ISO 19734-2021 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 19734:2021 — Eye and face protection — Guidance on selection, use and maintenance. This international standard provides guidance to specifiers and users for controlling hazards to the eyes and face (physical, mechanical, chemical, optical radiation and biological) and for selecting, using and maintaining eye‑ and face‑protective equipment in occupational and similar settings.

Abstract

This document gives practical guidance for risk control and PPE selection for eye and face hazards encountered in workplaces, schools, research establishments and similar “do‑it‑yourself” activities. It explains the intended application, exclusions (for example ionizing radiation, low‑frequency radio waves, microwaves, sports/vehicular use and general sunglasses), and provides brief advice on laser protection while directing users to more detailed laser guidance. The standard is advisory in nature and complements — but does not replace — a site‑specific risk assessment.

General information

• Status: Published.
• Publication date: 26 February 2021.
• Publisher: ISO — International Organization for Standardization.
• ICS / categories: 13.340.20 (Eye and face protection).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2021).
• Number of pages: 50.

Scope

ISO 19734:2021 applies to occupational eye and face protection and to tasks similar to occupational work (including DIY), as well as to schools and research establishments. It provides guidance on the control of eye and face hazards and on the selection, correct use and maintenance of appropriate protectors. The standard explicitly excludes eye/face protection for ionizing radiation, low‑frequency radio waves, microwaves, sports or vehicular applications and general (non‑occupational) sunglasses; it also references other documents for sports eye protection and laser safety.

Key topics and requirements

• Identification and assessment of eye and face hazards (physical, mechanical, chemical, optical radiation, biological).
• Guidance on selection of suitable eye and face protectors based on hazard assessment and task requirements.
• Recommendations for correct use, fitting and user training to ensure effective protection.
• Maintenance, inspection, cleaning, storage and replacement practices for eye/face PPE.
• Limitations and exclusions of the standard (ionizing radiation, certain radio frequencies, sports/vehicular use, sunglasses) and cross‑references to more specific standards (e.g., sports, lasers).

Typical use and users

Primary users include safety managers, occupational health professionals, procurement/specification teams, PPE manufacturers and designers, training organizations, regulators and auditors. The standard is used when developing workplace PPE programs, writing procurement specifications, delivering user training, and creating maintenance and inspection procedures.

Related standards

ISO 19734:2021 references and complements related documents such as ISO 12312‑1 (sunglasses/solar filters for non‑occupational use), ISO 18527 (requirements for some sports eye protectors) and IEC/TR 60825‑14 for laser‑specific guidance; it is also aligned with the body of standards and national regulations on eye and face protection developed by ISO/TC 94/SC 6.

Keywords

eye protection, face protection, PPE, personal protective equipment, selection, use, maintenance, hazard assessment, occupational safety, ISO 19734:2021

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 19734:2021 is an international guidance standard titled "Eye and face protection — Guidance on selection, use and maintenance" that helps organizations choose and manage eye/face protective equipment.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers identification of eye and face hazards, selection of appropriate protectors, correct use (including fitting and training), and maintenance/inspection practices. It also lists exclusions and points users to other, more specific standards where needed.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Employers, safety and occupational health professionals, PPE specifiers and manufacturers, trainers, and compliance officers use the standard to inform PPE programs, procurement and training.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 19734:2021 is the first edition, published in February 2021. ISO standards are normally reviewed every five years; at the time of publication it is listed as published and subject to systematic review.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the ISO work on protective equipment under ISO/TC 94/SC 6 and is intended to be used alongside other, related standards that set specific requirements (for example standards addressing sunglasses, sports protectors or laser protection).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Eye protection, face protection, PPE, selection, maintenance, hazard assessment, occupational safety, ISO 19734.