The Z87+ Difference: Why High-Impact Certification is Non-Negotiable for Safety Glasses

When searching for safety eyewear, you see terms like "ANSI Z87.1" or "Z87+" everywhere. These aren't just labels; they represent the rigorous testing required to ensure your eyes are protected from serious harm. Confusing these ratings—or settling for eyewear without them—is one of the biggest safety mistakes a worker or business can make.

So, what exactly do those letters and numbers mean, and why should you never compromise on the Z87+ certification?

What is ANSI Z87.1?

The ANSI Z87.1 Standard is set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and is the definitive safety standard for occupational and educational personal eye and face protection devices in the United States.

When a pair of glasses is marked with Z87.1, it confirms they meet a general standard for features like clarity and basic coverage. However, the crucial distinction comes with the "+" sign.

The Critical Role of the Z87+ Mark

The Z87+ marking on your lenses or frame signifies that the eyewear has passed the demanding High-Impact Test. This means the glasses are rated to withstand significant force that could otherwise cause severe eye injury.

The High-Impact Tests:

1. High Mass Impact Test: A heavy, pointed projectile (simulating a blunt object like a tool handle or heavy debris) is dropped onto the lens from a specified height.

2. High Velocity Impact Test: A smaller steel ball (simulating fast-moving particles like shavings or dust) is fired at the lens at speeds of over 100 mph.

If the glasses pass (i.e., the lens does not chip, crack, or dislodge from the frame), they earn the "Z87+" mark. If they fail, they are only eligible for the basic Z87.1 rating, making them unsuitable for most industrial and construction work.

Why Z87+ is Non-Negotiable

For any application where there is a risk of flying debris, tools, or heavy impact—which covers nearly every industrial setting—only Z87+ certified eyewear provides adequate protection:

• Compliance: OSHA standards often mandate that workers wear protective eyewear that meets or exceeds the current ANSI Z87.1 standard, specifically requiring Z87+ rated eyewear for high-impact situations.

• Preventing Catastrophic Injury: The speed and force involved in the Z87+ test mirror real-world accidents (e.g., grinding wheels, chipping concrete). Basic Z87.1 eyewear is not guaranteed to hold up against these forces.

• Employee Confidence: Providing workers with certified, high-impact rated glasses (like the PIP Recon™ or Pyramex PMXSPEC® models) demonstrates a commitment to their safety, which is essential for morale and compliance.

What to Look for on Your Safety Glasses

Always check the markings on your glasses to confirm their rating:

• Z87: Meets only the basic non-impact standard.

• Z87+: Meets the high-impact standard (Non-negotiable for industrial use).

Your eyes are irreplaceable. When selecting safety eyewear, treat the Z87+ mark not as an option, but as the minimum requirement for protection on the job site.