GB 38696-2025 Eye and face protection—Intense light sources(non-laser) protectors English, Anglais, Englisch, Inglés, えいご
This is a draft translation for reference among interesting stakeholders. The finalized translation (passing thorugh draft translation, self-check, revision and varification) will be delivered upon being ordered.
ICS 13.340.99 CCS C 73
People's Republic of China National Standard
GB 38696-2025
Replaced GB/T 38696.1-2020, GB/T 38696.2-2020
Eye and face protection — Intense light sources (non-laser) protectors
Issued on August 29, 2025
Implemented on September 1, 2026
Issued by
State Administration for Market Regulation
Standardization Administration of China
Contents
Foreword
1 Scope
2 Normative references
3 Terms and definitions
4 Classification
5 General requirements
6 Geometrical optical requirements
7 Physical optical requirements
8 Non-optical requirements
9 Test methods
10 Marking
11 Instructions for use
Appendix A (Normative) Spectral distribution function
Appendix B (Informative) Guidelines for use of intense light source protectors
Appendix C (Informative) Exposure limits and hazard classification of intense light sources
Appendix D (Informative) Retinal thermal hazard — Assessment procedure
Appendix E (Informative) Retinal thermal damage — Example calculations
Appendix F (Informative) Filter protection factor (FPF)
References
Eye and face protection — Intense light sources (non-laser) protectors
1 Scope
This document specifies the classification, general requirements, geometrical optical requirements, physical optical requirements, non-optical requirements, marking, instructions for use of intense light source (non-laser) protectors, and describes corresponding test methods.
This document applies to eye protectors against hazards from intense light sources with radiation wavelengths between 250 nm and 3,000 nm.
This document does not apply to welding protectors, laser protectors, sunglasses, ophthalmic instrument components, or components installed on sunbathing and other medical cosmetology equipment.
2 Normative references
The following documents contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute essential provisions of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies; for undated references, the latest edition (including any amendments) applies.
GB 14866—2023 General technical specifications for eye and face protectors
GB/T 30042—2013 Personal protective equipment — Eye and face protection — Terminology
GB/T 32166.2—2015 Personal protective equipment — Eye and face protection — Occupational eye and face protectors — Part 2: Measurement methods
GB/T 38009 Spectacle frames — Technical requirements and test methods for nickel release
GB 45185—2024 Ophthalmic products — Safety technical specifications for finished spectacles
3 Terms and definitions
Terms and definitions as defined in GB/T 30042—2013 and the following apply to this document.
3.1 Blue light hazard (BLH)
Retinal damage caused by photochemical reactions induced by optical radiation with wavelengths between 300 nm and 700 nm.
3.2 Filter protection factor (FPF)
Degree of optical radiation attenuation by the filter.
3.3 Infra-red lens hazard
Thermal damage to the cornea and lens caused by optical radiation with wavelengths between 780 nm and 3,000 nm.
3.4 Intense light source (ILS)
Non-laser light source containing one or more radiation wavelengths between 250 nm and 3,000 nm that can produce damage or intended biological effects on humans and animals.
Note: Intense light sources can operate in continuous or pulsed modes.
3.5 Retinal thermal hazard
Retinal thermal damage caused by optical radiation with wavelengths between 380 nm and 1,400 nm.
3.6 Ultraviolet hazard
Acute or chronic damage to skin and eyes caused by optical radiation with wavelengths between 250 nm and 400 nm.
3.7 Opaque eye protector
Protector composed of media with maximum spectral transmittance not exceeding 0.01% in the wavelength range of 250 nm to 3,000 nm.
Note: This medium is typically made of metal or extremely dark-colored materials.
3.8 Spherical power
Arithmetic mean of the focal powers in the two principal meridians of a lens.
3.9 Astigmatic power
Absolute value of the difference in focal powers between the two principal meridians of a lens.
Note: The absolute value of cylindrical power equals astigmatic power, with cylindrical power usually denoted by symbol C.
3.10 Intense light source protector with auto-darkening filter
Protector that can rapidly switch its characteristic number from a lower value (light state) to a higher value (dark state) when intense light is generated during work, and maintain the dark state while intense light persists.
4 Classification
According to purpose and transmittance characteristics, intense light source protectors are classified into:
a) General-purpose intense light source protectors (Class F);
b) Blue light intense light source protectors (Class B);
c) Opaque protectors (Class D).
5 General requirements
5.1 Biocompatibility
Intense light source protectors shall meet requirements for intended use and environment without factors that may affect wearer's health or safety.
Manufacturers shall ensure material release does not harm wearer's skin, verified through material safety test reports from suppliers.
For metal components in prolonged direct skin contact, nickel release shall not exceed 0.5 μg/(cm²·week) when tested according to GB/T 38009.
5.2 Structure and adjustment
No protrusions, sharp edges or other defects causing discomfort or injury shall exist on parts contacting wearers.
Adjustable or removable components shall be easily adjusted, removed and reattached without tools per manufacturer's instructions.
Visual inspection and manual examination shall be conducted.
6 Geometrical optical requirements
6.1 Field of view
When tested per method in 9.2, protectors in wearing position shall provide minimum 40° temporal and nasal horizontal fields, and 40° superior and inferior vertical fields at corneal vertex of each eye.
Class D protectors are exempt.
6.2 Refractive power and prismatic power (plano lenses)
6.2.1 Spherical power, astigmatic power and prismatic power
Tested per GB/T 32166.2—2015 clause 5.1, values shall comply with Table 1. Telescope method is arbitration method.
Class D protectors are exempt.
Table 1 Spherical power, astigmatic power and prismatic power
6.2.2 Spatial distortion
When double images or distortions appear per GB/T 32166.2—2015 clause 5.1.2, further evaluation per 9.3 shall show no irregular distortions affecting vision.
Class D protectors are exempt.
Standard
GB 38696-2025 Eye and face protection—Intense light sources(non-laser) protectors (English Version)
Standard No.
GB 38696-2025
Status
to be valid
Language
English
File Format
PDF
Word Count
20000 words
Price(USD)
600.0
Implemented on
2026-9-1
Delivery
via email in 1~8 business day
Detail of GB 38696-2025
Standard No.
GB 38696-2025
English Name
Eye and face protection—Intense light sources(non-laser) protectors
GB 38696-2025 Eye and face protection—Intense light sources(non-laser) protectors English, Anglais, Englisch, Inglés, えいご
This is a draft translation for reference among interesting stakeholders. The finalized translation (passing thorugh draft translation, self-check, revision and varification) will be delivered upon being ordered.
ICS 13.340.99 CCS C 73
People's Republic of China National Standard
GB 38696-2025
Replaced GB/T 38696.1-2020, GB/T 38696.2-2020
Eye and face protection — Intense light sources (non-laser) protectors
Issued on August 29, 2025
Implemented on September 1, 2026
Issued by
State Administration for Market Regulation
Standardization Administration of China
Contents
Foreword
1 Scope
2 Normative references
3 Terms and definitions
4 Classification
5 General requirements
6 Geometrical optical requirements
7 Physical optical requirements
8 Non-optical requirements
9 Test methods
10 Marking
11 Instructions for use
Appendix A (Normative) Spectral distribution function
Appendix B (Informative) Guidelines for use of intense light source protectors
Appendix C (Informative) Exposure limits and hazard classification of intense light sources
Appendix D (Informative) Retinal thermal hazard — Assessment procedure
Appendix E (Informative) Retinal thermal damage — Example calculations
Appendix F (Informative) Filter protection factor (FPF)
References
Eye and face protection — Intense light sources (non-laser) protectors
1 Scope
This document specifies the classification, general requirements, geometrical optical requirements, physical optical requirements, non-optical requirements, marking, instructions for use of intense light source (non-laser) protectors, and describes corresponding test methods.
This document applies to eye protectors against hazards from intense light sources with radiation wavelengths between 250 nm and 3,000 nm.
This document does not apply to welding protectors, laser protectors, sunglasses, ophthalmic instrument components, or components installed on sunbathing and other medical cosmetology equipment.
2 Normative references
The following documents contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute essential provisions of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies; for undated references, the latest edition (including any amendments) applies.
GB 14866—2023 General technical specifications for eye and face protectors
GB/T 30042—2013 Personal protective equipment — Eye and face protection — Terminology
GB/T 32166.2—2015 Personal protective equipment — Eye and face protection — Occupational eye and face protectors — Part 2: Measurement methods
GB/T 38009 Spectacle frames — Technical requirements and test methods for nickel release
GB 45185—2024 Ophthalmic products — Safety technical specifications for finished spectacles
3 Terms and definitions
Terms and definitions as defined in GB/T 30042—2013 and the following apply to this document.
3.1 Blue light hazard (BLH)
Retinal damage caused by photochemical reactions induced by optical radiation with wavelengths between 300 nm and 700 nm.
3.2 Filter protection factor (FPF)
Degree of optical radiation attenuation by the filter.
3.3 Infra-red lens hazard
Thermal damage to the cornea and lens caused by optical radiation with wavelengths between 780 nm and 3,000 nm.
3.4 Intense light source (ILS)
Non-laser light source containing one or more radiation wavelengths between 250 nm and 3,000 nm that can produce damage or intended biological effects on humans and animals.
Note: Intense light sources can operate in continuous or pulsed modes.
3.5 Retinal thermal hazard
Retinal thermal damage caused by optical radiation with wavelengths between 380 nm and 1,400 nm.
3.6 Ultraviolet hazard
Acute or chronic damage to skin and eyes caused by optical radiation with wavelengths between 250 nm and 400 nm.
3.7 Opaque eye protector
Protector composed of media with maximum spectral transmittance not exceeding 0.01% in the wavelength range of 250 nm to 3,000 nm.
Note: This medium is typically made of metal or extremely dark-colored materials.
3.8 Spherical power
Arithmetic mean of the focal powers in the two principal meridians of a lens.
3.9 Astigmatic power
Absolute value of the difference in focal powers between the two principal meridians of a lens.
Note: The absolute value of cylindrical power equals astigmatic power, with cylindrical power usually denoted by symbol C.
3.10 Intense light source protector with auto-darkening filter
Protector that can rapidly switch its characteristic number from a lower value (light state) to a higher value (dark state) when intense light is generated during work, and maintain the dark state while intense light persists.
4 Classification
According to purpose and transmittance characteristics, intense light source protectors are classified into:
a) General-purpose intense light source protectors (Class F);
b) Blue light intense light source protectors (Class B);
c) Opaque protectors (Class D).
5 General requirements
5.1 Biocompatibility
Intense light source protectors shall meet requirements for intended use and environment without factors that may affect wearer's health or safety.
Manufacturers shall ensure material release does not harm wearer's skin, verified through material safety test reports from suppliers.
For metal components in prolonged direct skin contact, nickel release shall not exceed 0.5 μg/(cm²·week) when tested according to GB/T 38009.
5.2 Structure and adjustment
No protrusions, sharp edges or other defects causing discomfort or injury shall exist on parts contacting wearers.
Adjustable or removable components shall be easily adjusted, removed and reattached without tools per manufacturer's instructions.
Visual inspection and manual examination shall be conducted.
6 Geometrical optical requirements
6.1 Field of view
When tested per method in 9.2, protectors in wearing position shall provide minimum 40° temporal and nasal horizontal fields, and 40° superior and inferior vertical fields at corneal vertex of each eye.
Class D protectors are exempt.
6.2 Refractive power and prismatic power (plano lenses)
6.2.1 Spherical power, astigmatic power and prismatic power
Tested per GB/T 32166.2—2015 clause 5.1, values shall comply with Table 1. Telescope method is arbitration method.
Class D protectors are exempt.
Table 1 Spherical power, astigmatic power and prismatic power
6.2.2 Spatial distortion
When double images or distortions appear per GB/T 32166.2—2015 clause 5.1.2, further evaluation per 9.3 shall show no irregular distortions affecting vision.
Class D protectors are exempt.
