ANSI Z87 Prescription Safety Glasses

ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 is the American National Standard covering occupational and educational eye and face protection devices. It establishes requirements relating to product performance, testing, permanent markings, selection, care, and use.
The current ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2025 edition continues a performance-based approach and includes updated requirements for markings, impact performance, lens performance, and minimum coverage. It also emphasizes that protective equipment must be matched to the specific hazard rather than treated as universally suitable.
ANSI coordinates the voluntary standards system, while ISEA administers the Z87 committee responsible for developing and interpreting the eye-protection standard. ANSI itself does not manufacture or independently approve individual products.

A product should not be described as meeting ANSI Z87.1 solely because it has a durable frame, polycarbonate lenses, side shields, or a safety-style appearance. Compliance should be supported by permanent product markings and reliable manufacturer documentation.

Before purchasing, check for:

• The manufacturer’s identification mark
• The stated ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 edition
• The marking shown on the frame
• The marking shown on the prescription lenses
• A basic- or high-impact designation
• Any applicable hazard-specific codes
• The tested frame-and-lens configuration
• Confirmation that the supplied side protection is part of the rated design

Product descriptions should show the actual markings or provide clear documentation from the manufacturer. Generic statements such as “ANSI approved” should not be used without evidence tied to the specific product and lens configuration.

The markings Z87 and Z87+ do not communicate identical impact performance.
A Z87 marking identifies a protector that meets the applicable basic-impact requirements. The plus symbol indicates high-impact performance under the standard. Prescription products may use markings such as Z87-2 or Z87-2+, with the plus sign again identifying the applicable high-impact designation.
Do not assume that every product on a Z87 collection page carries a plus marking. The precise designation should be displayed for each frame-and-lens combination so customers can distinguish between performance levels.

Within the current marking system, Z87-2 identifies prescription or Rx protection. The marking may appear with additional symbols that communicate impact performance or another tested property. For example, Z87-2+ incorporates the prescription designation and a high-impact mark.
The presence of a prescription does not remove the need to verify the complete protective configuration. The frame, lenses, side protection, and other required components must be used as specified for the rated design.
Customers should also confirm that their prescription falls within the supported range. Lens power, frame shape, lens material, and manufacturing requirements can affect whether a particular prescription is available in a given Z87 design.

ANSI Z87 safety glasses can carry additional markings for tested properties. Under the current edition, examples include:

• H for applicable coverage requirements
• X for tested anti-fog performance
• D3 for droplet or splash use
• D4 for dust use
• D5 for fine-dust use
• U followed by a scale number for ultraviolet filtration
• R followed by a scale number for infrared filtration
• L followed by a scale number for visible-light filtration
• W followed by a shade number for welding filtration

These codes are not automatically present on every product. A Z87 or Z87+ impact marking alone should not be interpreted as evidence of splash, dust, welding, or radiation protection.

OSHA requires appropriate protection where employees are exposed to hazards such as flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, chemical vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation. It also requires side protection where flying objects create a hazard.
Employees who require corrective lenses must use protection that incorporates their prescription or fits over their regular eyewear without disturbing either item.
OSHA’s general-industry rule currently names ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2010 and certain earlier editions. It also allows an employer to use a product demonstrated to be at least as effective as equipment constructed in accordance with the listed standards. Therefore, “meets the latest Z87 edition” and “acceptable under a particular workplace policy” should not be treated as identical claims without review.

Begin with the workplace hazard assessment and required performance marking. Then compare:

• Prescription compatibility
• Basic- or high-impact designation
• Side-protection configuration
• Frame dimensions and facial coverage
• Lens type and approved lens options
• Compatibility with helmets and other PPE
• Documented dust, splash, filter, or anti-fog properties
• Manufacturer instructions and stated limitations

A product carrying one valid Z87 marking is not necessarily suitable for every environment. Select the exact combination of markings, coverage, fit, and prescription support required for the task.

• Products organized around documented ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 information
• Clear distinction between Z87 and Z87+ markings
• Prescription-specific marking details where available
• Product-level standard-edition information
• Visible frame and lens evidence
• Hazard codes displayed only when verified
• Prescription ranges and frame measurements for comparison