ANSI Z87 Safety Glasses: Everything You Need to Know About Eye Protection Standards

The ANSI Z87.1 standard, established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), outlines the design, performance, and marking requirements for protective eyewear and safety goggles. Its goal is to ensure that eye protection equipment effectively shields users from potential hazards, including impacts, chemicals, splashes, and radiation. This article provides a comprehensive overview of ANSI Z87.1, including its specifications, test procedures, product grading, labeling significance, and consumer guidelines for selecting compliant products.

 

 

Overview of ANSI Z87.1 Specifications

ANSI Z87.1 regulates the following key aspects of protective eyewear:

1. Impact Resistance
• Ensures eyewear can withstand high-velocity and low-velocity projectiles.
2. Optical Clarity
• Governs the lens’ transparency and distortion-free performance for clear vision.
3. Chemical and Splash Protection
• Assesses the ability of eyewear to prevent penetration by chemicals and liquids.
4. UV Radiation Protection
• Tests lenses for blocking harmful ultraviolet rays.
5. Durability
• Includes scratch resistance and thermal stability to ensure long-term reliability.

 

Test Procedures and Specifications to fit ANSI Z87.1

To meet ANSI Z87.1 standards, eyewear undergoes several rigorous tests:

(1) Impact Resistance Tests

Impact resistance is divided into three categories: Drop ball test, High Mass Impact and High-Velocity Impact.

• Drop Ball Test:
  • Method: A 1-inch (25.4 mm) steel ball weighing 68 grams is dropped from a height of 50 inches (127 cm) onto the lens.
  • Criteria: The lens must not crack, break, or dislodge from the frame.
• High Mass Impact Test:
  • The following video shows the actual process of ANSI Z87.1

High-Mass Impact Test :

• • Method: A projectile weighing 500 grams, with a diameter of 25 millimeters and a 30-degree conical tip, is freely dropped from a height of 127 centimeters to impact the lens.
  • Criteria: The lens must not crack, shatter, or fracture. No fragments should break off that could potentially harm the wearer’s eyes.
• High-Velocity Impact Test:
  The following video shows the actual process of ANSI Z87.1

High-Velocity Impact Test :

• Method:
  • A 0.25-inch (6.35 mm) steel ball weighing 1 gram is fired at the lens at a speed of 150 feet per second (45.7 meters per second).
  • The impact point is tested from various angles to assess resistance under different conditions.
  • Criteria:
    • The lens must not crack, shatter, or fracture.
    • No fragments should break off that could potentially harm the wearer’s eyes.
    • The lens must remain securely within the frame and should not detach upon impact.
    • Eyewear that passes this test is rated for high-velocity impact protection and will carry the Z87+ marking.

(2) Optical Performance Tests

To ensure visual clarity and comfort, lenses must pass the following optical tests:

• Light Transmission & Distortion Test
• The lens must allow adequate light transmission while maintaining optical clarity.
• It should not cause blurred vision or distorted images.
• Refractive Power Test
• Ensures that the lens does not alter the natural direction of light, preventing eye strain and fatigue.
• There should be minimal deviation in vision when looking through the lens.
• Haze and Luminous Transmittance Test
• The lens should not have excessive haze or cloudiness that reduces visibility.

(3) Chemical & Splash Resistance Tests

Certain work environments expose users to liquid chemicals or harmful splashes. The following tests assess a lens’ resistance:

• Chemical Resistance Test
• Lenses and frames are exposed to acidic or alkaline chemicals to evaluate material degradation.
• The lens must maintain clarity, structural integrity, and protective function after chemical exposure.
• Splash Protection Test
• The frame is tested to ensure that it prevents liquids from reaching the wearer’s eyes from different angles.
• Marking: Products designed for splash protection carry the D3 marking.

(4) UV Protection Test

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause long-term eye damage, including cataracts and photokeratitis.

• Test Method:
• The lens is exposed to UV radiation in the 280–400 nm wavelength range, simulating sunlight exposure.
• Criteria:
• The lens must block 99.9% of UV radiation.

Products rated for high UV protection are labeled U6 (higher values indicate greater UV blocking ability).

(5) Scratch Resistance Test

• Test Method:
• The lens is subjected to mechanical abrasion, such as rubbing with a standardized rough material.
• Criteria:
• The lens must show minimal surface scratching and retain optical clarity.

(6) Thermal Resistance Test

• Test Method:
• The product is exposed to high-temperature environments to simulate conditions in industrial settings.
• Criteria:
• The lens should not warp, melt, or lose protective properties under heat exposure.

 

ANSI Z87.1 Safety Ratings and Markings

A. Impact Resistance Ratings

Products are categorized into two levels of impact protection:

 

B. Optical performance and lens grade marking

ANSI Z87.1 not only focuses on impact protection, but also marks the optical performance of the lens to ensure that the wearer's vision is not disturbed.

• L : Represents visible light filter lenses, suitable for situations where visible light intensity and glare need to be reduced. The larger the number, the greater the degree of visible light blocking. For example, L2.5 means that the lens has the following light transmittance range: light transmittance between 29% and 43%.
• H: For small head sizes (usually female or teenagers).
• V: Indicates that the lenses are variable tint lenses, which are usually photochromic lenses.

 

C. Additional Protection Ratings

Lenses and frames may also carry additional safety markings for specific hazards:

 

 

D. Example of a Full Marking on a Lens:

"Z87+ D3 U6 W10" → This means the lens meets high-velocity impact standards, protects against liquid splashes, provides maximum UV protection, and is suitable for welding (shade 10).

How Can Consumers Verify if a Product Meets ANSI Z87.1 Standard?

To ensure you are purchasing ANSI Z87.1-compliant eyewear, follow these guidelines:

1. Check the Product Markings
• Look for Z87 or Z87+ engraved on the lens or frame.
• Check for additional markings (D3, U6, etc.) based on your specific protection needs.
2. Review the Manufacturer’s Certification
• Reputable brands provide test reports or compliance certificates confirming that their products meet ANSI Z87.1 standards.
3. Buy from Reliable Suppliers
• Opt for well-known brands or certified safety gear suppliers to avoid counterfeit or non-compliant products.
4. Look for Third-Party Testing Reports
• Some manufacturers get their eyewear independently tested by OSHA, UL, or independent labs to verify compliance.
5. Inspect the Product Quality
• Ensure that lenses are free from distortion, scratches, or defects that could compromise safety.
• Verify that the frame and lens fit securely without loose parts.

 

Our recommendations that meet ANSI Z87.1

If you are interested in ANSI Z87.1-certified safety glasses, we recommend the following hot sale products:

• Model No. Ｊ171 
  
  
• Model No. Ｊ173 
  
  
• Model No. Ｊ180 
  
  
• Model No. Ｊ61P 
  
  
• Model No. Ｊ177 
  
  

All these models have undergone third-party laboratory testing and come with official test reports to verify their compliance with ANSI Z87.1 safety standards. Or  REACH OUT TO US  for further assistance and personalized advice, BJ EYEWEAR is here to help !

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