We all know the value of safety glasses in a dangerous workplace. The safety grade you buy must meet a number of safety standards to ensure that your eyes are fully protected from anything that can harm them. When buying prescription safety glasses, there are many indicators that indicate different safety glasses. Part of the ANSI Z87 standard, these symbols indicate specific safety ratings for eyewear.
What are the different markings on the
glasses?
- z87+: Label z87 indicates the glass was tested for low impact resistance, z87+ indicates it was tested for high impact resistance.
- D3 and D4: D3 means the lens has undergone a chemical resistance test, D4 means the lens has undergone a full water splash test.
- D5: The eye protection of these glasses against fine dust can be seen here.
- W: It says this goggles can be used to protect your eyes when welding.
- U: It also states that the glasses are rated for protection against harmful UV rays.
- R: This means that the glasses have an infrared protection class.
- L: We conclude that there is a visible light filter on the lens and that the scale is indicated by numbers.
- Z87-2: Having this code on both the temples and front of the frame means the lenses are only available by prescription.
- H: Indicates the head size of the spectacle, usually used to distinguish between spectacles with smaller heads.
- The letters V and S stand for self-tint lenses or specific lens tints.
- K: Indicates that the goggles are scratch resistant
- N: This means that the goggles are anti-fog and won’t blur your vision.
What does it mean to have a z87 mark on goggles?
It means it has undergone extensive testing to protect it. The American National Standards Institute has developed these rigorous testing procedures that safety glasses must meet in order to display her Z87 or Z87+ (ANSI) label. This non-profit organization helps maintain consistent quality and safety standards for a wide range of items used in various industries, including personal protective equipment.c
However, the standard created by ANSI is not actually implemented. In fact, compliance with the ANSI standard is completely optional. So why does the manufacturer comply with ANSI standards such as Z87 and Z87+ Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Labor Department enforcement is working to keep American workers relatively safe by adhering to ANSI standards. Nevertheless, some eyewear manufacturers blatantly ignore the Z87 testing procedure and claim their products are ANSI certified. And many brands like CA Glasses follow all the testing procedures advised by ANSI.
Why do I need Z87 glasses?
There are many visible markings on the inside of the goggles. Ever wondered the meaning or purpose of such markings? These numbers represent an accurate safety rating for eyewear, part of the Z87 developed by the American National Standards Institute. It was established to oversee and support the development of US voluntary safety standards based on a public consensus process. Establishing standardized testing procedures makes it easier for manufacturers to hold themselves accountable for the safety level of their goods.
All manufacturers of protective eyewear must include information on whether their products meet these standards.
The ANSI Z87 rating was developed to assist the development of safety eyewear certification systems based on specific workplace hazards such as impact, liquid splash and dust.
How are Z87 glasses tested?
- Impact Testing
Impact testing is complex. For example, impact testing examines how eyewear responds to medium-energy impacts from steel balls and high-energy attacks from higher velocities and heavier masses.
Goggles must be able to withstand a significant weight as well as blunt impact at high speed. If they pass this test, your goggles will have a “W+” on the lens or a simple “+” on the arms.
- Splash testing
Both liquid and dust testing are time-consuming. By looking for the following marking, you can determine whether safety eyewear has passed the ANSI tests for these risks:
Goggles that are resistant to liquid splashes have the marking “D3.”
Eye protection against the majority of dust is indicated by the label “D4”.
Goggles that are resistant to the finest dust have a “D5” marking.
- Other Tests
UV protection tested according to ANSI Z87 regulations. Glasses that pass these tests are marked with a “U” and a number indicating the level of protection. For example, “U5” or “U6” are highly valued and very protective.
See an image of the product marking for
ANSI Z87+ certified safety glasses.
The images below show our ToolFreak series (insert specific goggles) that have been rigorously tested and approved by ANSI Z87+.
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