Overview
EN ISO 16321-1:2022/A1:2025 is the CEN-endorsed amendment to ISO 16321-1 (Part 1: General requirements) for eye and face protection for occupational use. Approved by CEN (17 July 2024) and published as an amendment in 2025, it updates general performance, marking and test-related requirements for protective eyewear and face protectors used in workplaces. The amendment aligns the standard with EU Regulation 2016/425 (see Annex ZA) and references key test methods such as ISO 18526-3:2020.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope extension: Adds a note that ISO 16321-4 (in preparation) will address protectors against biological hazards.
- Normative references: Updates the date of ISO 12312-1 to 2022 where referenced.
- Field of view (FOV) requirements:
- General protectors (excluding face shields mounted on other PPE) must provide a minimum unobstructed FOV of 30° temporally and nasally (horizontal) and 30° superiorly and inferiorly (vertical), measured at corneal apices per ISO 18526-3:2020, 6.2.
- Face shields or eye shields mounted on headgear that restrict the superior field of view: horizontal 30° each side; vertical minimum 7° superior, 30° inferior, and 60° combined.
- Protectors for driving require increased horizontal temporal FOV of 60° (nasal 30°; vertical 30° up and down).
- Sunglare filters and marking:
- Revised transmittance headers and requirements for sunglare filters (code letter G).
- Shade numbers G0–G3 meet detection-of-signal-light requirements and are suitable for road use/driving; G4 meets some requirements but is not suitable for driving.
- Photochromic filters must be labelled with faded and darkened shade numbers (example: G0-2).
- Optional infrared-compliant filters marked GR.
- Polarizing efficiency:
- When tested per ISO 18526-2:2020, 15.2, polarizing efficiency P must be ≥78% for categories G2–G4 and ≥60% for G1.
Applications and who uses it
- PPE manufacturers and product designers use these requirements to design compliant eye and face protectors.
- Test laboratories and conformity assessment bodies apply the measurement and marking rules for certification.
- Occupational safety professionals, procurement officers and regulators rely on the standard to specify appropriate PPE (including protectors for driving, welding and multi-risk scenarios).
- Regulatory compliance teams use Annex ZA mapping to Regulation 2016/425 to support CE conformity claims.
Related standards
Relevant referenced standards include (non-exhaustive): ISO 16321-2, ISO 16321-3, ISO 18526 (Parts 1–4), ISO 12312-1:2022, ISO 4007, ISO/CIE 11664 series, ISO 21987 and ISO 80079-36. These support test methods, optical properties, and specific protector types.
Keywords: EN ISO 16321-1 amendment, eye protection standard, face protection, PPE regulation 2016/425, field of view, sunglare filters, polarizing efficiency, occupational safety.
