New American National Standard for Eye and Face Protection

ANSI Z87.1 Q&A

Question: What are the significant changes in the revised standard?

Answer: Perhaps the most significant change affecting all eye and face protectors is the introduction of a two-level classification for impact protection. "Basic impact" lenses are tested to withstand the impact of a 1-inch ball dropped from 50 inches, plus a penetration test for plastic lenses. "High impact" lenses, and all frames, have to pass more stringent high mass and high velocity impact tests. There are changes in marking to indicate the level of impact protection. Minimum thickness requirements have been eliminated, except for non-plano lenses (2 mm).

Question: How do thes changes affect employers or employees?

Answer: Employers must now decide when they need basic or high impact protectors for their employees. ISEA recommends the use of only high impact protectors (Z87+) whenever eye protection is worn.

Question: What do the markings mean?

Answer: The standard requires that all frames and lenses carry a manufacturer's mark or logo, plus other markings to indicate the level of protection.
Faceshields are marked Z87 to indicate Basic impact, or Z87+ to indicate High impact. Other markings are "S" for special purpose lenses, and LIGHT, MEDIUM, DARK to indicate luminous transmittance of a faceshield window.

Question: What level of classification do Bullard Visors meet?

Answer: Bullard visors conform to ANSI Z87.1 2003 standard when used in combination with Bullard approved headgear or faceshield brackets under the following classification by model number: