Eye Protection: Choosing The Right Safety Glasses

Jul 17th 2024

Eye Protection: Choosing The Right Safety Glasses

Protecting Your Vision at Work

When you take a closer look at your safety glasses, you'll see various markings that indicate their safety ratings, defined by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). ANSI creates and manages safety standards in the U.S., ensuring consistent testing and ensuring manufacturer product quality.

Rigorous Impact Testing for Safety Glasses

The primary marking you’ll notice on your safety eyewear is “Z87” or “Z87+.” This ANSI standard ensures that the eyewear provides essential protection from impact hazards. To meet the basic Z87.1 standard, safety eyewear must pass the Drop Ball Impact Test. This involves dropping a one-inch steel ball, weighing approximately 2.4 ounces, from a height of 50 inches. The lens and frames must remain intact to pass the test. The “+” in Z87+ indicates that the eyewear meets a higher impact standard and has endured more rigorous testing.

Protection Against Splash and Dust

Eyewear that meets the ANSI Z87.1 requirements for droplet (splash) and dust protection will have a code beginning with "D":

  • D3: Protection from droplets and splashes
  • D4: Protection from dust
  • D5: Protection from fine dust

Here are some other common certification markings you may see on your safety glasses:

Enhance Safety and Comfort with Polarized Safety Glasses

Polarized safety glasses can significantly improve your work performance and safety. Here’s why you should consider them for your workplace:

  • Reduced Glare: Ideal for outdoor jobs, polarized lenses cut through intense reflected light.
  • Visual Comfort: Less glare means reduced eye strain and fatigue, allowing you to stay focused longer.
  • Enhanced Clarity: Better contrast and color perception help you see details more clearly.
  • Increased Safety: Spot hazards quickly with improved visual clarity.
  • UV Protection: Safeguard your eyes from harmful UV rays during long outdoor shifts.
  • Versatile Use: Suitable for various environments, from construction to driving.

Maximize Safety and Vision with Safety Reading Glasses

Tired of switching between your safety glasses and reading glasses at work? Safety reading glasses, also known as reader safety glasses, offer the perfect solution, combining protection and vision correction in one convenient package. Here’s why they’re a game-changer:

  • Dual Functionality: Protect your eyes and see clearly at all distances.
  • Enhanced Productivity: No more interruptions—stay focused and efficient.
  • Cost-Effective: Save money and avoid the hassle of multiple pairs of glasses.
  • Comfort and Convenience: Seamlessly switch between tasks without changing eyewear.
  • Safety Compliance: Meets ANSI Z87.1 standards for top-notch protection.

Prescription Safety Glasses

Do you need vision correction at work but also require safety glasses? Prescription safety glasses are the perfect solution, combining clarity and protection in one essential piece of equipment. Here’s why they’re a must-have:

  1. Custom Vision Correction: See clearly without compromising on safety.
  2. Enhanced Safety: Protect your eyes from hazards while maintaining sharp vision.
  3. Comfort and Compliance: Comfortable to wear, ensuring consistent safety compliance.
  4. Versatile Options: Choose from a range of styles and features to suit your needs.
  5. Safety Standards: Meets ANSI Z87.1 standards for top-tier protection.

By choosing Z87 safety glasses, polarized safety glasses, and safety reading glasses, you ensure comprehensive protection and enhanced visual clarity, making your workplace safer and more efficient.


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The information on this site should not be construed as establishing any safety standard or as providing directives for compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or any other health and safety regulatory agencies. Reliance on any information provided by this website is solely at your own risk. We do not accept any responsibility for any loss which may arise from reliance on information contained on this site.