01
Purpose
EN 169:2002 is a legacy performance/transmittance reference for welding filters. BSI lists EN 169:2002 among withdrawn standards replaced by the EN ISO 16321 suite; EN ISO 16321-2 is the current main reference for new welding protectors.
Eye ProtectionTECHNICAL PPE LIBRARY
EN 169
EN 169 Legacy Welding Filter Reference
EN 169:2002 is a legacy performance/transmittance reference for welding filters. BSI lists EN 169:2002 among withdrawn standards replaced by the EN ISO 16321 suite; EN ISO 16321-2 is the current main reference for new welding protectors.
Product type
Legacy welding filter
Field focus
Code + product + conditions of use
TECHNICAL PRODUCT IDENTITY
EN 169
SHADEShade/scaleEN ISO 16321-2Current referenceAlways verify the actual product label, manufacturer technical documentation and conformity markings.
02
Typical use
Field identification of existing EN 169-marked welding filters and comparison with current EN ISO 16321-2 when selecting new products.
03
What to look for?
On legacy products read the filter scale/shade number and manufacturer marking; for new products/certification verify EN ISO 16321-2 and the manufacturer filter-selection table.
CLASSES & SELECTION LOGIC
Technical classes in this standard
A class code is not a selection decision by itself. Interpret it together with task-specific risk assessment and manufacturer data.
LEGACY
Legacy reference
EN 169:2002 is withdrawn; legacy product markings may still be encountered.
CURRENT
EN ISO 16321-2
Current specialist standard for new welding eye/face protectors.
READ THE PRODUCT LABEL
Code & marking decoder
SHADEShade/scaleFilter level is selected from manufacturer guidance for process parameters.EN ISO 16321-2Current referenceCurrent welding-protection standard for new products/certification.
READ THE PRODUCT IN THE FIELD
Where is the standard marking found?
Location varies by manufacturer and design. These are the first places to check; final verification must use the actual product and manufacturer documentation.
1
Scale/shade and manufacturer marking on legacy welding filter
The marking should be legible, durable and match the product.
STANDARD FAMILY
Standards often reviewed together
EN 169:2002Withdrawn welding-filter reference
EN ISO 16321-2Current welding-protector standard
COMMONLY CONFUSED
They are not the same thing
Legacy EN 169 ≠ new certification
Current EN ISO 16321 series must be verified for new products.
WRONG-SELECTION EXAMPLE
A typical field mistake
Assuming a filter is current and task-suitable from a legacy shade code.
Why is this a problem?
Standard status and process parameters require separate checks.
Better approach
Check manufacturer documentation, EN ISO 16321-2 and process parameters.
WHERE IN THE FIELD?
Typical applications
01
Legacy filter identification
02
Welding filter selection
HSE FIELD CHECK
30-second field check
Use for quick pre-checks. It does not replace certification, competent inspection or task-specific risk assessment.
CHECK FOCUS
Any scratch, crack or heat damage?
CRITICAL MISTAKE
Assuming a filter is current and task-suitable from a legacy shade code.
BETTER APPROACH
Check manufacturer documentation, EN ISO 16321-2 and process parameters.
1
Any scratch, crack or heat damage?
2
Is shade suitable for the process?
3
Has the current standard been verified for a new product?
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