Safety Glasses Standards: Everything You Need to Know

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about safety glasses standards and how to make sure your eye protection meets regulations. Plus, we’ll show you some of the best certified safety glasses from CTS UK’s collection so you can stay compliant and protected.

Check Out Safety Glasses That Meet Standards

Eye Protection Standards for Different Work Environments

Not all jobs require the same level of eye protection. That’s why there are different safety glasses standards depending on the risks involved.

1. EN 169 – Filters for Welding and Related Techniques

Professional Insight:

EN 169 specifies the requirements for filters used in welding and similar processes. It defines protection levels and transmittance requirements for lens filters intended to protect employees during:

• Light flame cutting
• Hard soldering
• Welding
• Arc gouging
• Plasma cutting

These filters are designed to protect against intense visible light and radiation produced during such activities.

For more detailed information on eye protection standards, refer to the Uvex Safety Standards Guide.

In Simple Terms:

If you’re welding or cutting metals, you’re exposed to very bright light and radiation. EN 169 ensures your safety glasses have special filters to protect your eyes from these intense lights, preventing eye damage.

2. EN 170 – Ultraviolet Filters

Professional Insight:

EN 170 pertains to personal eye protection against ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It specifies the scale numbers and requirements for the transmittance of filters intended to protect against UV radiation in the wavelength range 210 nm to 400 nm.

Prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to eye conditions such as cataracts or photokeratitis. Therefore, filters complying with EN 170 are essential for individuals working in environments with significant UV exposure.

Detailed standards can be found in the European Standards for Safety Eyewear.

In Simple Terms:

UV rays aren’t just a concern outdoors; they can be present in various work settings. EN 170 ensures your safety glasses block harmful UV light, keeping your eyes safe from potential long-term damage.

3. EN 171 – Infrared Filters

Professional Insight:

EN 171 specifies the scale numbers and transmittance requirements for filters intended to protect against infrared (IR) radiation in the wavelength range 780 nm to 2000 nm. Exposure to IR radiation can cause thermal injuries to the eyes, such as cataracts.

This standard is crucial for individuals working with high-temperature sources like furnaces or molten metals, where IR radiation is prevalent.

For a comprehensive guide on eye protection standards, see the European Standards for Safety Eyewear.

In Simple Terms:

If your job involves working near very hot materials or equipment, you’re exposed to infrared radiation, which you can’t see but can harm your eyes. EN 171 ensures your safety glasses filter out this invisible heat radiation.

4. EN 172 – Sun Glare Filters for Industrial Use

Professional Insight:

EN 172 applies to personal eye protection equipment used to attenuate solar radiation in industrial environments. It specifies the requirements for sunglare filters used in personal eye-protectors, particularly for industrial use.

These filters are designed to reduce the adverse effects of visible bright light, ensuring visual comfort and protection against glare.

More information is available in the European Standards for Safety Eyewear.

In Simple Terms:

Working outdoors or in bright environments can strain your eyes due to glare. EN 172 ensures your safety glasses reduce glare, making it easier and safer to see in bright conditions.

Why You Shouldn’t Settle for Cheap, Non-Compliant Glasses

Let’s keep it real—cutting corners on eye protection is never worth it.

• Non-certified glasses can shatter on impact, making an accident even worse.
• Cheap lenses distort vision, making tasks more dangerous.
• Without proper UV or infrared filters, long-term eye damage is inevitable.

And if that’s not enough to convince you, consider that if your PPE doesn’t meet legal standards, your employer (or you) could be held liable.

Certified Safety Glasses You Can Trust

At CTS UK, we only stock certified safety glasses that meet the highest industry standards. Here’s a selection of our top-rated safety glasses, covering a range of safety requirements:

When you buy from CTS UK, you know you’re getting eye protection that actually works. Every pair we sell meets or exceeds industry safety glasses standards, so you can work with confidence knowing your eyes are fully protected.

How to Choose the Right Safety Glasses for Your Job

Not sure which safety glasses you need? Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Construction & Engineering → Look for EN 166 impact-resistant glasses.
• Welding & Soldering → You’ll need EN 169 certified protection.
• Outdoor Work → EN 172 glare-reducing lenses are your best bet.
• Labs & UV Exposure → EN 170 UV-filtering glasses keep your eyes safe.
• High-Heat & Infrared Work → Go for EN 171-rated safety glasses.

Still not sure? Check out our full safety glasses collection—or get in touch for expert advice.

Final Thoughts: Protect Your Eyes the Right Way

Your eyesight is irreplaceable, so don’t risk it with subpar safety glasses.

• Know the safety glasses standards that apply to your work.
• Make sure your eyewear is fully certified.
• Invest in protection that actually works—your future self will thank you.

Ready to upgrade your eye protection? Browse our full range of certified safety glasses now.

Stay safe. Stay protected. CTS UK has you covered.