This US safety standard defines impact, splash, and dust protection requirements for workplace eye protection, with markings like Z87+ for high-velocity impact.
If you’ve picked up a pair of safety glasses and wondered what the tiny letters stamped on the frame mean, you’re looking at the ANSI Z87.1 standard at work. So what is Ansi Z87.1 safety glasses exactly? It’s the American National Standard for occupational eye and face protection, and it tells you exactly what your glasses can handle — from a falling steel ball to a chemical splash in a lab.
What Is ANSI Z87.1?
ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2025 is the current edition of the American National Standard for Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices. It sets the performance, testing, and marking requirements for safety glasses, goggles, side shields, and face shields used in US workplaces. OSHA mandates compliance with this standard, making it the benchmark for eye safety on job sites across the country.
The standard covers three core hazard categories: impact from flying objects, non-ionizing radiation (UV, IR, and welding arc), and liquid splash or droplet exposure. It does not cover bloodborne pathogens, X-rays, lasers, masers, or sports and recreational eyewear — those fall under separate standards.
ANSI Z87.1 Safety Glasses: Markings That Matter Most
Every pair of certified safety glasses carries permanent markings on the frame or lens that tell you what protection they offer. Here is what the most common markings mean and when you need each one.
| Marking | Meaning | When You Need It |
|---|---|---|
| Z87 | Basic impact protection (passes Drop Ball Test) | General workshop and low-impact tasks |
| Z87+ | High-velocity impact protection (passes High Mass Test) | Grinding, machining, heavy machinery |
| Z87-2 | Prescription (Rx) safety eyewear | You wear corrective lenses on the job |
| Z87-2+ | Prescription eyewear with high-velocity impact protection | Rx glasses for high-risk environments |
| D3 | Splash and droplet protection | Chemical handling, lab work |
| D4 | Dust particle protection | Construction, woodworking, drywall |
| D5 | Fine dust protection | Mining, grain handling, fine particulate environments |
| W + number | Welding filter lens (e.g., W5) | Welding and torch work |
| U + number | UV filter lens | Outdoor work, UV exposure |
| R + number | Infrared filter lens | Furnace work, glassblowing |
| V | Photochromic (auto-darkening) lens | Variable indoor/outdoor lighting |
| X | Anti-fog coating (passed fog test) | Humid or temperature-switching environments |
| H | Designed for smaller head sizes | Workers who need a tighter fit |
These markings must be permanently stamped and clearly visible on the frame or lens. Faint stamps in the top temple corner are acceptable as long as they remain readable.
Z87 vs Z87+: What’s the Difference?
The single most common mistake is grabbing Z87-rated glasses when the job demands Z87+. Both pass the basic Drop Ball Test — a 1-inch steel ball weighing about 2.4 ounces dropped from 50 inches onto the lens. Z87+ also passes the High Mass Impact Test, where a 500-gram pointed weight drops from roughly 50 inches onto the lens mounted on a head form. If you work with heavy machinery, grinding, or anything that launches debris at speed, Z87+ is the minimum you should accept.
What Hazards Does ANSI Z87.1 Cover?
The standard addresses three hazard categories specifically: impact from flying objects, non-ionizing radiation (UV, IR, and welding arc light), and liquid splash or droplet exposure. Dust protection is covered through the D3 (splash), D4 (dust), and D5 (fine dust) ratings.
The standard explicitly does not cover bloodborne pathogens, X-rays and other ionizing radiation, microwaves, radio frequency radiation, lasers, masers, or any sports and recreational eye protection. Those hazards are governed by their own separate standards.
How Safety Glasses Are Tested
The testing behind every marking is precise and repeatable. Here are the key requirements that determine what a pair of glasses can handle.
| Test | What Happens | Standard Required |
|---|---|---|
| Drop Ball Impact (Basic) | A 1-inch steel ball (2.4 oz) dropped from 50 inches onto the lens | Lens and frame must remain intact |
| High Mass Impact (High Velocity) | A 500-gram pointed weight dropped from 50 inches onto lens on head form | Required for Z87+ rating |
| Lateral Coverage | Continuous coverage with no openings larger than 1.5 mm from the vertical lens plane | All certified protectors |
| Minimum Lens Thickness | Lens must be at least 2.0 mm thick | All impact-rated protectors |
| Fog Test | Lens coating assessed for anti-fog performance | Required for X marking |
These tests are performed on production samples, not just prototypes, so the marking on the frame represents what that specific model actually endured during certification.
How To Choose the Right ANSI Z87.1 Glasses
Start by identifying the hazards you face every day. For general workshop tasks and low-impact work, Z87-rated glasses with basic impact protection are sufficient. If you’re grinding, cutting, or using heavy machinery, jump to Z87+. Add D3 if you work with chemicals, D4 or D5 if dust is a concern, and a W+ rated lens if you weld.
For prescription wearers, look for the Z87-2 or Z87-2+ marking on the frame. These meet the same impact standards as non-prescription eyewear while accommodating corrective lenses. The Z87-2+ variant adds high-velocity protection for work environments that demand it.
If you need glasses that also cut glare and work well in variable outdoor lighting, look for models that carry the V marking for photochromic lenses or polarized options from brands like Wiley X. Our roundup of the best ANSI Z87 polarized sunglasses covers top-rated models that combine impact protection with outdoor visibility for job sites that move between sun and shade.
Whichever pair you choose, verify the markings are permanently stamped on the frame before buying. A pair that carries the Z87+ rating and the appropriate D3, D4, D5, or W+ markings will handle the specific hazards of your work environment and keep you compliant with OSHA requirements.
FAQs
Is ANSI Z87.1 the same as OSHA?
No, but they work together. OSHA is the federal agency that enforces workplace safety, and its regulations require employers to provide eye protection that meets the ANSI Z87.1 standard. The standard itself is written and maintained by the American National Standards Institute and the International Safety Equipment Association.
How long is ANSI Z87.1 certification valid?
The certification on a pair of glasses lasts for the product’s lifespan. The standard itself is updated periodically — the current edition is 2025 — but glasses manufactured to the previous 2020 edition remain compliant. Always check the markings on the specific pair you own or plan to buy for the rating you need.
Do all safety glasses carry the Z87 marking?
No. Only glasses that have been tested and certified to the ANSI Z87.1 standard carry the marking. If you see no Z87 stamp on the frame or lens, the glasses are not certified for workplace use and may not protect against impact, splash, or other hazards covered by the standard.
Can I use Z87 glasses for welding?
Only if they carry a W+ shade number marking in addition to the Z87 rating. The Z87 standard covers the impact protection, but welding requires a specific shade level to protect against the arc’s intense light and UV radiation. A basic Z87 or Z87+ lens without a W rating is not safe for welding work.
What does Z87+ mean on safety glasses?
Z87+ indicates the glasses passed the high-velocity impact test, where a 500-gram pointed weight is dropped from about 50 inches onto the lens. This is a step above the basic Z87 rating and is recommended for environments with heavy machinery, grinding, or any work that generates high-speed debris.
References & Sources
- ANSI.org Blog. “ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2025: Safety Glasses Eye Protection Standard.” Details the current 2025 edition of the standard.
- CDC PPE-Info. “ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2020 Standard Details.” Official CDC database entry for the 2020 standard edition.
- HexArmor. “What Do Lens Markings and Z87 Mean?” Guide to ANSI Z87.1 markings and impact ratings.
- Safety Glasses USA. “What Does ANSI Z87.1 Certified Mean?” Explains the certification meaning and testing procedures.
- The Vision Council. “ANSI Z87.1-2015 Overview.” Foundational overview of the standard’s requirements.