Eyewear Guide

ANSI Z87.1-2003 has replaced Z87.1-1989 (R-1998) and is truly performance driven. The most noticeable difference deals with eye protector impact levels. Two levels of impact resistance, “Basic” and “High” are now defined for safety glasses. Marking requirements changed to reflect these levels of impact performance. Devices that meet the “High” impact criteria must be marked “Z87+”. Frames should meet the “High” impact level. If the eye protector only meets the “Basic” impact criteria, a warning label must be attached to the protector. The 2010 standard focuses on hazards and is organized by the nature of each hazard—impact, optical radiation, droplet and splash, dust and fine dust and mist. This focus encourages users to evaluate the specific hazards they are exposed to and select appropriate protection based on that evaluation. Because of this, required product markings have changed. Users will have to match the hazard they need protection from with the marking on the device.

Anti-fog coating for safety glasses provides excellent fog prevention in high humidity environments where sudden shifts in temperature occur.

Scratch-resistant coating for safety glasses extends lens life in abrasive environments where scratches are possible.

Anti-static coating for safety glasses reduces dust and particulate attraction to all lenses.

Hard coating for safety glasses is permanently bonded to lens to extend lens life.

Anti-UV coating for safety glasses absorbs more than 99.9% of harmful ultraviolet radiation.

Clear safety glasses
For general indoor applications where impact protection is required.

Gray safety glasses
For outdoor applications where light and glare can cause eye strain and fatigue. Provides good color recognition.

Indoor/outdoor safety glasses
A clear lens with a slight mirror coating serves the same purpose as the gray lens, yet allows more visible light through the lens for indoor/outdoor use. Reduces glare from artificial light.

Gold, blue & silver mirror safety glasses
Use outdoor where sunlight and glare cause eye strain and fatigue. “Mirror” coating reflects light, reducing the amount of light that passes through the lens.

Dark green safety glasses
General-purpose protection from glare and UV radiation.

Brown/espresso safety glasses
For outdoor applications where sunlight and glare cause eye strain and fatigue. Meets color traffic signal recognition requirements.

Vermilion safety glasses
Enhances contrast while reducing all color equally for optimum color recognition. Ideal for indoor inspection.

Amber safety glasses
Blocks the blue portion of the visible light spectrum, creating maximum contrast enhancement, particularly in low light.

SCT safety glasses
Uvex's spectrum control technology lens is designed to absorb select wavelengths of radiant energy (light) into the polycarbonate lens.

Filter shades safety glasses
Protects against ultraviolet and infrared radiation generated when working with molten metal, and in welding, cutting, soldering and brazing operations.

Shades 1.5-3
Torch soldering.

Shades 3-4
Torch brazing.

Shades 3-6
Cutting.

Shades 4-8
Gas welding.

Shades 10-14
Electric arc welding.

Why Safety Reading Glasses?
According to the year 2000 U.S. Census, there are over 70 million Americans in the age bracket 40 to 65 years of age. Most of these individuals will require reading glasses and a large proportion of them will need reading glasses in combination with protective safety glasses. Grainger can help you meet that need for your employees.

Save Your Company Money
Approximately 75 million pairs of plano (nonprescription) safety glasses are sold each year in the United States alone. About 10% of all safety glass users require bifocal safety glasses. Save your company and employees money by offering them safety reading glasses. A pair of prescription safety glasses typically cost about $150.00 per worker.

Calculate Your Savings
Grainger offers safety reading glasses at an average of about $20.00 a pair, that's a $130.00 savings per employee. If you have 500 workers, approximately 10% or about 50 employees could potentially require safety reading glasses. If you calculate your savings, that's about $6500.00!

It's Easy to Find Your Worksight Diopter Strength.
Click here for your diopter chart. Print the chart and follow the instructions to help you find the diopter strength you need.

Face shield—A supplementary protective device worn to shield the wearer's face from certain hazards. Face shields are secondary protectors only and must be worn with safety glasses or goggles, as stated in ANSI Z87.1.

Goggle—A protective device that fits the face, surrounding the eyes in order to shield them from impact, splash and vapor hazards. Available non-vented or with direct or indirect vents.

Impact Resistance—The ability of safety eyewear to withstand impact when tested according to ANSI requirements.

Infrared radiation—Electromagnetic energy with wavelengths from 780 to 2000 nanometers (nm).

LASER—An acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emissions of Radiation.

Lens impact resistance—A lens capable of withstanding the appropriate impact tests of ANSI Z87.1.

Luminous transmittance—The fraction of light (380 to 780nm) passing through a medium.

Nanometer (nm)—One billionth of a meter, 10-9 meter.

Optical radiation—The part of the electromagnetic spectrum with wavelengths between 200 and 2000nm.

Sideshield—A part of safety glasses, commonly attached to spectacles, that provides protection to the side of the eye.

Spectacle—A protective device to shield the wearer's eyes from a variety of hazards, depending on the spectacle type.

Ultraviolet radiation—Electromagnetic energy with wavelengths from 200 to 380nm, per ANSI Z87.1.

Welding helmet—A protective device intended to shield the eyes and face from optical radiation and impact. Welding helmets are secondary protectors and shall be used only in conjunction with primary protectors.

Sources
29 CFR 1910.132, General Requirements.
29 CFR 1910.133, Eye and Face Protection.

American National Standard Institute (ANSI)
11 W. 42nd St.
New York, NY 10036
(212) 642-4900

Prevent Blindness America
Schaumburg, IL
1-800-331-2020

Quick Tips Technical Resources
No. 125 Choosing Protective Eyewear
No. 127 Laser Safety Basics