ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2020: The American National Standard for Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices

January 8, 2025|Compliance, Eye/Face, Eye/Face Protection, PPE, Safety

“Seeing potential hazards in the workplace significantly reduces the chances of recordable injuries. And when employees wear proper eye protection, you’re that much closer to zero. That’s why Walman Optical Safety Eyewear uses advanced technology to manufacture and test every pair of prescription safety eyewear produced in our U.S. optical laboratories to adhere to ANSI 787.1 standards. We believe that safety eyewear is a required medical device that must be precisely fitted and measured to each employee, and we support the responsibility companies have to keep their workfroce safe and healthy with simple, customized programs. We pair only functional and fashionable ANSI Z87.2+ safety frames with cutting edge optical products like digital lenses, anti-fog coatings and blue light filtering lenses to enhance productivity, health and safety in your company.” Walman Optical, (844) 401-7702, www.walmanopticalsafetyeyewear.com

Safety glasses are essential in the workplace, particularly in environments where there is a risk of eye injury from flying debris, chemical splashes, or harmful radiation. They provide a critical layer of protection that can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries.

By shielding the eyes from potential hazards, safety glasses help prevent vision loss, which can have long-lasting consequences for an individual’s quality of life and ability to work. Moreover, wearing safety glasses fosters a culture of safety within the workplace, encouraging employees to prioritize their well-being and that of their colleagues.

What is ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2020?

ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2020 prescribes the design, performance specifications and marking of safety eye and face products, including millions of safety goggles, spectacles, face shields and welding helmets worn by workers in a variety of manufacturing and processing facilities, utilities and transportation, university and research laboratories, and other occupational settings.

The 2020 revision includes updated requirements for optical clarity, impact resistance, and frame durability, ensuring that safety glasses provide optimal protection while maintaining comfort and usability. It also emphasizes the importance of proper labeling, including markings that indicate compliance with the standard, which helps users easily identify suitable protective eyewear.

This standard serves as a cornerstone in workplace safety, guiding manufacturers and employers in selecting and providing effective protective eyewear.

Why Eye Protection is Important

Workplace eye injuries can vary widely in type and severity, often resulting from various hazards present in different environments. Some common types of eye injuries include:

Mechanical Injuries: These occur when foreign objects, such as dust, metal shavings, or wood splinters, enter the eye, potentially causing scratches on the cornea or more severe damage. Such injuries are prevalent in construction and manufacturing settings.
Chemical Burns: Exposure to hazardous chemicals, such as acids or solvents, can lead to chemical burns, which may cause pain, redness, and even permanent vision loss if not treated promptly. Laboratories and manufacturing plants often present a risk for such injuries.
Thermal Injuries: High temperatures from hot materials, flames, or molten substances can cause burns to the eye, leading to serious damage. Workers in welding, metallurgy, or firefighting are particularly susceptible to thermal injuries.
Radiation Damage: Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, infrared radiation, or laser beams can result in conditions like photokeratitis (sunburn of the eye) or more serious retinal damage. This risk is commonly associated with welding and certain industrial processes.
Impact Injuries: Blunt force trauma to the eye can result from objects striking the eye, leading to bruising, fractures, and, in severe cases, loss of the eye itself. This type of injury is often seen in construction and manufacturing environments where heavy machinery is in use.
Dust and Particulate Exposure: Continuous exposure to airborne particles can lead to irritation, inflammation, and long-term vision problems. Industries such as mining, woodworking, and agriculture are particularly prone to such hazards.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employees in U.S. workplaces experienced 38,390 eye injuries in 2023.¹ These included open wounds, cuts, lacerations, punctures, abrasions, scratches, chemical, thermal and electrical burns and corrosions. Foreign matter in the eyes and contact with or being struck by an object or equipment accounted for a large portion of the cases.

Proper face and eye protection can reduce injuries and allow for safe operation during potentially dangerous tasks.

What Eye Protection Markings Mean

“ANSI Z87.1” indicates that the eyewear meets the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards for eye protection and complies with the requirements for impact resistance, optical clarity, and durability, ensuring the eyewear is suitable for industrial use.

There are other markings on industrial eye protection that provide essential information to users, ensuring they select the appropriate protection for their specific work environment. Here are some common markings and their meanings:

Impact Rating: Safety glasses may have additional markings that indicate their impact resistance level, such as “Z87+” or “Z87-2.” The “+” symbol denotes that the eyewear has passed higher impact tests, making it suitable for environments with significant risk of flying debris.
Lens Markings: Lenses may be marked with specific codes indicating their properties, such as UV protection (UV400), anti-fog treatment, or scratch resistance. These markings help users assess the suitability of the lenses for various conditions.
Frame Markings: The frames may include markings that indicate their material and resistance to certain hazards, such as chemical exposure or high temperatures. These details help users select frames that offer the best protection for their work environment.
Prescription (Rx) Markings: For safety eyewear designed for prescription use, there may be markings indicating that the lenses can accommodate corrective prescriptions while still meeting safety standards.
Manufacturer Information: Most safety eyewear will include the manufacturer’s name or logo, ensuring that users can identify the source of the product and access relevant safety information or support.

Compliance and Implementation

By adhering to ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2020, employers can ensure that their workers are equipped with reliable eye protection that meets rigorous safety standards, minimizing the risk of eye injuries and fostering a safer workplace overall. Employers who enforce the use of safety glasses not only comply with regulatory standards but also demonstrate a commitment to creating a safe and healthy work environment. Ultimately, investing in quality safety eyewear is a proactive measure that safeguards employees and promotes overall productivity and morale.