Understanding ANSI Z87.1 Standards
Impact Ratings
- Z87: Basic impact protection
- Z87+: High impact protection (tested with 1/4" steel ball at 150 fps)
- Z87+ (D3): Droplet and splash protection
- Z87+ (D4): Dust protection
- Z87+ (D5): Fine dust protection
Lens Markings
- S: Special tint (not for welding)
- V: Variable tint (photochromic)
- U: UV protection
- R: Reflective coating
- C: Color tint
- H: Headsize (for smaller head sizes)
Types of Eye Protection
Safety Glasses
Best for:
- Flying debris and particles
- Basic impact hazards
- General construction work
- Warehouse operations
Features to consider:
- Side shields (permanent or removable)
- Anti-fog coating
- Scratch-resistant lenses
- Adjustable temples
Safety Goggles
Best for:
- Chemical splash protection
- Dust and fine particles
- Grinding and sanding
- Healthcare applications
Types:
- Direct vented: Protection from impact, allows airflow
- Indirect vented: Protection from splash and dust
- Non-vented: Maximum protection from liquids and fine dust
Face Shields
Best for:
- Grinding and cutting operations
- Chemical handling
- Chip removal
- Tree trimming
Important notes:
- Face shields are secondary protection - wear safety glasses underneath
- Choose appropriate lens material (polycarbonate, acetate, wire screen)
- Select proper window size for coverage
Lens Materials
Polycarbonate
- Highest impact resistance
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Natural UV protection
- Best for most industrial applications
Trivex
- Similar to polycarbonate
- Better optical clarity
- Slightly more expensive
Glass
- Excellent scratch resistance
- Heavier than plastic options
- Less impact resistance
- Limited to specific applications
Application-Specific Recommendations
Construction
- General work: Z87+ safety glasses with side shields
- Concrete work: Goggles with anti-fog coating
- Demolition: Full-face protection with goggles
- Welding: Welding helmet with appropriate shade
Manufacturing
- Assembly: Basic Z87+ safety glasses
- Machining: High-impact glasses with side shields
- Chemical handling: Indirect vented goggles
- Grinding: Face shield over safety glasses
Healthcare
- General care: Basic safety glasses or goggles
- Emergency room: Splash-proof goggles
- Laboratory: Chemical splash goggles
- Sterile environments: Disposable eyewear
Laboratories
- Chemical labs: Indirect vented chemical goggles
- Biological labs: Splash goggles with face shield
- Clean rooms: Cleanroom-compatible eyewear
- Laser work: Laser-specific protective eyewear
Prescription Safety Eyewear
Options available:
- Full prescription safety glasses
- Goggles that fit over regular glasses
- Insert lenses for safety goggles
Requirements:
- Must meet ANSI Z87.1 standards
- Regular prescription lenses don't meet safety standards
- Consider photochromic lenses for indoor/outdoor use
Maintenance and Replacement
Cleaning
- Use lens cleaning solution or mild soap and water
- Dry with clean, lint-free cloth
- Avoid paper towels (can scratch lenses)
- Inspect for damage during cleaning
When to Replace
- Scratched or cracked lenses
- Damaged frames or temples
- Loose or missing parts
- After significant impact
- Yellowing or hazing of lenses
Storage
- Store in protective case when not in use
- Keep away from extreme temperatures
- Avoid leaving in direct sunlight
- Clean before storing
Bulk Purchasing Considerations
For businesses purchasing in volume:
- Conduct hazard assessment for each job role
- Consider employee comfort (increases compliance)
- Stock multiple styles for proper fit
- Establish replacement schedule
- Train employees on proper use and care
- Keep spare eyewear available
Machrio offers competitive bulk pricing on all safety eyewear. Volume discounts available for orders of 50+ units.