What Is ANSI Z87.1?
ANSI Z87.1 is the American National Standard for occupational and educational eye and face protection. It's maintained by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and sets the minimum requirements for safety eyewear used in workplaces across the United States.
When you see 'Z87' marked on safety glasses, it means the eyewear has been tested and certified to meet specific impact resistance, optical clarity, and coverage standards.
Why ANSI Certification Matters
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) requires employers to provide eye protection that meets ANSI Z87.1 standards in workplaces with eye hazards. This isn't optional—it's federal law.
More importantly, ANSI certification means the glasses have actually been tested to protect your eyes. Regular sunglasses or fashion eyewear might look similar, but they can shatter on impact and cause more injury than wearing nothing at all.
Understanding the Markings
Basic vs. High Impact
| Marking |
Meaning |
Test Standard |
| Z87 |
Basic impact |
1" steel ball dropped from 50" |
| Z87+ |
High impact |
1/4" steel ball at 150 ft/sec |
For most industrial work, you need Z87+ (high impact) rated glasses. Basic impact protection is suitable for low-risk environments only.
Lens Markings
The lens itself should be marked with:
-
Z87 or Z87+ - Impact rating
-
Manufacturer's logo - Identifies who made it
-
Shade number (if tinted) - Indicates darkness level
Frame Markings
Frames are marked separately and should show:
-
Z87 - Confirms frame meets standards
- Manufacturer identification
-
+ symbol (if high-impact rated)
What the Tests Actually Measure
Impact Resistance
The most critical test. For high-impact (Z87+) certification:
- A 1/4 inch steel ball is fired at the lens at 150 feet per second
- The lens must not crack, shatter, or allow the ball to pass through
- No pieces can break off the inside surface (which would hit your eye)
Optical Quality
Safety glasses must not distort your vision. Tests measure:
-
Refractive power - Lenses can't act like prescription glasses unless intended
-
Astigmatism - No warping or uneven areas
-
Clarity - Must allow adequate light transmission
ANSI Z87.1 and Smart Safety Glasses
A common question: Can smart glasses with Bluetooth actually meet safety standards?
Yes—if they're designed and tested for it.
The electronics in smart safety glasses (speakers, battery, controls) don't affect the critical safety components: the lenses and the frame's structural integrity around the eyes. As long as these elements pass ANSI testing, the glasses are certified.
Lucyd Armor smart safety glasses carry full ANSI Z87.1+ certification. The Bluetooth components are housed in the temples, away from the impact zone, and don't compromise the protective rating.
The Bottom Line
ANSI Z87.1 certification isn't marketing—it's verified protection. When choosing safety glasses, including smart safety glasses, look for the Z87+ marking and buy from reputable manufacturers who can document their certification.
Your eyes are irreplaceable. Proper certification is non-negotiable.
Browse ANSI Z87.1+ certified Lucyd Armor glasses
ANSI Z87.1 Explained: What Makes Safety Glasses Actually Safe?
What Is ANSI Z87.1?
ANSI Z87.1 is the American National Standard for occupational and educational eye and face protection. It's maintained by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and sets the minimum requirements for safety eyewear used in workplaces across the United States.
When you see 'Z87' marked on safety glasses, it means the eyewear has been tested and certified to meet specific impact resistance, optical clarity, and coverage standards.
Why ANSI Certification Matters
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) requires employers to provide eye protection that meets ANSI Z87.1 standards in workplaces with eye hazards. This isn't optional—it's federal law.
More importantly, ANSI certification means the glasses have actually been tested to protect your eyes. Regular sunglasses or fashion eyewear might look similar, but they can shatter on impact and cause more injury than wearing nothing at all.
Understanding the Markings
Basic vs. High Impact
For most industrial work, you need Z87+ (high impact) rated glasses. Basic impact protection is suitable for low-risk environments only.
Lens Markings
The lens itself should be marked with:
Frame Markings
Frames are marked separately and should show:
What the Tests Actually Measure
Impact Resistance
The most critical test. For high-impact (Z87+) certification:
Optical Quality
Safety glasses must not distort your vision. Tests measure:
ANSI Z87.1 and Smart Safety Glasses
A common question: Can smart glasses with Bluetooth actually meet safety standards?
Yes—if they're designed and tested for it.
The electronics in smart safety glasses (speakers, battery, controls) don't affect the critical safety components: the lenses and the frame's structural integrity around the eyes. As long as these elements pass ANSI testing, the glasses are certified.
Lucyd Armor smart safety glasses carry full ANSI Z87.1+ certification. The Bluetooth components are housed in the temples, away from the impact zone, and don't compromise the protective rating.
The Bottom Line
ANSI Z87.1 certification isn't marketing—it's verified protection. When choosing safety glasses, including smart safety glasses, look for the Z87+ marking and buy from reputable manufacturers who can document their certification.
Your eyes are irreplaceable. Proper certification is non-negotiable.
Browse ANSI Z87.1+ certified Lucyd Armor glasses