What does Z87+ mean on safety glasses?

Z87+ indicates that the component (lens or frame) has passed high-impact testing according to ANSI Z87.1. Lenses marked Z87+ have survived a 1/4-inch steel ball fired at 150 feet per second. For the complete eyewear assembly to be high-impact rated, both the lenses and the frame must carry the Z87+ marking.

Can regular polycarbonate lenses be used as safety lenses?

No. While polycarbonate is inherently impact-resistant, it must go through specific ANSI Z87.1 testing and carry the appropriate markings (Z87 or Z87+) to be classified as a safety lens. Non-marked polycarbonate lenses in non-marked frames do not meet workplace safety requirements, even though the material itself is strong.

When are side shields required on safety glasses?

Side shields are required whenever the workplace hazard assessment identifies risks from the sides, such as flying particles, dust, or chemical splashes from lateral angles. OSHA mandates eye protection appropriate to the identified hazards. In most industrial environments, side shields are standard because hazards can come from any direction.

Safety Eyewear Dispensing: ANSI Z87.1, Markings, and Impact Ratings

The Role of Safety Eyewear

Safety eyewear protects the eyes from workplace and recreational hazards including flying debris, chemical splashes, dust, radiation, and impact. Unlike standard dress eyewear, safety glasses must meet rigorous testing standards to ensure they can withstand these hazards without failing.

As a dispensing optician, you need to understand the standards, marking requirements, and fitting considerations that separate safety eyewear from standard spectacles.

ANSI Z87.1 Standard

The American National Standards Institute Z87.1 standard defines the performance requirements for occupational and educational eye and face protection. This is the primary standard in the United States for safety eyewear.

Key requirements include:

Impact resistance: Both basic and high-impact levels are defined
Optical quality: Lenses must meet specific power tolerances while providing protection
Coverage: The eyewear must adequately shield the eyes from the identified hazard
Frame durability: Frames must withstand impact without breaking apart and exposing the wearer

Basic Impact vs. High Impact

Test	Basic Impact (Z87)	High Impact (Z87+)
Lens test	1" steel ball dropped from 50"	1/4" steel ball at 150 ft/sec
Frame test	Not separately tested	Tested with high-velocity projectile
Marking	"Z87" on lens and frame	"Z87+" on lens and frame

For the entire safety eyewear assembly to be rated high-impact, BOTH the lenses AND the frame must carry the Z87+ marking. If only the lenses are marked Z87+ but the frame is marked Z87 (without the plus), the complete assembly is only rated for basic impact.

Marking Requirements

Proper marking is how you verify that safety eyewear meets the standard. Every component must be individually marked:

Lens Markings

"Z87" or "Z87+": Impact rating
Manufacturer's logo or mark: Identifies who made the lens
"V" suffix: Indicates photochromic lens (e.g., Z87+V)
"S" suffix: Indicates special-purpose tint (e.g., Z87+S)

Frame Markings

"Z87" or "Z87+": Impact rating
Manufacturer's name or logo
Size markings: Lens and bridge dimensions

These markings are typically found on the inside of the temple and on the lens surface. Without proper markings, the eyewear cannot be considered ANSI-compliant safety protection, regardless of how it looks or feels.

Assuming that any polycarbonate lens in a sturdy-looking frame qualifies as safety eyewear. Safety designation requires specific ANSI testing and marking. Non-marked polycarbonate lenses in non-marked frames, while impact-resistant, are NOT certified safety eyewear and do not meet workplace requirements.

Side Shields

Side shields extend protection to the temporal (side) areas of the eyes. Many workplace hazards come from angles other than straight ahead, making side shields essential in most industrial environments.

Types of side shields:

Permanent (integral): Built into the frame design as part of the front or temple. Cannot be removed. Provides the most consistent protection.
Removable (clip-on): Attach to standard safety frames. Allow the same frame to be used with or without side protection. Must fit securely without gaps.

OSHA may require side shields based on the specific workplace hazard assessment. When in doubt, include them. They are inexpensive and provide significant additional protection.

Lens Material Options

Safety lenses are available in several materials, each with advantages:

Polycarbonate: The most common safety lens material. Excellent impact resistance, lightweight, built-in UV protection. Standard choice for most safety applications.
Trivex: Superior optical quality compared to polycarbonate. Comparable impact resistance. Slightly thicker for the same prescription. Good for patients who need safety eyewear for extended wear.
Glass (safety-rated): Available for specific chemical exposure situations where plastic lenses would degrade. Heavier and thicker. Must be specifically rated for safety use.

Fitting Safety Eyewear

Safety eyewear fitting follows the same principles as standard dispensing, with additional considerations:

Coverage: The frame must provide adequate coverage of the orbital area. Safety frames are typically larger than dress frames.
Comfort for extended wear: Workers often wear safety glasses for 8+ hours. Comfort is critical for compliance. Lightweight materials and properly adjusted temples prevent fatigue.
Compatibility with other PPE: Safety glasses must work with hard hats, face shields, respirators, and hearing protection without interfering or creating gaps in protection.
Anti-fog features: Consider anti-fog coatings or ventilated designs for environments where temperature changes cause fogging.

When dispensing safety eyewear for patients who wear it all day at work, invest extra time in comfort adjustments. A worker who finds their safety glasses uncomfortable is more likely to remove them, defeating the purpose of the protection.

Verifying Safety Eyewear

Before dispensing safety eyewear, verify:

Lens markings: Confirm Z87 or Z87+ marking is present on both lenses
Frame markings: Confirm Z87 or Z87+ marking on the frame
Match impact ratings: Both lenses and frame should have the same rating for the assembly to achieve that rating
Prescription accuracy: Verify power, PD, and measurements as with any prescription eyewear
Side shields: Confirm presence and secure attachment if required
Fit and comfort: Ensure proper coverage, alignment, and comfortable fit

Key Takeaways

ANSI Z87.1 is the standard for safety eyewear in the United States
"Z87" indicates basic impact; "Z87+" indicates high impact
Both lenses AND frames must be marked Z87+ for the assembly to be rated high-impact
Side shields provide essential lateral protection in most workplace settings
Polycarbonate is the standard safety lens material; Trivex offers better optics
Proper marking verification is required before dispensing safety eyewear