Training
Our history
EN ISO 16321, the new standard for eye protection (goggles, safety glasses, visors, masks), was amended on 5 April. It replaces EN166. Audrey Partouche, Product Manager Eye & Respiratory at Delta Plus, explains how this change harmonises international standards and strengthens certification criteria for optimal safety.
EN ISO 16321, the new standard for eye protection (goggles, safety glasses, visors, masks), was amended on 5 April. It replaces EN166. Audrey Partouche, Product Manager Eye & Respiratory at Delta Plus, explains how this change harmonises international standards and strengthens certification criteria for optimal safety.
Expertise, Standard updates
Update 18.07.25
Audrey Partouche, Product Manager Eye & Respiratory at Delta Plus: ‘Previously, EN166 was the global standard and was combined with other specific standards that met particular needs (welding, ultraviolet, UV rays, etc.).
Today, the EN ISO 16321 standard is the only reference and includes optional tests that refine the certification as needed. The differences in testing between EN 166 and EN ISO 16321 are significant and reflect a move towards more rigorous assessments and better risk consideration.
EN ISO 16321 introduces more specific tests, additional performance levels and a better distinction between the types of protection offered by head PPE. The transition aims to provide end users with clearer and more reliable information on the protective capabilities of equipment.
Ultimately, EN ISO 16321 will become the benchmark for head PPE (eye and face protection) in Europe.
Audrey Partouche: ‘Overall, all tests have been strengthened (particularly robustness and protection against liquid projection), making certification more difficult to obtain. This is obviously beneficial for user safety.
New tests have also been introduced to cover new risks, such as resistance to radiant heat or impacts at extreme temperatures. Each of these tests is identified by a number or letter. As before, the markings will be displayed on the arms and lenses of the glasses. These markings make it easy to identify the technical specifications of the product.’
Audrey Partouche: ‘We have two new products coming out in May, the Haruna (Haruna clear and Haruna smoke) and Tanaga models, which have been specifically developed to meet this new standard.
For products currently on sale, all existing certificates remain valid until their expiry date. The two standards will coexist as the certifications obtained are valid for five years. For each model whose AET (Attestation of Type Examination) expires, we will have to retake the tests under the ISO standard.’
The Delta Plus Product Teams keep pace with every change in standards in the various PPE categories: safety gloves, fall protection PPE, etc. We also have access to an acoustic test chamber – the Delta Cabin – to refine product testing for certification.
