ISO 16321-3:2021

Overview

ISO 16321-3:2021 specifies additional performance and marking requirements for mesh protectors used for eye and face protection in occupational settings. It is part of the ISO 16321 series for eye and face protection and supplements the general requirements in ISO 16321-1. The standard covers mesh face shields, mesh goggles/masks and mesh spectacle variants intended to protect against mechanical hazards such as impacts from flying particles and fragments. It explicitly excludes protection against liquid splash (including molten metal), hot solids, infrared/ultraviolet radiation and sports uses (e.g., fencing).

Key topics and technical requirements

• Visible light transmission: Mesh protectors must have a visible transmission factor > 20% (measured per ISO 18526-2:2020).
• Mesh aperture density: Minimum number of openings per cm:
  • 15 openings/cm for mesh face shields and mesh goggle-masks
  • 50 openings/cm for temple-style mesh spectacles (tested per ISO 18526-3:2020)
• Metal contact: Metallic parts of the mesh assembly must not contact the wearer’s head/face under test conditions (ISO 18526-3).
• Reflection: Visible reflection factor of the inner mesh surface must not exceed 10% (ISO 18526-3).
• Complementary/replacement lenses: Any added lenses must meet ISO 16321-1 impact level requirements appropriate to the mesh protector.
• Environmental/temperature considerations: Designed for normal ambient use (23 ± 5 °C) with provisions for testing at extremes (commonly −5 °C to +55 °C) where applicable.
• Durable marking and information: Marking on mesh and frames must be clear, durable and visible when assembled. Mandatory markings for the mesh and frames include the document reference (16321), manufacturer identification and impact level; frame markings must also indicate applicable head circumference and may include model ID and temperature test limits. Manufacturers must supply storage, use, cleaning, disinfection and application guidance.

Applications and users

• Typical users: PPE manufacturers, product designers, conformity assessment bodies, safety managers, procurement officers and occupational health professionals.
• Practical applications: Industrial workplaces where flying debris and fragments are the main hazard (metalworking, woodworking, grinding, some construction tasks), vocational training and educational establishments, and occupational-type DIY activities. Not suitable where splash, heat, or radiation protection is required.

Related standards

• ISO 16321-1:2021 - General requirements for eye and face protectors
• ISO 18526 series (Parts 2, 3, 4) - Test methods for optical, physical and mechanical properties
• ISO 4007 - Vocabulary for eye and face personal protective equipment
• ISO 19734 - Guidance for selection, use and maintenance (in development)

Keywords: ISO 16321-3:2021, mesh protectors, eye and face protection, occupational PPE, mesh face shields, marking requirements, performance requirements, ISO 16321 series.