ANSI Z87.1: A Quick Guide to Eye and Face Protection Standards:

ANSI Z87.1: A Quick Guide to Eye and Face Protection Standards

At Your Safety Company, we know that protecting your vision is non-negotiable. Eye injuries are among the most common workplace incidents, but nearly all are preventable with the correct protective eyewear. The ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 standard is the universally recognized benchmark for safety eyewear in the United States.

This guide will help you understand the critical markings on your safety glasses, goggles, and face shields, and why adhering to these standards is crucial for selecting appropriate eye and face protection.

What is ANSI/ISEA Z87.1?

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI), in conjunction with the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA), develops voluntary consensus standards for a wide range of products, including personal protective equipment (PPE).

ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 specifically sets the criteria for the design, construction, testing, and use of devices to protect eyes and face from various hazards, including:

  • Impact (from flying objects)

  • Non-ionizing radiation (e.g., UV, infrared, visible light from welding)

  • Splashes (chemical, molten metal)

  • Dust and fine particles

  • Harmful optical radiation (e.g., intense light, lasers)

Decoding the Markings: What Do They Mean?

When you look at safety eyewear, you'll find specific markings on the lens and/or frame. These markings are your key to understanding the level of protection provided.

Mandatory Markings:

  • Z87: This is the most fundamental marking. It indicates that the eyewear meets the basic impact requirements of the ANSI Z87.1 standard.

  • Z87+: This "plus" sign is crucial! It signifies that the eyewear has passed the high-impact mass and velocity tests. This means it can withstand impacts from a 1.1 lb projectile dropped from 50 inches (mass impact) and a 0.25-inch steel ball traveling at 150 ft/s (velocity impact). Always look for Z87+ for general industrial use.

Optional (But Important) Markings:

These letters indicate protection against specific hazards:

  • D3: Protection against droplets and splashes (e.g., chemical splashes). Typically found on goggles.

  • D4: Protection against dust (e.g., fine dust, powders). Also typically found on goggles.

  • D5: Protection against fine dust (e.g., very fine particles). Found on sealed eyewear.

  • U: Filters UV radiation. Followed by a number (e.g., U6) indicating the level of UV filtration. U6 is the highest.

  • L: Filters visible light (for glare reduction). Followed by a number (e.g., L3).

  • R: Filters infrared (IR) radiation. Followed by a number (e.g., R3). Common in welding shades.

  • W: Filters welding radiation. Followed by a shade number (e.g., W3, W5, W10). The higher the number, the darker the shade.

  • H: Indicates a smaller size for smaller heads.

  • V: Indicates variable tint (photochromatic lenses).

  • S: Indicates a special purpose lens (e.g., for specific color recognition).

  • X: Indicates that the eyewear is suitable for prescription lenses while still meeting the Z87.1 standard.

Frame Markings:

The frame will also have a Z87 or Z87+ marking, indicating the frame itself meets the impact requirements.

Why are These Standards Crucial?

  1. Guaranteed Protection: The markings mean the eyewear has been rigorously tested to perform under specific hazardous conditions. Without these markings, you cannot be sure the eyewear will provide adequate protection.

  2. Matching Protection to Hazard: Understanding the markings allows you to select the precise level of protection needed for the specific hazards in your workplace. For example, a welder needs W-marked lenses, while a worker handling chemicals needs D3-marked goggles.

  3. Compliance with Regulations: OSHA requires employers to ensure that workers use appropriate eye and face protection that complies with ANSI Z87.1. Using non-compliant eyewear can lead to citations and, more importantly, preventable injuries.

  4. Injury Prevention: Simply put, wearing the correct ANSI Z87.1 compliant eyewear significantly reduces the risk of serious eye injuries, including blindness, from impacts, splashes, dust, and harmful radiation.

  5. Comfort and Durability: While protection is primary, Z87.1 also addresses aspects of design that contribute to comfort and durability, encouraging eyewear that workers will actually wear and that will last.

Selecting the Appropriate Eyewear

When choosing eye and face protection, always:

  1. Identify the Hazard: What specific risks are present (impact, splash, dust, radiation)?

  2. Match the Marking: Select eyewear with the appropriate ANSI Z87.1 markings for those hazards (e.g., Z87+ for impact, D3 for splash, W for welding).

  3. Ensure Proper Fit: The eyewear must fit snugly and comfortably to provide effective protection.

  4. Consider Comfort & Style: While not a primary safety factor, comfortable and appealing eyewear is more likely to be worn consistently.

Applicable Products:

  • Safety Glasses: Look for Z87+ for high impact.

  • Safety Goggles: Look for Z87+ and potentially D3 (splashes), D4 (dust), D5 (fine dust).

  • Face Shields: Should always be worn over primary eye protection (safety glasses or goggles) and will typically be marked Z87+.

  • Welding Helmets: The lens will have a W marking followed by a shade number.

By understanding and utilizing the ANSI Z87.1 standard, you empower yourself and your team to make informed decisions about eye and face protection, ensuring a safer and more productive work environment.