Know your standards

Safety Eyewear

EN166 – Eye Protection Standard

EN166 is the core European safety standard for personal eye protection, covering safety glasses, goggles and face shields used in industrial, construction, laboratory and manufacturing environments.

It defines the minimum requirements for optical clarity, impact resistance, durability and coverage for protective eyewear used in the workplace.

Is EN166 being replaced?

Yes. EN166 is gradually being replaced by EN ISO 16321.

Transition status:

• EN166 is still widely recognised and used.

• It will be withdrawn once EN ISO 16321 fully replaces it across PPE certification.

• Many manufacturers are already dual-certifying to both standards.

Key difference vs EN ISO 16321

EN ISO 16321 is an international (ISO-based) standard with:

• More detailed testing

• Updated hazard classifications

• Improved coverage for modern workplace risks

• Global harmonisation (not just EU)

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EN170 – UV Filter Protection Standard

EN170 is a European standard that specifies requirements for ultraviolet (UV) filters used in safety eyewear.

It ensures that safety glasses or goggles protect the eyes from harmful UV radiation while maintaining safe visibility.

Is EN170 being replaced?

Yes. EN170 will be replaced by EN ISO 16321 as part of the new unified eye and face protection standard.

EN ISO 16321 – New International Eye & Face Protection Standard

EN ISO 16321 is the new global standard for occupational eye and face protection. It replaces several older European standards including:

• EN166 (general eye protection)

• EN170 (UV filters)

• EN172 (sun glare filters)

• EN169 (welding filters)

Key features

EN ISO 16321 introduces:

• More realistic impact testing methods

• Wider head-form testing for better fit

• New optical classifications

• Improved coverage for extreme environments

• Simplified marking structure

What this means for buyers

• EN166 products remain legal during transition

• EN ISO 16321 will become the primary certification

• New PPE purchases should increasingly meet EN ISO 16321

Safety Helmets

EN12492 – Mountaineering and Working at Height Helmets

EN12492 is the European safety standard for mountaineering helmets, often used in:

• Rope access work

• Climbing

• Arboriculture

• Rescue operations

• Working at height

Replacement status

EN12492 remains active and is not currently being replaced, but many helmets now meet multiple standards:

• EN12492 (climbing)

• EN397 or EN50365 (industrial/electrical)

• EN397 Type 2 is to replace the working from height requirement for industrial use

EN397:2012 – Industrial Safety Helmet Standard

EN397:2012 is the long-standing European standard for industrial safety helmets (hard hats) used in construction and heavy industry.

What EN397:2012 covers

It specifies requirements for:

• Shock absorption (falling objects)

• Penetration resistance

• Flame resistance

• Chin strap release (must release under certain force)

• Adjustable head harness

• Field of vision

Limitations of EN397

EN397 focuses mainly on top impact protection.

It does not fully address:

• Side impacts

• Rotational impacts

• Modern construction risks

• High-performance chin straps

Replacement status

EN397:2012 is being replaced by EN397:2025.

It will be gradually withdrawn as the new standard becomes mandatory across PPE certification.

EN397:2025 – New Industrial Helmet Standard

The updated EN397:2025 introduces major improvements in industrial head protection and divides helmets into Type 1 and Type 2.

EN397:2025 Type 1 Helmets

Type 1 helmets provide:

• Top impact protection (similar to traditional hard hats)

• Updated testing methods

• Improved retention systems

• Modern performance requirements

These replace standard EN397 hard hats used in:

• Construction

• Manufacturing

• Warehousing

EN397:2025 Type 2 Helmets

Type 2 helmets provide:

• Top and lateral (side/front/rear) impact protection

• Enhanced shock absorption

• Better retention and stability

• Protection similar to climbing-style helmets

These are ideal for:

• Working at height

• Rail and utilities

• Confined spaces

• High-risk construction

• Industrial maintenance

• 
  

Key differences: 2012 vs 2025

Transition

• EN397:2012 will be phased out

• EN397:2025 becomes new benchmark

• Many manufacturers already launching compliant helmets

Safety Hearing Protection

EN352 Series – Hearing Protection Standards

The EN352 series covers all European standards for hearing protection equipment.

EN352-1 – Ear Defenders (aka Earmuffs)

Applies to:

• Over-ear defenders with headband

Tests include:

• Sound attenuation performance

• Comfort and fit

• Durability

• Materials safety

EN352-2 – Earplugs

Applies to:

• Disposable foam earplugs

• Reusable earplugs

Tests include:

• Noise reduction performance (SNR)

• Hygiene and materials

• Fit and sizing

EN352-3 – Helmet-Mounted Ear Defenders (aka Earmuffs)

Applies to:

• Clip-on ear defenders attached to safety helmets

Tests include:

• Secure helmet attachment

• Acoustic performance

• Compatibility with helmets

• Durability

Replacement status

The EN352 series remains active but is evolving with:

• Updated testing methods

• Integration with electronic and smart PPE

• Potential future ISO alignment

Safety Masks & Respiratory Protection

EN149 – Respiratory Protective Devices (Filtering Face Masks)

EN149 is the European standard that specifies requirements for filtering half masks used to protect against airborne particles such as dust, mist and fumes. It is the key certification for disposable respirators used across construction, manufacturing, healthcare, engineering and hazardous environments.

Common examples of EN149-certified products include FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3 disposable respirator masks.

What EN149 Covers

EN149 defines performance, testing and safety requirements for particle-filtering half masks that protect the wearer from inhaling harmful airborne substances.

The standard tests respirators for:

• Filtration efficiency

• Breathing resistance

• Total inward leakage

• Fit and face seal performance

• Strap strength and durability

• Compatibility with skin

• Flammability

• CO₂ build-up inside mask

Additional EN149 Markings

EN149 masks may also include extra markings:

• NR (Non-Reusable) – Single shift use only

• R (Reusable) – Can be used for more than one shift

• D – Dolomite tested for better performance in dusty environments

FFP Ratings Explained

EN149 classifies disposable respirators into three protection levels:

Is EN149 Being Replaced?

Yes. The long-standing EN149:2001+A1:2009 version is being updated and replaced by a new revision (commonly referred to as EN149:2024, depending on adoption timeline).

Why the update?

The new revision modernises respiratory protection requirements by:

• Updating testing methods

• Improving fit and leakage requirements

• Aligning more closely with global ISO standards

• Addressing lessons from COVID-19 and pandemic use

• Increasing quality and consistency of respirators

Transition Period

• EN149:2001+A1:2009 masks remain legal during transition

• New EN149 revision will gradually replace it

• Manufacturers are updating certification

• Buyers should expect to see dual-certified products

Over time, the updated EN149 standard will become the primary certification for disposable respirators in the UK and EU.

Key Differences: Old vs New EN149

Standards being replaced or phased out