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ANSI Z87.1 Eye and Face Protection Standard Changes

Although it has taken several years, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has approved the new “Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protective Devices” standard – ANSI Z87.1-2003.

There are several changes and minor alterations to the old standard (ANSI Z87.1-1989), which went into effect in 1989 and was re-affirmed in 1998. ANSI Z87.1-2003 addresses general requirements, descriptions and types, testing, marking, selection, care and use of personal eye and face protectors. It includes a new section on warning labels. The new standard also addresses National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) approved respirators.

The changes mean manufacturers will need to retest or develop new protectors, employers will have to reassess job tasks and employees’ needs and employees will have to pay closer attention to what type of eye protection is needed. The most significant changes are summarized below.

Scope and Purpose

Section 2 – Scope, Purpose, Application, Exceptions, and Interpretations – has been expanded. It emphasizes the type of hazards that the protectors will address, while continuing to except specialized areas of radiation protection, sports and bloodborne pathogens. It is important to note that different categories of protectors are tested at different levels of impact resistance. Users are cautioned in selecting eyewear where other standards may apply or where no definitive performance standards exist. If marked “Z87” or represented in any way as being in compliance with this standard, the entire device must meet all of the requirements of the standard. To ensure compliance, users are cautioned to use extreme care when selecting replacement components.

Frame Tests

Spectacle frame tests are designed to test the ability of the frame to retain a lens upon impact and to evaluate the strength of the temples and/or sideshields. The frame, body, housing or headgear components are tested by installing “test” lenses that are strong enough to allow high mass and high velocity tests to be conducted. These components must have the integrity to comply with the tests regardless of the actual lens that will be in the model. The high mass and high velocity test methods are carried over from ANSI Z87.1-1989, but no failures are allowed in the high velocity test. Spectacle frames for prescription lenses must meet the same criteria. Lateral coverage requirements have been increased to provide expanded rearward protection. This affects spectacles primarily.

Frame Marking

All markings must be permanent, legible and placed so that interference with the wearer’s vision is minimal. For products with removable lenses, all spectacle frames (front, both temples and sideshields), goggle bodies or housings, faceshield headgear and welding helmet components must be marked with the manufacturer’s mark or logo and “Z87”. If the spectacle frames are intended for prescription lenses, the front and both temples must be marked with the manufacturer’s mark or logo, “Z87-2” and for size in accordance with Z80.5-1997. Products with non-removable lenses require only one marking. For spectacles, the manufacturer’s identifying mark or logo, the Z87 (basic impact level) or Z87+ (high impact level) mark and a shade number (if applicable) may be placed on the frame or temple. For goggles, faceshields or welding helmets, the markings may be applied to any component including the lens. A summary of required product marks and marking locations has been included in a new annex: Annex G.

Lens Tests

Eye protectors are now classified as either basic or high impact. This classification is based on performance. They are tested as complete products, as they are offered to the user. No distinction is made between removable and non-removable lenses. Basic impact protectors must be capable of passing a 1" drop ball test. High impact protectors must comply with high mass and high velocity impact criteria. These impact requirements apply to prescription spectacles as well. The penetration test applies to plano plastic lenses, whether they are basic or high impact.

Lens Thickness

There is no minimum thickness requirement for high impact plano spectacles that are tested as complete products. Basic impact spectacle lenses must be at least 3mm thick. High impact lenses installed in prescription frames must be at least two 2mm thick.

Lens Markings

All markings must be permanent, legible and placed so that vision interference is minimal. Basic impact removable lenses must bear the manufacturer’s mark or logo. High impact removable lenses require the manufacturer’s mark or logo and a “+”. If applicable, the shade number filter lens, special purpose lens and photochromic lens markings must be present. Spectacles with non-removable lenses must be marked with the manufacturer’s mark or logo, “Z87”, a “+” if the lenses meets the high impact testing requirements and if applicable, a shade number, special purpose lens and photochromic mark. This marking may be placed on the front or on one of the temples. A summary of required product marks and marking locations has been included in a new annex: Annex G.

Optical Requirements

To clarify the transmittance ranges for special purpose lenses Table 2 – Transmittance Requirements for Special-Purpose Lenses – has been added. Table 3 – Switching Index Requirements for Automatic Darkening Welding Filter Lenses – has been added to specify switching index times for Auto Darkening Filters (ADFs).

Sideshields

There is no change in this recommendation. Side protection is that component of a protector that extends from the front to some distance between the front and the wearer’s ear. It provided limited protection to the wearer’s eyes from lateral hazards. Side protection may be an integral part of the frame or lens, a separate sideshield that is permanently attached to the frame, or a removable part of the frame. The function and coverage of side protection are defined by the high velocity impact test. Lateral coverage requirements have been increased to provide expanded rearward protection and are discussed under Frame Tests.

Flammability

American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) test method D635-1998 has been designated, but the pass/fail criteria remains unchanged.

Respirators

Full facepiece and loose-fitting NIOSH approved respirators are now covered. These devices contain lenses or windows and are subject to the optical, impact resistance and marking requirements of ANSI Z87.1-2003.

Warning Labels

A highly visible, removable label or tag must be affixed to any protector that does not meet the high impact requirements of ANSI Z87.1-2003. The label or tag must contain an appropriate warning indicating that the lens meets basic impact requirements only and that it should not be relied upon for protection from high impact exposures. The label or tag must also state that it is to be removed by the user only.

Enforcement

Currently, ANSI Z87.1-1989 is incorporated by reference in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations [29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.133]. As such it carries the force of the law. If OSHA chooses to adopt ANSI Z87.1-2003, the change will be noted in the Federal Register. Lab Safety Supply will continually monitor the Federal Register for an announcement of such changes.

Sources for More Information

ANSI “Occupational and Educational Personal Eye and Face Protective Devices” standard – ANSI Z87.1-2003

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