What Is ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2020? Safety Glasses Standard Explained
What Is ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2020? The Complete Safety Glasses Standard Explained for Employers and Workers
ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2020 is the American National Standard for Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices. Published by ISEA (International Safety Equipment Association) and adopted by ANSI, it is the current edition of the standard that defines performance requirements, testing methods, and marking requirements for safety glasses, goggles, face shields, welding protection, and other occupational eye protection. OSHA references Z87.1 in 29 CFR 1910.133 (general industry) and 29 CFR 1926.102 (construction) as the accepted standard for eye and face PPE compliance. Any safety eyewear purchased to satisfy OSHA requirements must meet or exceed Z87.1-2020 (or a prior edition still accepted by the applicable OSHA standard).
Z87 vs Z87+: The Critical Marking Distinction
The most important marking distinction in ANSI Z87.1-2020 is the difference between the basic impact designation (Z87) and the high-impact designation (Z87+):
| Marking | Test | Projectile | Required For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Z87 (basic impact) | Drop ball test | 1-inch steel ball, dropped from 50 inches | Low-velocity particle environments |
| Z87+ (high impact) | High-velocity impact test | 1/4-inch steel ball at 150 ft/sec | Grinding, chipping, machining, fastener driving, high-velocity chips |
Both the frame and lens must carry the Z87+ marking for the eyewear to qualify as high-impact. A Z87-marked frame with a Z87+-marked lens, or vice versa, does not constitute compliant high-impact eyewear. OSHA enforcement follows this same requirement — each component must be independently marked.
Z87+ is required for grinding, chipping, riveting, machining, fastener installation, and other operations generating high-velocity particles. Z87 basic impact is appropriate for lower-velocity particle environments such as walking through a dusty area, general warehouse work, or low-speed abrasive tasks.
Lens and Frame Marking System Explained
ANSI Z87.1-2020 requires that lenses be permanently marked with the manufacturer's mark plus applicable designation codes. Frame/temples must also be marked. Key marking codes:
| Marking Code | Protection Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Z87 | Basic impact | Meets drop ball test |
| Z87+ | High impact | Meets high-velocity projectile test |
| D3 | Chemical splash | Splash-resistant goggles |
| D4 | Dust | Dust-resistant goggles (indirect ventilation) |
| D5 | Fine dust | Fine dust goggles (no ventilation) |
| W (W1.7–W14) | Welding shade | Welding filter shade number |
| R (R1.5–R10) | IR radiation filter | Infrared filter shade number |
| U (U2–U6) | UV filter | UV filter scale number |
| L (L1.0–L10) | Luminous transmittance | Tint/darkness designator |
| V | Variable tint | Photochromic lens |
| S | Special purpose | Special lens tint |
| H | Small head | Fitted for smaller face dimensions |
| X | No optical correction | Plano (non-prescription) lens |
For chemical splash protection, D3-marked goggles are required — safety glasses (spectacles) alone do not provide splash protection because they lack a face seal. For dust protection, D4 or D5 goggles are required.
Optical Quality Requirements
ANSI Z87.1-2020 sets optical quality requirements for lenses including:
- Refractive power: Limits distortion and prism effect to ensure clear vision without eye strain.
- Haze: Lenses must transmit light clearly without significant diffusion.
- Luminous transmittance: Tinted lenses must provide sufficient light transmission for the intended use (outdoor tinted lenses must meet minimum transmittance indoors).
Poor optical quality in safety eyewear causes eye fatigue and reduces compliance — workers remove uncomfortable eyewear. Z87.1-2020-compliant safety glasses meet consistent optical standards that make all-day wear practical.
OSHA 1910.133 and Z87.1-2020
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.133 requires eye and face protection that meets ANSI Z87.1 (or is at least as effective) for workers exposed to flying particles, molten metal, chemical splash, liquid chemicals, acids, caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or injurious light radiation. The employer must conduct a hazard assessment under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132 to identify which eye hazards are present and select appropriate Z87.1-marked protection. See our OSHA 1910.133 guide for full details on when eye protection is required.
Z87.1-2020 vs Earlier Editions
ANSI Z87.1 has been updated multiple times: 1968, 1989, 2003, 2010, 2015, and the current 2020 edition. OSHA's general industry standard (1910.133) references Z87.1 without specifying a year, meaning the current edition applies. Safety glasses manufactured to Z87.1-2015 remain acceptable under OSHA if they meet the performance requirements of the applicable edition. When purchasing new eyewear, specify Z87.1-2020 compliance.
Anti-Fog, Anti-Scratch, and Coating Designations
Z87.1-2020 does not establish mandatory coating requirements, but many safety glasses carry manufacturer claims for anti-fog (AF) and anti-scratch coatings. Coating quality varies significantly between manufacturers and price points. For indoor/outdoor transition work involving heat or humidity, anti-fog coatings substantially improve compliance. For grinding and chipping environments, anti-scratch coatings extend lens clarity over the lens service life.
Safety Glasses at WC Safety Meeting ANSI Z87.1-2020
- Z87.1-2020 safety glasses — full selection
- Chemical splash (D3) and dust (D4/D5) goggles
- Face shields — Z87.1-compliant
- MCR Safety glasses — Z87.1 rated
- Complete eye protection catalog at WC Safety
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2020?
A: ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2020 is the current American National Standard for Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protection Devices. It establishes impact resistance, optical quality, and marking requirements for safety glasses, goggles, face shields, and welding protection. OSHA references Z87.1 in 29 CFR 1910.133 and 1926.102 as the accepted standard for eye and face protection compliance.
Q: What is the difference between Z87 and Z87+?
A: Z87 marks eyewear meeting the basic impact test (1-inch steel ball dropped from 50 inches). Z87+ marks eyewear meeting the high-velocity impact test (1/4-inch steel ball at 150 ft/sec). Z87+ is required for grinding, chipping, machining, and other high-velocity particle environments. Both frame and lens must carry the Z87+ marking for full high-impact compliance.
Q: What does the D3 marking on safety goggles mean?
A: D3 marks goggles that are tested and rated for chemical splash protection. D3 goggles have indirect ventilation and a face seal that prevents liquid splash from reaching the eye. Safety glasses (spectacles) without a face seal do not qualify as D3 splash protection.
Q: What does D4 and D5 mean on safety goggles?
A: D4 marks dust-resistant goggles with indirect ventilation suitable for coarse dust environments. D5 marks fine-dust goggles with no ventilation, providing tighter dust exclusion for fine particulate environments such as woodworking fine dust or pharmaceutical powder handling.
Q: Do safety glasses need to be Z87+ for OSHA compliance?
A: It depends on the hazard. OSHA 1910.133 requires eye protection appropriate for the identified hazard. Z87+ is required for high-velocity particle environments (grinding, machining, fastener driving). Z87 basic impact may satisfy OSHA requirements for lower-velocity particle environments. The hazard assessment determines which rating is required.
Q: Can I use Z87.1-2015 safety glasses instead of 2020?
A: Safety glasses manufactured to Z87.1-2015 remain acceptable under OSHA general industry standards. When purchasing new eyewear, Z87.1-2020 compliance is recommended as the current standard.
Q: Does Z87.1-2020 cover welding shade lenses?
A: Yes. Z87.1-2020 includes shade requirements for welding filter lenses marked with W plus the shade number (e.g., W5, W10, W14). The appropriate shade depends on the welding process and amperage. OSHA Table E-2 in 1910.133 specifies minimum shade numbers by process.
Q: What does the H marking on safety glasses mean?
A: The H marking indicates the eyewear is designed for smaller head/face dimensions. H-marked safety glasses meet the same Z87.1 impact and optical standards but are sized for workers with smaller facial measurements.
Q: Are non-prescription safety glasses required to be marked Z87?
A: Yes. All safety eyewear must be marked Z87 (or Z87+) on both frame and lens to be compliant with ANSI Z87.1-2020 and OSHA 1910.133. Eyewear without ANSI markings is not compliant regardless of price or marketing claims.
Q: Do side shields satisfy Z87.1 splash protection requirements?
A: No. Side shields on spectacles improve particle protection by reducing the lateral gap but do not create a face seal. Chemical splash (D3) requires goggles with a conforming face seal. Side shields with spectacles may provide D3-like protection only if the entire combination is tested and marked D3 as a unit — this is uncommon.
Q: What optical quality does Z87.1-2020 require?
A: Z87.1-2020 limits refractive power (distortion), prismatic effect, and haze for all lenses. These limits ensure safety eyewear does not cause visual distortion that reduces vision quality or causes eye fatigue during extended wear.
Q: Can safety glasses with tinted lenses be worn indoors?
A: Tinted safety glasses marked for outdoor use (high UV filter, low luminous transmittance) significantly reduce vision indoors and are not appropriate for indoor use. Select clear or lightly tinted lenses for indoor environments. Z87.1-2020 specifies minimum luminous transmittance requirements for each lens category.
Q: What is a photochromic lens in Z87.1-2020 context?
A: Photochromic lenses (marked V under Z87.1-2020) darken in UV light and clear indoors. They are useful for workers who transition frequently between indoor and outdoor environments. Photochromic safety lenses must still meet Z87 or Z87+ impact requirements.
Q: Are face shields alone sufficient for eye protection under Z87.1-2020?
A: Face shields provide face and splash protection but may not fully protect the eyes from angled projectiles or from hazards that wrap around the shield. OSHA 1910.133 notes that face shields used without safety glasses beneath them may not provide adequate eye protection for all flying particle hazards. In many applications, face shields are worn over Z87+ safety glasses.
Q: Where can I buy ANSI Z87.1-2020 compliant safety glasses?
A: WC Safety carries a full range of Z87.1-2020 compliant safety glasses, goggles, and face shields from MCR Safety, Pyramex, Honeywell, and other top manufacturers. Browse at wcsafety.com/collections/safety-glasses.
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WC Safety participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Outbound Amazon links are affiliate links. We accept no manufacturer payment, sponsorship, or product samples. This content is not medical, legal, or regulatory advice. Safety equipment selection is governed by applicable OSHA standards and your facility's safety program.