ANSI Z87.1 Explained (2026): Your Guide to Compliant Safety Glasses

The ANSI Z87.1 standard is the American National Standard for Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices. In simple terms, it establishes the minimum performance criteria for safety eyewear to protect against specific workplace hazards like impact, radiation, liquid splash, and dust.

Think of it as a universal language for safety glasses. When you see "Z87" on a pair of glasses, you know it has passed a specific battery of tests for durability and protection. The standard is performance-based, meaning it focuses on what the device must do, not just how it's made. It's periodically updated to reflect new technologies and workplace realities, with the latest significant revisions shaping the equipment available in 2026.

The markings on safety eyewear provide a complete story of its capabilities. They are typically found on both the lens and the frame. If the markings differ, the lower of the two ratings applies. Here’s a breakdown of the most common symbols you'll encounter in 2026.

The single most important distinction in the standard is between "Z87" and "Z87+". The plus sign signifies that the eyewear is rated for high-impact hazards, a requirement for the vast majority of industrial applications.

To earn the '+' rating, eyewear must pass two rigorous tests:

• High-Mass Impact Test: A pointed, 500-gram weight is dropped from a height of over four feet onto the eyewear. To pass, the frame and lenses must remain intact and no pieces can break free and touch the eye.
• High-Velocity Impact Test: A quarter-inch steel ball is fired at the eyewear at over 100 mph. The pass criteria are the same: the lens and frame must not break or be pushed through to the eye.

Eyewear marked only with "Z87" has not been tested to these levels. For any environment where materials are being cut, ground, hammered, or are otherwise in motion, Z87+ is the minimum acceptable rating. As a safety manager, standardizing on Z87+ simplifies procurement and eliminates the risk of an employee using under-rated protection.

The ANSI Z87.1 standard applies to several types of protective devices, each suited for different hazards.

• Safety Spectacles (Glasses): The most common form of protection. They offer front and side protection from moderate impact hazards. Modern designs are lightweight, comfortable, and available with advanced coatings.
• Safety Goggles: These provide a 360-degree seal around the eyes. Goggles are the required choice for protection against airborne dust, fine particles, and chemical splashes (look for the D3/D4/D5 markings).
• Face Shields: These offer a broader shield for the entire face but are considered secondary protection. They must always be worn with primary protection-like Z87+ safety glasses or goggles-underneath. Face shields are ideal for protection from splashes, heat, and high-velocity impacts.

Beyond impact ratings, today's safety eyewear incorporates technology that dramatically improves usability and safety. When selecting eyewear, consider these features:

• Anti-Fog Coatings: Essential for working in humid environments or when wearing a respirator. Modern dual-action coatings are chemically bonded to the lens and can withstand repeated cleanings, a significant improvement over the easily-worn-off coatings of the past.
• UV Protection: Most polycarbonate safety lenses inherently block over 99% of UV-A and UV-B radiation. Look for the "U6" marking for certified maximum protection, crucial for outdoor workers.
• Scratch Resistance: Hard coatings protect the lens from surface abrasions that can impair vision. A clear line of sight is a critical safety feature.
• Lens Tints: Choosing the right tint optimizes visibility for specific environments.
  • Clear: For general-purpose indoor applications.
  • Grey/Smoke: Reduces glare for outdoor work in bright sunlight.
  • Amber/Yellow: Enhances contrast in low-light conditions, like warehouses or overcast days.
  • Indoor/Outdoor (I/O): A light mirror tint that reduces glare without distorting color, perfect for workers who move frequently between indoors and outdoors.

Choosing the right protection isn't about picking the most expensive option; it's about matching the equipment to the specific workplace hazards. A formal risk assessment is the best method, but this table provides a solid starting point for common tasks.

Even the best safety glasses are ineffective if they aren't maintained. Train your team on these best practices:

1. Clean Daily: Use a microfiber cloth and lens cleaning solution specifically designed for coated lenses. Avoid using rough cloths or paper towels, which can scratch the surface.
2. Inspect Before Use: Check for deep scratches, cracks, or pitting on the lenses. Look for stress marks or cracks in the frame. If any damage is found, the eyewear must be taken out of service immediately.
3. Proper Storage: Store glasses in a clean case or microfiber pouch to protect them from scratches and impact when not in use.

There is no fixed expiration date for safety glasses, but they should be replaced whenever their ability to protect the wearer is compromised. Deep scratches can weaken the lens and obstruct vision, while a bent frame can compromise the fit and impact resistance.