What are the ANSI Z87+ Safety Standards?

ANSI Z87+ is a standard developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for occupational and educational eye and face protection devices. The "Z87+" designation indicates that the standard is the latest revision and includes additional requirements beyond the previous versions of ANSI Z87.

The ANSI Z87+ standard sets guidelines for the design, performance, and testing of safety glasses, goggles, face shields, and other protective eyewear used in various work environments to protect against eye hazards. The standard covers a wide range of occupational activities and provides specific requirements to ensure the eyewear provides adequate protection against impact, chemical splashes, radiation, and other potential hazards.

Some key aspects addressed by ANSI Z87+ include:

1. Impact Resistance: The eyewear must undergo rigorous impact tests to ensure it can withstand high-velocity impacts without breaking or shattering.

2. Optical Quality: The standard establishes criteria for optical clarity to ensure that the eyewear provides clear and distortion-free vision.

3. Frame and Lens Durability: The eyewear must be designed and constructed to withstand the demands of the work environment and resist damage from chemicals, heat, and other factors.

4. Coverage and Fit: The standard includes requirements for proper coverage of the eyes and surrounding areas, as well as secure and comfortable fit to prevent the eyewear from slipping or shifting during use.

5. Markings and Documentation: Eyewear meeting the ANSI Z87+ standard should be properly labeled and accompanied by documentation specifying the standard compliance.

Compliance with ANSI Z87+ is commonly required or recommended by employers, regulatory agencies, and safety professionals to ensure that workers have appropriate eye protection in hazardous work environments. When selecting protective eyewear, it is advisable to choose products that explicitly state compliance with ANSI Z87+ to ensure they have undergone testing and meet the necessary safety standards.