Understanding ANSI Z87.1: What It Means for Eye Protection

When choosing eyewear for job protection, one acronym you’ll often see is ANSI Z87.1. But what does it mean — and why does it matter? In this article, we’ll explore the meaning, scope, testing, markings, and practical applications of the ANSI Z87.1 standard, enabling you to choose protective eyewear with confidence.

What Is ANSI Z87.1?

ANSI stands for the American National Standards Institute, and Z87.1 (more formally ANSI/ISEA Z87.1) is the standard for Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices.

Essentially, this standard defines the minimum criteria that safety eyewear (glasses, goggles, shields) must meet to protect against hazards like impact, chemical splash, or harmful radiation in workplace or educational settings.

The version currently in force is ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2020 (revised from earlier editions).

Under this standard, a device must meet performance requirements, pass testing procedures, carry permanent markings, and adhere to rules for selection, use, maintenance, and care.

It covers hazards such as:

• High-velocity impact (flying debris, fragments)
  
• Non-ionising radiation (e.g. UV)
  
• Splash or liquid exposure
  
• Dust and fine particulate matter

Note: Some hazards—like X-rays, lasers, or biological pathogens—are not covered by ANSI Z87.1.

Why ANSI Z87.1 Matters (to Workers, Employers, and Safety)

Regulatory & Compliance

While ANSI Z87.1 is technically a voluntary standard, many workplace safety regulations (for example, OSHA in the U.S.) refer to it as the measure of acceptable eye protection. Under 29 CFR 1910.133 (Eye and Face Protection), OSHA requires protective eyewear to meet standards like ANSI Z87.1.

Thus, using eyewear that lacks proper certification can put employers in violation of workplace safety laws and place workers at risk of injury.

Safety Assurance

A pair of glasses marked as Z87.1 (especially Z87+) has undergone rigorous testing for impact, durability, optical clarity, and other key performance metrics. That ensures they’re not just “plain glasses” but eyewear made to protect. Many everyday sunglasses or eyeglasses lack those protections.

Having that standardised benchmark makes it easier for procurement, safety officers, and end users to know what level of protection is being delivered.

User Confidence & Accountability

When workers see clear markings and know the testing behind them, it helps ensure they trust and consistently use the protective eyewear. It also enables supervisors and safety officers to verify compliance in the field.

Key Requirements & Testing Under ANSI Z87.1

ANSI Z87.1 outlines the performance measures and tests that protective eyewear must meet. Below are the major categories and their respective requirements.

Impact & Penetration Resistance

The most critical test: can the lens/frame withstand high-velocity impacts without failing or sending shards toward the eye?

• Under the standard, devices labelled as “impact protectors” must pass high-impact tests.
  
• When a product meets these tests, it carries an extra “+” sign (e.g. Z87+) to denote high-impact protection.
  
• If a product only meets basic optical requirements but fails full impact testing, it may simply carry the “Z87” designation (without a plus).

Optical Quality & Distortion Limits

Even protective eyewear must not unduly distort vision. The lenses should meet clarity and distortion tolerances. The standard demands that they maintain good optical quality even after impact or other stress.

Coverage & Design

The standard dictates minimum coverage zones to shield the eyes not only from frontal hazards but also from lateral or peripheral threats. Side shields or wraparound designs are often required in many environments.

Eyewear must also be durable, comfortable, and compatible with prescription lenses or over-glass wear when needed.

Markings & Identification

A major aspect of ANSI Z87.1 is that compliant devices must carry permanent markings that tell you:

• The manufacturer’s name or logo
  
• The standard designation (e.g. Z87, Z87+)
  
• Additional features (shade levels, UV, anti-fog, etc.)

These markings are vital so that one can verify whether a product truly meets the standard—and which level of protection it offers.

Understanding Markings & Symbols

A Z87.1-compliant protective lens may carry additional codes or symbols that convey extra attributes. Here are some of the common ones and what they mean:

Symbol / Marking	Meaning
Z87	Meets basic protective requirements (optical, splash, etc.)
Z87+	Indicates high-impact compliance (passes stringent impact tests)
O2	Denotes “relaxed optics” versions (optical performance slightly relaxed under certain use cases)
W	Welding filter or shade level lenses
X	Anti-fog treated lens
U, R, L	UV, IR, visible light filters (scale numbers)
D3, D4, D5	Designations for droplet, dust, and fine dust protection

For instance, a pair marked “Z87+ X U6” might indicate a high‐impact lens with anti-fog treatment and UV protection at scale 6.

It’s important to read and understand those markings—they tell you what hazards the eyewear is truly rated for.

Primary vs. Secondary Eye Protection (How ANSI Z87.1 Views Layers of Protection)

ANSI Z87.1 differentiates between primary and secondary eye protection.

• Primary Eye Protection is the first line of defence—this includes safety glasses or goggles worn directly to guard against anticipated hazards (impact, splash, dust).
  
• Secondary Eye Protection includes face shields or hoods used in addition to primary protection. They guard against extra threats (full-face splash, molten metal, arc flash) but do not replace the requirement to wear primary eyewear underneath.

For example, in welding or chemical handling, you might wear Z87.1-rated safety glasses (primary) plus a face shield (secondary) to get added protection.

Consistency in layering protection ensures no gaps in coverage or compliance.

Choosing the Right ANSI Z87.1 Eyewear: Practical Considerations

Here are factors to keep in mind when selecting protective eyewear certified under ANSI Z87.1:

1. Hazard Assessment

Start by identifying the hazards in your workspace:

• Will high-speed particles or fragments strike the eyes?
  
• Is there a risk of chemical splash or liquid exposure?
  
• Are ultraviolet or infrared sources present?
  
• Is there dust, fine particulates, or mist?

Once the hazards are mapped, select gear with a matching protection level (impact, splash, or filters).

2. Verify Markings

Always check that eyewear carries permanent, legible ANSI Z87.1 markings. Don’t rely solely on packaging or marketing claims. The marking should be directly on the frame or lens. (E.g. “ANSI Z87+ X U6”)

3. Fit & Comfort

Even top-rated eyewear is useless if it doesn’t fit well:

• It should stay in place without constant adjustment
  
• Lenses must align for clear vision
  
• It should be comfortable enough for full-shift wear
  
• Compatibility with prescription lenses or use over regular glasses, if needed

4. Lens & Frame Features

Look for extras like:

• Anti-fog coating (symbol “X”)
  
• Scratch resistance
  
• UV filtration
  
• Shade options for tasks like welding
  
• Durable materials (polycarbonate is common)

5. Maintenance, Inspection & Replacement

ANSI Z87.1 also covers guidelines on how to inspect, clean, and retire eyewear:

• Check for cracks, chips, or warps regularly
  
• Keep lenses clean to maintain clarity
  
• Replace damaged or degraded eyewear rather than patching
  
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning agents and storage

Common Misconceptions about ANSI Z87.1

• “Z87 means it’s bulletproof.” — No. Z87 (even Z87+) is about high-velocity particle protection, not gunfire or ballistic defense.
  
• “If it says ANSI, it’s safe.” — Just “ANSI” is not specific enough. What matters is identification with the Z87.1 standard and the presence of correct markings.
  
• “You don’t need Z87+ if hazards are small” — Even seemingly small projectiles can cause serious injury. Where impact is possible, Z87+ is safer.
  
• “Sunglasses are fine on a sunny job site” — Most sunglasses do not meet the impact, distortion, or coverage demands of ANSI Z87.1.

Real-World Applications & Use Cases

Manufacturing, Construction & Workshops

Machining, drilling, grinding, or sawing all generate high-speed particles. In such environments, Z87.1-rated eyewear is essential to shield against fragments.

Chemical Laboratories & Processing

Chemical splash or vapour hazards often coexist with mechanical hazards. Here, eyewear may need both impact and splash resistance (often with sealed goggles or side shields). ANSI Z87.1 helps ensure that the lenses and frames resist such exposures.

Welding & Metal Fabrication

Welding environments expose workers to bright arcs, infrared/UV radiation, and spatter. Z87.1-compliant filters for welding (marked “W” shades) and full-face shields used in combination help protect eyes and face.

Educational & Research Labs

Schools and research institutions often rely on the Z87.1 standard when selecting protective eyewear for students, faculty, and lab workers, especially when hazards include chemicals, lasers (if permitted), or high-speed equipment.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• ANSI Z87.1 (or ANSI/ISEA Z87.1) is the American standard for occupational and educational eye and face protection devices.
  
• It defines performance, testing, marking, selection, use, and maintenance requirements for protective eyewear.
  
• The “Z87+” marking denotes high-impact certification, while “Z87” denotes basic compliance.
  
• Always check for permanent markings and features that match the hazards in your work environment.
  
• ANSI Z87.1 helps ensure that your eyewear is more than just eyewear — it is a tested, reliable barrier to protect one of the most vital organs you have.