Mesh visors are a type of face protection commonly used in outdoor work such as forestry, landscaping, and grounds maintenance. They are typically worn with a browguard or mounted on a compatible safety helmet. Unlike fully enclosed visors, mesh face shields offer facial protection while allowing air flow and visibility, making them comfortable to wear for long periods, especially in bright or warm environments.

Mesh visors are effective at protecting the face from flying debris while reducing issues such as glare, overheating, and misting. This makes them ideal for physically demanding tasks that require constant movement.

Standards and Testing

Mesh visors are tested and certified under EN 1731, the European Standard for mesh eye and face protectors. This standard applies to both browguard-mounted and helmet-mounted visors and includes some references to EN 166, the general standard for personal eye protection.

The key areas of testing include:

Coverage area – Ensures the visor provides adequate protection for the face.

Resistance to corrosion and ignition – Confirms durability in various working environments.

Luminous transmittance – Assesses how much light passes through the mesh for safe visibility.

Robustness – Measures the visor’s ability to resist damage during normal use.

Optional Protection

Some mesh visors may also be tested for protection against high-speed particles, although this is not a mandatory requirement.

Strength and Impact Ratings

Mesh visors are tested for impact resistance from flying particles.

A visor marked with ‘F’ has been tested to the highest level of impact resistance allowed for mesh visors.

A marking of ‘S’ indicates increased robustness, but does not make it suitable for protection against hard or sharp flying objects. Warnings regarding these limitations will be clearly stated in the product’s user instructions.

Luminous Transmittance

Luminous transmittance is the percentage of visible light that passes through the visor.

Mesh visors must meet a minimum of 20% transmittance to ensure visibility and safe working conditions.

Some may have higher transmittance levels, offering even clearer visibility.

While mesh may appear dark, it does not offer UV or sunglare protection. If protection from sunlight or UV radiation is needed, suitable eye protection (e.g. safety glasses or goggles) should be worn underneath the mesh visor.

Key points summary:

Mesh visors are suitable for outdoor tasks like forestry and landscaping.

They provide protection from flying debris while allowing ventilation and visibility.

Certified to EN 1731, with reference to EN 166 for certain safety requirements.

Tested for coverage, durability, corrosion resistance, and luminous transmittance.

Optional testing can include high-speed particle protection.

‘F’ marking = maximum impact rating for mesh visors; ‘S’ = increased robustness but not for sharp hazards.

Minimum 20% luminous transmittance ensures visibility.

Mesh visors do not protect against UV or sunglare – additional eyewear may be required.

If you need further support, please contact our Technical Support Team using the email: technical@jspsafety.com or contact us via our WhatsApp.