Hearing Protection:

The SNR is the “Simplified Noise Level Reduction” or “Single Number Rating” which is the simplest way of getting a general indication for the level of protection provided. It is generally used to compare different types of hearing protectors. In very simple terms the calculation would be: Noise Level 100 dB Hearing Protector SNR -30 dB Noise Reaching Ear 70 dB

Head Protection

The traditional safety helmet is generally covered by EN397:2012 which outlines the properties of the helmet and also how it is marked.This should include such details as the manufacturer, date of manufacture, size range and the shell material. A new helmet will also contain additional information on correct usage, adjustments etc. in the form of a User Information Sheet.

EN 812: 2012. Whilst popular, bump caps offer virtually NO Protection against falling objects and should not be used where there is any risk of being hit by falling items. They can be useful, however, if a worker is likely to bump their head on static objects.

EN 12492 standard specifies the safety requirements and test methods for safety helmets for use in mountaineering and climbing, as well as work at a height.

Eye Protection

EN166S: This is an enhanced standard and is a specific standard for safety glasses. Both the lens and the frame of these glasses have been selected as being able to withstand a particular stress test. The stress test includes a 22 mm steel ball being dropped from 1.3 metres onto the glasses. The ball weighs 43 grams and is dropped at a speed of 18 km per hour.

EN166F: This is the low energy impact standard, which will also provide you with protection against blunt force. In this test, a pair of glasses (both lens and frame) must remain intact when hit with a steel ball measuring 6mm, weighing 0.86g and is dropped onto the glasses at a speed of 162km per hour.

EN166B: This is the European standard for safety goggles. The EN166B standard is for medium energy impact tests. Any goggle that is classified as EN166B has been tested to meet with the toughest standards. If goggles withstand this test, it means that they have withstood a 6mm ball, weighing 86g being shot at a speed of 432 km per hour.

EN 170: tests the protection of the object against ultraviolet radiation.

Hand Protection

EN 388:2016 is a European Standard that applies to all kinds of protective gloves that replaces the previous EN388 standard due to changes in the way gloves are tested.

The numbers and letters correspond to tests performed:

A. Abrasion Resistance: Based on the number of cycles required to abrade through the sample given (scored 0 - 4)

B. Circular Blade Cut Resistance: Based on the number of cycles required to cut through the sample at a constant speed (scored 0 - 5)

C. Tear Resistance: Based on the amount of force required to tear the sample (scored 0 - 4)

D. Puncture Resistance: Based on the amount of force required to pierce the sample with a standard sized point (scored 0 - 4)

E. Straight Blade Cut Resistance: Using the ISO 13997 testing method. Based on the average load required to achieve a cut using a straight blade. (scored A – F)

F. Impact Resistance: An optional test based on the mean transmitted force. Testing is carried out in accordance with EN 13594:2015 6.9 Protective Gloves for Motorcycle Riders. If the glove meets this requirement a 'P' is added as the last digit of the glove marking.

Standard EN374 Gloves Providing Protection from Chemicals and Micro Organisms

This measures glove quality, gloves must pass this test in order to prove that they provide an effective barrier against liquids and microorganisms.

Standard EN407 Gloves Providing Protection from Thermal Hazards

This standard refers specifically to the thermal performance of work gloves against thermal hazards such as heat, fire and molten metal, amongst others.

Standard EN420 General Requirements For Protective Gloves

Standard levels of safety and testing that all safety gloves have to pass in order to be deemed safe for general use. The criteria covers: Markings - Each glove carries the manufacturer’s logo, the reference, the size and CE mark. If it is classed in category III, the number of the notified body that carried out the tests also appears on the glove: Dexterity (1-5), Innocuousness (pH).

Standard EN421 Gloves Providing Protection From Radioactive Contamination and Ionising Radiation

This standard applies to gloves to protect from Ionising Radiation and Radioactive Contamination.

Standard EN511 Gloves Providing Protection from Cold

This standard only applies to gloves that protect hands against convective and contact cold down to -50°C.

Fall Arrest