirements for marking and information that should accompany the protective eyewear to provide users with guidance on its proper use and maintenance.

Testing Methods and Certification

BS EN 16679:2020 defines various testing methods to evaluate the performance of protective eyewear. These tests examine factors such as impact resistance, resistance to chemicals, optical properties, and compatibility with other equipment. Only eyewear that passes these tests successfully can be certified as compliant with this standard.

Certification bodies conduct regular audits and assessments to ensure that manufacturers and suppliers maintain consistent quality standards. This certification process instills confidence in both employers and workers that the eyewear they are using meets industry regulations and is fit for purpose.