Learn about Oakley PPE Glasses that meet EN166 standards and how they can protect you on the job.
With the focus on Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) in response to the global pandemic, Oakley is responding. Not only did Oakley release the most advanced mask on the market, but they also enhanced their current safety glasses to meet new standards including Europes EN166. We’ll walk you through the new PPE Oakleys and how they protect you on the front lines.
What are EN166 Standards?
EN166 is the European certification for personal eye protection. It is essentially the European version of America’s ANSI Z87.1. This standard is designed to your protect your eyes from damage in technical lines of work. EN166 breaks into several designations but the most common are EN166S and EN166F which we’ve broken down below:
EN166.S Glasses must meet the below criteria:
- Frame and lens must withstand the impact of a 22mm (.87 inch) steel ball weighing 43 grams (1.5 ounces) dropped from 1.3 meters (4.2 feet) at a speed of 18 km/h (~11mph)
- Lens must remain in the frame after impact
- Lens must not shatter
- Frame must not shatter
EN166.F Glasses must meet the below criteria:
- Frame and lens must withstand the impact of a 6mm (.24 inch) steel ball weighing .86 grams (.03 ounces) at a speed of 162km/h (100 mph)
Are Oakleys EN166 Certified?
Yes, with their response to COVID-19, Oakley released several “PPE” glasses, two of which specifically meet the EN166 standard. These glasses will also be marked with EN166 on the frame, typically on the earstem. This means they may also be able to be used as medical glasses or in similar settings.
You’ll also be able to easily identify these pairs on Oakley.com through the description which will specifically call out if they meet EN166. Be careful though as not all pairs (we’re looking at you Det Cord PPE), currently meet EN166.
Are prescription PPE Oakleys available?
Unfortunately as of this writing, Oakley does not offer the PPE / EN166 specific pairs with prescription lenses. While you may be able to get prescription lenses cut by your local optician you may find it very expensive.
As the EN166 designation for Oakleys is fairly new and many of these pairs have hit the public website for the first time, it would not be surprising to see prescription lens options roll out over the coming months.
Top Oakley PPE Glasses that meet EN166 Standards
Oakley currently sells their PPE glasses directly through their website. You can easily identify these pairs through the “PPE” appended to the model name. It would not be surprising to see additional Oakley models receive PPE and EN166 certification in the coming months should the market demand it.
The SI M Frame included below is also available through Oakley and Oakley Standard Issue which can provide a significant discount if you are eligible.
Industrial M Frame 3.0 PPE
One of Oakley’s most popular sport frames, this updated version of the famed M Frame brings several enhancements including anti-fog lenses with the shield design.
Features:
- Meets EN166 (EU) and ANSI Z87.1 (US) standards
- Chemical resistant O-Matter frame
- Anti-scratch coating on the outside of lenses
- Anti-fog coating on the inside of lenses to prevent fogging
SI M Frame 3.0 with Gasket PPE
Once again, using the M Frame 3.0 as the base, these glasses add the gasket to grip your face and provide additional coverage. The lenses in front of the gasket act like a face shield of sorts which made these an obvious choice for the PPE line.
While this pair holds an SI designation, it is currently available through Oakley.com as well.
Features:
- Meets EN166 (EU) and ANSI Z87.1 (US) standards
- Chemical resistant O-Matter frame
- Gasket for enhanced grip and protection
- Anti-scratch coating on the outside of lenses
- Anti-fog coating on the inside of lenses to prevent fogging
Do you own a pair of Oakley PPE glasses? Or are you interested in purchasing one that meets EN166? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
