01
Purpose
EN 1731:2006 is the withdrawn legacy product standard for mesh eye and face protectors. The current reference is EN ISO 16321-3:2022+A1:2026, used with EN ISO 16321-1 for mesh protectors against mechanical particle hazards.
Eye / Face ProtectionTECHNICAL PPE LIBRARY
EN 1731
EN 1731 Legacy Mesh Eye and Face Protector Reference
EN 1731:2006 is the withdrawn legacy product standard for mesh eye and face protectors. The current reference is EN ISO 16321-3:2022+A1:2026, used with EN ISO 16321-1 for mesh protectors against mechanical particle hazards.
Product type
Legacy mesh eye/face protector
Field focus
Code + product + conditions of use
TECHNICAL PRODUCT IDENTITY
EN 1731
EN 1731Legacy standardEN ISO 16321-3Current referenceAlways verify the actual product label, manufacturer technical documentation and conformity markings.
02
Typical use
Identification of mesh visors for forestry, brush cutting and flying-particle hazards; mesh alone is not suitable for liquid splash, UV/IR or molten-metal hazards.
03
What to look for?
Check product/manufacturer information on existing EN 1731-marked products; for new selection verify current EN ISO 16321-3 marking and suitability for the mechanical hazard.
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.
MESH
Mesh protector
Mesh construction for mechanical hazards such as flying particles and fragments.
LIMIT
Scope limit
Not suitable alone for liquid splash, UV/IR or molten metal.
READ THE PRODUCT LABEL
Code & marking decoder
EN 1731Legacy standardMay appear on legacy products.EN ISO 16321-3Current referenceCurrent standard for new mesh protectors.
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
Marking on legacy mesh visor/frame
The marking should be legible, durable and match the product.
2
EN ISO 16321-3 marking on new product
The marking should be legible, durable and match the product.
STANDARD FAMILY
Standards often reviewed together
EN 1731:2006Withdrawn mesh-protector reference
EN ISO 16321-3:2022+A1:2026Current mesh-protector reference
COMMONLY CONFUSED
They are not the same thing
Mesh ≠ splash/UV protection
Mesh targets mechanical particles; open structure does not stop liquids or optical radiation.
WRONG-SELECTION EXAMPLE
A typical field mistake
Using a mesh visor alone for grinding or chemical splash.
Why is this a problem?
The hazard may fall outside mesh-protector scope.
Better approach
Select a solid visor/eyewear or combination appropriate to the actual hazard.
WHERE IN THE FIELD?
Typical applications
01
Forestry
02
Brush cutting
03
Flying particles
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
Is mesh crushed, torn or distorted?
CRITICAL MISTAKE
Using a mesh visor alone for grinding or chemical splash.
BETTER APPROACH
Select a solid visor/eyewear or combination appropriate to the actual hazard.
1
Is mesh crushed, torn or distorted?
2
Is visor mounting secure?
3
Is the hazard within mesh-protector scope?
RELATED SERNEM RESOURCES