EN 208:2009

Personal eye-protection - Eye-protectors for adjustment work on lasers and laser systems (laser adjustment eye-protectors)

This European Standard applies to laser adjustment filters and eye-protectors. These are filters and eye-protectors for use in adjustment work on lasers and laser systems as defined in EN 60825-1:2007 where hazardous radiation occurs in the visible spectral range of 400 nm to 700 nm. Filters specified in this European Standard reduce this radiation to values defined for lasers of class 2 (<= 1 mW for CW (continuous wave) lasers).
This European Standard defines the requirements, test methods and marking. A guide is given in Annex B with regard to selection and use.
EN 207 applies to eye-protection against accidental exposure to laser radiation.
NOTE   Before selecting eye protection according to this European Standard a risk assessment should first be undertaken (see Annex B).

Persönlicher Augenschutz - Augenschutzgeräte für Justierarbeiten an Lasern und Laseraufbauten (Laser-Justierbrillen)

Diese Europäische Norm gilt für Laser Justierfilter und Laser Justierbrillen. Dies sind Filter und Augenschutz¬geräte zum Einsatz bei Justierarbeiten an Lasern und Laseraufbauten nach EN 60825 1:2007, bei denen gefährliche Strahlung im sichtbaren Spektralbereich zwischen 400 nm und 700 nm auftritt. Filter nach dieser Europäischen Norm reduzieren diese Strahlung auf Werte, die für Laser der Klasse 2 ( 1 mW für Dauer¬strichlaser) festgelegt sind.
Diese Europäische Norm legt die Anforderungen, Prüfverfahren und die Kennzeichnung fest. Einen Leitfaden für die Auswahl und Benutzung enthält Anhang B.
EN 207 gilt für Augenschutzgeräte gegen zufällige Einwirkung von Laserstrahlung.
ANMERKUNG   Bevor ein Augenschutz nach dieser Europäischen Norm ausgewählt wird, sollte zuerst eine Risikobewertung durchgeführt werden (siehe Anhang B).

Protection individuelle de l'œil - Lunettes de protection pour les travaux de réglage sur les lasers et sur les systèmes laser (lunettes de réglage laser)

La présente Norme européenne s'applique aux filtres et lunettes de réglage laser. Il s’agit de filtres et de lunettes de protection utilisés pour les travaux de réglage des lasers et des systèmes laser tels que définis dans l’EN 60825-1:2007 pour lesquels le rayonnement dangereux se produit dans le domaine spectral visible compris entre 400 nm et 700 nm. Les filtres relevant de la présente Norme européenne permettent une atténuation du rayonnement jusqu'aux valeurs spécifiées pour les lasers de la classe 2 (≤ 1 mW pour les lasers continus (CW)).
La présente Norme européenne définit les spécifications, les méthodes d'essai et le marquage. Des recommandations pour le choix et l’utilisation de lunettes de protection laser figurent dans l'Annexe B.
Les lunettes de protection contre l’exposition accidentelle au rayonnement laser sont traitées dans l’EN 207.
NOTE   Avant de choisir une protection de l'œil conforme à la présente Norme européenne, il convient de réaliser au préalable une évaluation du risque (voir Annexe B).

Osebno varovanje oči - Varovala za zaščito oči pri nastavljanju laserjev in laserskih sistemov (očala za nastavitev laserjev)

Ta evropski standard velja za filtre za nastavitev laserjev in varoval za zaščito oči. To so filtri in varovala za zaščito oči za uporabo pri nastavljanju laserjev in laserskih sistemov, kot je določeno v EN 60825-1:2007, kjer prihaja do škodljivega sevanja v vidnem območju spektra od 400 nm do 700 nm. Filtri, določeni v tem evropskem standardu, znižujejo sevanje do vrednosti, ki so določene za laserje razreda 2 (≤ 1 mW za CW (trajno valovanje) laserje). Ta evropski standard določa zahteve, preskusne metode in označevanje. Vodilo v zvezi z izbiro in uporabo je podano v Dodatku B.  EN 207 velja za očala za zaščito pred nezgodno izpostavljenostjo laserskemu sevanju.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 22-Dec-2009
• Withdrawal Date: 29-Jun-2010
• ICS: 13.340.20 - Head protective equipment
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 85 - Eye-protective equipment
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 85/WG 3 - Eye protectors against laser radiations
• Current Stage: 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
• Start Date: 03-Nov-2023
• Completion Date: 14-Apr-2025
• Directive: 2016/425 - Regulation (EU) 2016/425 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on personal protective equipment and repealing Council Directive 89/686/EEC
• Directive: 89/686/EEC - Council Directive 89/686/EEC of 21 December 1989 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to personal protective equipment
• Mandate: M/031 - Standardization mandate to CEN/CENELEC concerning standards for Personal Protective Equipment
• Ref Project: SIST EN 208:2010 - Personal eye-protection - Eye-protectors for adjustment work on lasers and laser systems (laser adjustment eye-protectors)

Relations

• Replaces: EN 208:1998 - Personal eye-protection - Eye-protectors for adjustment work on lasers and laser systems (laser adjustment eye-protectors)
• Effective Date: 08-Jun-2022
• Replaces: EN 208:1998/A1:2002 - Personal eye-protection - Eye-protectors for adjustment work on lasers and laser systems (laser adjustment eye-protectors)
• Effective Date: 26-Dec-2009

Overview

EN 208:2009 - published by CEN - specifies requirements, test methods and marking for laser adjustment filters and eye‑protectors (laser adjustment eye‑protectors). It applies to adjustment work on lasers and laser systems (as defined in EN 60825‑1) where hazardous radiation occurs in the visible spectral range (400–700 nm). Filters covered by EN 208 reduce visible output to levels equivalent to Class 2 continuous‑wave lasers (≤ 1 mW). Annex B gives guidance on selection and use; a risk assessment is recommended before choosing protection.

Key topics and technical requirements

EN 208 defines performance, testing and user information for laser adjustment eye‑protectors. Major technical topics include:

• Spectral transmittance - Filters are classified by scale numbers (RB series) and must meet specified spectral transmittance limits at laser wavelengths.
• Luminous transmittance - Minimum luminous transmission requirements (typically ≥ 20% relative to D65). Lower values may be accepted if the manufacturer provides workplace illumination guidance.
• Resistance to laser radiation - Filters and frames must withstand specified power/energy densities without losing protective effect; tests cover CW and pulsed lasers and check for induced transmission or splintering.
• Optical quality and refractive limits - Limits on optical distortion and refractive values ensure the filter/eye‑protector does not impair vision during adjustment tasks.
• Durability and stability - Requirements for stability to ultraviolet exposure and elevated temperatures (e.g., limits on relative change in luminous transmittance), plus resistance to ignition by hot surfaces.
• Field of vision and construction - Minimum clear field of vision (at least 40° vertical and horizontal per eye) and frame design to prevent side penetration of laser radiation.
• Mechanical strength, marking and manufacturer information - Tests and minimum robustness (aligned with EN 166), required product marking, and user instructions including selection guidance in Annex B.

Practical applications

EN 208 is used to specify and verify PPE intended for deliberate adjustment and alignment of laser systems in which visible laser radiation is present. Typical practical applications:

• Adjustment and alignment work on laboratory, production or medical lasers
• Commissioning and service work where technicians need clear visibility while being protected
• Situations where controlled, intentional exposure during setup is required and where protection to Class 2 equivalent is appropriate

Who uses this standard

• PPE manufacturers and product designers developing laser adjustment filters and spectacles
• Test laboratories certifying eye‑protection performance
• Laser safety officers, occupational health & safety managers, and service technicians selecting PPE for laser alignment tasks
• Procurement and compliance teams ensuring equipment meets CEN requirements

Related standards

• EN 60825‑1 (laser classification and safety)
• EN 207 (eye‑protection against accidental laser exposure)
• EN 166, EN 167, EN 168 (personal eye‑protection specifications and test methods)
• Relevant ISO colorimetry standards (e.g., ISO 11664)

Keywords: EN 208:2009, laser adjustment eye‑protectors, personal eye‑protection, laser filters, visible spectral range, laser safety, CEN.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-marec-2010
1DGRPHãþD
SIST EN 208:1999
SIST EN 208:1999/A1:2003
2VHEQRYDURYDQMHRþL9DURYDOD]D]DãþLWRRþLSULQDVWDYOMDQMXODVHUMHYLQ
ODVHUVNLKVLVWHPRYRþDOD]DQDVWDYLWHYODVHUMHY
Personal eye-protection - Eye-protectors for adjustment work on lasers and laser
systems (laser adjustment eye-protectors)
Persönlicher Augenschutz - Augenschutzgeräte für Justierarbeiten an Lasern und
Laseraufbauten (Laser-Justierbrillen)
Protection individuelle de l'oeil - Lunettes de protection pour les travaux de réglage sur
les lasers et sur les systèmes laser (lunettes de réglage laser)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 208:2009
ICS:
13.340.20 Varovalna oprema za glavo Head protective equipment
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN 208
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
December 2009
ICS 13.340.20 Supersedes EN 208:1998
English Version
Personal eye-protection - Eye-protectors for adjustment work on
lasers and laser systems (laser adjustment eye-protectors)
Protection individuelle de l'œil - Lunettes de protection pour Persönlicher Augenschutz - Augenschutzgeräte für
les travaux de réglage sur les lasers et sur les systèmes Justierarbeiten an Lasern und Laseraufbauten (Laser-
laser (lunettes de réglage laser) Justierbrillen)
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 21 November 2009.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the CEN Management Centre or to any CEN member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN Management Centre has the same status as the
official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland,
France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,
Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels
© 2009 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 208:2009: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
Foreword .3
1 Scope .4
2 Normative references .4
3 Requirements .4
3.1 Spectral transmittance of filters and frames .4
3.2 Luminous transmittance of filters .5
3.3 Resistance of filters and frames to laser radiation .5
3.4 Refractive values of filters and eye-protectors .6
3.5 Quality of material and surface of filters .6
3.6 Stability of filters and eye-protectors to ultraviolet radiation and to elevated temperature .6
3.7 Resistance of filters and frames to ignition by contact with hot surfaces .7
3.8 Field of vision of eye-protectors .7
3.9 Construction of filters .7
3.10 Construction of frames .7
3.11 Mechanical strength of eye-protectors.7
4 Testing .8
4.1 General .8
4.2 Spectral transmittance of filters and frames .9
4.3 Luminous transmittance of filters .9
4.4 Resistance of filters and frames to laser radiation .9
4.5 Refractive value of filters and eye-protectors .9
4.6 Quality of material and surface of filters . 10
4.7 Stability to UV radiation and stability to elevated temperature . 10
4.8 Resistance of filters and frames to ignition by contact with hot surfaces . 10
4.9 Field of vision of eye-protectors . 10
4.10 Determination of the protected range. 10
4.11 Frames . 10
4.12 Mechanical strength . 10
5 Information supplied by the manufacturer . 11
6 Marking . 11
Annex A (informative) Principle . 14
A.1 Class 2 lasers . 14
A.2 Beam reduction and time base . 14
A.3 Resistance to laser radiation . 14
A.4 Example test report . 16
Annex B (informative) Recommended use of laser adjustment eye-protectors . 18
B.1 General . 18
B.2 Continuous wave lasers . 18
B.3 Pulsed lasers . 19
Annex C (informative) Significant technical changes between this European Standard and the
previous edition . 21
Annex ZA (informative) Relationship between this European Standard and the Essential
Requirements of EU Directive 89/686/EEC . 22
Bibliography . 23

Foreword
This document (EN 208:2009) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 85 “Eye protective
equipment”, the secretariat of which is held by AFNOR.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical
text or by endorsement, at the latest by June 2010, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at
the latest by June 2010.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes EN 208:1998.
This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the
European Free Trade Association, and supports essential requirements of EU Directive(s).
For relationship with EU Directive(s), see informative Annex ZA, which is an integral part of this document.
The significant technical changes between this European Standard and the previous edition are detailed in
Annex C.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
1 Scope
This European Standard applies to laser adjustment filters and eye-protectors. These are filters and eye-
protectors for use in adjustment work on lasers and laser systems as defined in EN 60825-1:2007 where
hazardous radiation occurs in the visible spectral range of 400 nm to 700 nm. Filters specified in this
European Standard reduce this radiation to values defined for lasers of class 2 (≤ 1 mW for CW (continuous
wave) lasers).
This European Standard defines the requirements, test methods and marking. A guide is given in Annex B
with regard to selection and use.
EN 207 applies to eye-protection against accidental exposure to laser radiation.
NOTE Before selecting eye protection according to this European Standard a risk assessment should first be
undertaken (see Annex B).
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 166:2001, Personal eye-protection — Specifications
EN 167:2001, Personal eye-protection — Optical test methods
EN 168:2001, Personal eye-protection — Non-optical test methods
EN 207:2009, Personal eye-protection equipment — Filters and eye-protectors against laser radiation (laser
eye-protectors)
ISO 11664-1:2007, Colorimetry — Part 1: CIE standard colorimetric observers
ISO 11664-2:2007, Colorimetry — Part 2: CIE standard illuminants
3 Requirements
3.1 Spectral transmittance of filters and frames
When tested according to 4.2, the spectral transmittance values of the filters and the frames for the laser
wavelength shall be as given in Table 1.
Table 1 — Scale numbers, spectral transmittance and maximum laser power
Scale number Spectral transmittance CW and pulse Pulse lasers with
lasers with a a pulse duration
-9
Filter Frame
pulse duration of of > 10 s to
-4 -4
≥ 2 ×××× 10 s 2 ×××× 10 s
Maximum laser Maximum pulse
power energy
W J
-6
-2 -1 -1
RB 1 0,01 2 ×× 10
10 < τ (λ) ≤ 10 τ (λ) ≤ 10 ××
-3 -2 -2 -5
RB 2 0,1
10 < τ (λ) ≤ 10 τ (λ) ≤ 10 2 ×××× 10
-4
-4 -3 -3
RB 3 1 2 ×× 10
10 < τ (λ) ≤ 10 τ (λ) ≤ 10 ××
-5 -4 -4 -3
RB 4 10
10 < τ (λ) ≤ 10 τ (λ) ≤ 10 2 ×××× 10
-6 -5 -5 -2
RB 5 100
10 < τ (λ) ≤ 10 τ (λ) ≤ 10 2 ×××× 10

3.2 Luminous transmittance of filters
When tested in accordance with 4.3, the luminous transmittance of the filter relative to the D65 standard
illuminant (see ISO 11664-2:2007) shall be at least 20 %. However, luminous transmittance lower than
20 % can be accepted provided that the manufacturer supplies information related to the increase of the
intensity of illumination at the relevant workplace in accordance with Clause 5.
3.3 Resistance of filters and frames to laser radiation
When tested according to 4.4, the filters and frames shall meet the requirements of 3.1 and shall not lose their
protective effect under the influence of laser radiation of the power (E) or energy density (H) as specified in
Table 2 for a period of at least 5 s and for 50 pulses in case of pulsed lasers. The values of energy density (H)
-1/4
for testing the resistance against laser radiation for pulsed lasers should be multiplied with the factor N ,
-9 -4
where N is the number of pulses in 5 s, if the pulse durations is between 10 and 2 × 10 s and the pulse
-1
series is fast (frequency > 0,1 s ). The eye-protector shall not show any induced transmission (reversible
bleaching). No splinters shall come away from the side of the filter facing the eye under the influence of the
laser radiation. Any melting or other damage of the surface during the course of irradiation is not considered
negative if the protective effect is still maintained.
Table 2 — Power density and energy density for testing
Scale number Power density E Energy density H
2 2
W/m J/m
RB 1 2
1 × 10
RB 2 20
1 × 10
RB 3 200
1 × 10
RB 4 2 000
1 × 10
RB 5 20 000
1 × 10
3.4 Refractive values of filters and eye-protectors
When tested in accordance with 4.5, the maximum refractive values of filters and eye-protectors with no
corrective effect shall be as given in Table 3. They apply for the range specified in EN 166.
Table 3 — Maximum refractive values of filters and eye-protectors with no corrective effect
Spherical power Astigmatic power Prismatic power difference

horizontal vertical
base out base in
-1 -1
m m
cm/m cm/m cm/m
± 0,09 0,09 0,75 0,25 0,25
3.5 Quality of material and surface of filters
3.5.1 Material and surface defects
The material and surface defects of filters shall be tested in accordance with 4.6.1.
Except for a marginal area of 5 mm wide, filters shall be free from any material or surface defects likely to
impair the intended use, such as bubbles, scratches, inclusions, dull spots, mould marks, scoring or other
defects originating from the manufacturing process. No holes are allowed anywhere in the filters.
3.5.2 Diffusion of light
The reduced luminous coefficient l* of a filter, determined in accordance with 4.6.2, shall not be greater than
cd / m
l * = 0,50 (1)
lx
3.6 Stability of filters and eye-protectors to ultraviolet radiation and to elevated temperature
3.6.1 Stability to ultraviolet radiation
When exposed to ultraviolet radiation in accordance with 4.7.1, the properties of filters and eye-protectors
shall not change to such an extent that they can no longer satisfy the requirements of 3.1, 3.2, 3.4 and 3.5.
The relative change in the luminous transmittance shall not exceed 10 %.
∆τ
v
≤10% (2)
τ
v
The spectral transmittance for the laser wavelengths shall, however, in no case exceed the maximum spectral
transmittance corresponding to the indicated scale number (see Table 1).
3.6.2 Stability to elevated temperature
After exposure to elevated temperature in accordance to 4.7.2, filters and eye-protectors shall satisfy the
requirements of 3.1, 3.2, 3.4 and 3.5. The relative change in the luminous transmittance shall not exceed 5 %.
∆τ
v
≤ 5 % (3)
τ
v
The spectral transmittance for the laser wavelengths shall, however, in no case exceed the maximum spectral
transmittance corresponding to the indicated scale number (see Table 1).
3.7 Resistance of filters and frames to ignition by contact with hot surfaces
When tested in accordance with 4.8, the filters and frames shall not ignite or continue to glow.
3.8 Field of vision of eye-protectors
Eye-protectors shall have a clear field of vision of at least 40° in the vertical and horizontal directions for each
eye when measured in accordance with 4.9.
3.9 Construction of filters
Filters shall be constructed so that when tested in accordance with 4.4 followed by a visual inspection no
splinters are detached from the side of the filter facing the eye. If the filters consist of several individual filters,
they shall be assembled in such a way that they cannot be interchanged.
3.10 Construction of frames
3.10.1 Filters shall not be interchangeable in the frame. An exception is possible if the protection to laser
radiation is determined only by the filter(s) and no part of the frame lies inside the protected range as defined
below. In such a case the marking of the eye-protector shall be on the filter(s) and there is no requirement for
the frame to satisfy 3.3 on resistance to laser radiation.
3.10.2 The frame shall be designed so that no laser radiation can penetrate from the side. This requirement
is met if for the horizontal angle range α from - 50° (nasal side) to + 90° (temporal side) the vertical angle β
range is protected within the following limit angles in degrees (°).
The upward limit β of the protected range shall be:
u
2 4
−6
β =55 −0,0013()α −12 −1,3 ×10()α −12 (4)
u
The downward limit β of the protected range shall be:
l
2 4
−5 −6
β = −70 +10()α −12 +2,3×10(α −22) (5)
l
Testing shall be done in accordance with 4.10.
3.11 Mechanical strength of eye-protectors
3.11.1 Basic requirement
Filters for protection against laser radiation shall satisfy the requirement for minimum robustness as specified
in 7.1.4.1 of EN 166:2001.
The frames of the eye-protectors shall satisfy the requirements of 7.1.4.2 or 7.2.2 of EN 166:2001.
3.11.2 Optional requirement
If the mechanical strength of filters and eye-protectors against laser radiation is to satisfy more stringent
requirements, the requirements specified in 7.1.4.2 and 7.2.2 of EN 166:2001 shall be met.
4 Testing
4.1 General
The testing schedule in Table 4 shall be applied to testing of filters, frames and complete eye-protectors for
laser adjustment work. The sequences of testing 1 to 9 and 13 to 16 may be changed. At least 16 filters or
eight complete eye-protectors are required for testing. If testing for several wavelengths (wavelength ranges)
or testing conditions according to 4.4 and/or several optional requirements has to be done, more than
16 samples may be necessary.
Table 4 — Test schedule for filters, frames and complete eye-protectors for laser adjustment work
Order Requirements According Number of filter/frame samples
of to Clause
3 3 10 Depends on
testing
specification/requirement
1 Marking 6 + +
2 Material and 3.5.1 + +
surface defects
...