ANSI Z87.1 safety glasses are the standard for impact-resistant eyewear in hazardous environments. And for glasses of higher protection, ANSI Z87+ would be a better choice. Understanding the differences between these two ratings can help you choose the best eyewear for your needs. Let’s explore the key distinctions between ANSI Z87.1 safety glasses and ANSI Z87+ safety glasses, and discuss their applications in various industries.
What is ANSI Z87.1 Safety Glasses?
ANSI Z87.1 is the standard in USA for protective eyewear. This rating ensures that safety glasses meet basic impact protection requirements. ANSI Z87.1 glasses can withstand moderate impacts and provide essential protection against flying debris, dust, and particles in industrial environments.
If you’re working in environments with low to moderate hazards, ANSI Z87.1 safety glasses provide a good level of protection. People often use them in industries like construction, manufacturing, and general labor, where debris and minor impacts are common. Clear safety glasses with this rating are ideal for workers in warehouses or assembly lines.
What is ANSI Z87+ Safety Glasses?
The ANSI Z87+ rating is an upgrade to the basic ANSI Z87.1 safety glasses. This rating indicates that the eyewear has gone though tests for high-velocity impact resistance. ANSI Z87+ glasses can withstand greater impacts and provide superior protection against high-speed debris. These glasses are specifically for more hazardous environments, such as construction sites, mining, and welding.
ANSI Z87+ safety glasses are often a must in industries where workers face higher risks of injury from flying objects or larger projectiles. For example, mining safety glasses or construction safety glasses sometimes must meet the Z87+ standard to ensure adequate protection from flying rocks, heavy equipment, and other high-velocity hazards.
Key Differences Between ANSI Z87.1 and ANSI Z87+
Impact Resistance:
ANSI Z87.1 safety glasses can withstand lower-velocity impacts, such as dust and small debris.
ANSI Z87+ safety glasses provide enhanced protection against higher-velocity impacts. These glasses undergo more rigorous testing, ensuring better protection against more dangerous projectiles.
Testing Requirements:
ANSI Z87.1 glasses are often suitable for basic testing on impact resistance and optical clarity.
ANSI Z87+ glasses are under test for higher impact forces. These tests simulate more dangerous situations, like flying metal shards or rocks from heavy machinery.
Lens Durability:
ANSI Z87.1 safety glasses offer moderate durability, suitable for everyday industrial use., while ANSI Z87+ safety glasses typically feature more durable lenses, often with anti-scratch safety glasses or anti-fog safety glasses coatings for added longevity and performance. ANSI Z87.1 safety glasses are designed to withstand moderate impact forces. These lenses must be at least 2mm thick to meet the standard’s impact resistance requirements. Lenses rated for higher impact may be slightly thicker to provide additional protection against faster-moving objects.
Industry Applications:
ANSI Z87.1 is commonly used in light industrial, assembly, and laboratory settings.
ANSI Z87+ is preferred in heavy-duty environments like mining safety glasses, construction safety glasses, or welding safety glasses, where the risk of high-velocity impacts is greater.
To Choose under Guidance of Safety Glasses Factories?
The choice between ANSI Z87.1 safety glasses and ANSI Z87+ safety glasses depends on the specific hazards you face in your work environment. Here’s a guide from top safety glasses factories in China to help you decide:
For Low-Risk Environments: If you work in environments with minimal flying debris or impacts, ANSI Z87.1 safety glasses are often sufficient. This includes settings like labs, general assembly lines, and warehouse environments. You might prefer clear safety glasses or black safety glasses for their versatility and comfort.
For High-Risk Environments: If your work exposes you to higher impact risks, such as construction, mining, or welding, opt for ANSI Z87+ safety glasses. These provide enhanced protection against high-velocity impacts, making them ideal for best safety glasses for construction, mining safety glasses, or welding safety glasses. If you need extra comfort or clarity, look for models with anti fog safety glasses or anti scratch safety glasses coatings.
Customization: Both ANSI Z87.1 and Z87+ glasses can be customized to suit your needs. If you work in varying lighting conditions, you may prefer indoor outdoor safety glasses or photochromic lenses that adapt to different environments.
Additional Features in ANSI Z87.1 and Z87+ Safety Glasses
Regardless of the ANSI rating, many safety glasses come with added features to enhance comfort, durability, and functionality. Here are some of the most common options:
Anti-Fog Safety Glasses: Fogging can be a major issue in environments with varying temperatures or humidity levels. Both ANSI Z87.1 and Z87+ glasses offer best anti fog safety glasses options to keep your vision clear.
Anti-Scratch Safety Glasses: For workers in heavy-duty environments, safety glasses scratch resistant coatings protect lenses from scratches and damage. This is especially important for agriculture safety glasses and mining safety glasses, where debris can quickly degrade lens quality.
UV Protection: If you work outdoors, UV protection safety glasses or anti UV safety glasses are essential to protect your eyes from harmful sun exposure. Both ANSI Z87.1 and Z87+ glasses can offer UV protection, but Z87+ glasses are ideal for high-risk outdoor environments.
Stylish Safety Glasses: Safety eyewear doesn’t have to be bulky or unattractive. Many brands now offer stylish safety glasses, available in a range of colors and designs like black safety glasses or dark safety glasses. These are perfect for workers who need to meet safety standards without sacrificing style.
Top 9 Lists for Safety Goggle Manufacturers in the US
Here is a table listing the Top 9 Safety Goggle Manufacturers in the US.
| Position | Company Name | Established Year | Location | Employees | Hyperlink |
| 1 | 3M Safety & Industrial | 1902 | St. Paul, MN | 10,000+ | 3m.com |
| 2 | Honeywell Safety Products | 1906 | Morris Plains, NJ | 10,000+ | honeywell.com |
| 2 | Safety Works (Honeywell) | 2007 | Atlanta | 100+ | safetyworks.com |
| 3 | Uvex Safety | 1926 | Cranberry Twp, PA | 500+ | uvex-safety.com |
| 4 | Jackson Safety (a division of Illinois Tool Works) | 1958 | Lexington, SC | 1,000+ | jacksonsafety.com |
| 5 | Radians Inc. | 2003 | Memphis, TN | 200+ | radians.com |
| 6 | DeWalt (Safety Goggles) | 1924 | Towson, MD | 1,000+ | dewalt.com |
| 7 | Liberty Glove & Safety | 1984 | North Carolina | 200+ | libertysafety.com |
| 8 | Bullard | 1898 | Cynthiana, KY | 100+ | bullard.com |
| 9 | Ergodyne | 1983 | Minneapolis, MN | 50-200 | ergodyne.com |
Conclusion
When choosing between ANSI Z87.1 safety glasses and ANSI Z87+ safety glasses, consider the level of impact protection required in your workplace. ANSI Z87+ safety glasses offer enhanced protection, ideal for high-risk environments like construction, mining, and welding. Meanwhile, ANSI Z87.1 safety glasses provide adequate protection for environments with moderate hazards.
Both types of safety glasses come with additional features like anti-scratch, anti-fog, and UV protection, helping to optimize performance and comfort. Always choose safety glasses that meet your specific needs, whether you’re looking for best-rated safety glasses, best safety glasses for construction, or custom safety glasses. With the right eyewear, you can safeguard your vision and work with confidence.
