ANSI Z87.1-2015 is a standard developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) that focuses on the requirements and guidelines for eye and face protection devices. The standard aims to ensure the safety and effectiveness of protective eyewear in various occupational settings. This standard is widely recognized in the United States and is often used as a reference for the manufacturing and testing of safety glasses, goggles, face shields, and other protective eyewear devices.
Key features of ANSI Z87.1-2015 include:
1. Classification of Hazards:
- The standard classifies potential hazards into different categories, such as impact, optical radiation, droplets and splash, dust, and fine dust. This classification helps manufacturers design eye and face protection that suits specific workplace hazards.
2. Performance Requirements:
- ANSI Z87.1-2015 establishes performance requirements for protective eyewear, ensuring that these devices provide adequate protection against the identified hazards. This includes criteria for impact resistance, optical clarity, and coverage area.
3. Marking and Labeling:
- Protective eyewear compliant with ANSI Z87.1-2015 is required to be marked with specific information, including the manufacturer's identification, Z87 symbol, and the relevant impact and optical radiation protection codes. This ensures easy identification of compliant products.
4. Impact Testing:
- The standard includes rigorous impact testing requirements to evaluate the ability of eyewear to withstand high-velocity impacts. This is crucial for protecting the eyes from flying objects and potential injuries.
5. Optical Radiation Protection:
- ANSI Z87.1-2015 addresses protection against various forms of optical radiation, including ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation. This is particularly important in environments where workers may be exposed to welding or other sources of intense light.
6. Protocols for Testing:
- The standard outlines specific testing protocols that manufacturers must follow to assess the performance of eye and face protection devices. This includes methods for impact testing, optical clarity testing, and other relevant evaluations.
7. Face Shield Requirements:
- In addition to protective eyewear, ANSI Z87.1-2015 includes requirements for face shields. Face shields must meet specific criteria for impact resistance, optical clarity, and coverage to ensure comprehensive protection for the face.
8. Side Protection:
- The standard addresses the importance of side protection, recognizing that hazards may come from various angles. Protective eyewear compliant with ANSI Z87.1-2015 often provides coverage to the sides of the eyes for enhanced safety.
9. Robustness and Durability:
- ANSI Z87.1-2015 ensures that protective eyewear is designed and constructed to be robust and durable, capable of withstanding the demands of the work environment.
10. Compliance Verification:
- In summary, ANSI Z87.1-2015 serves as a critical reference for the design, testing, and manufacturing of eye and face protection devices. Compliance with this standard helps ensure that workers are adequately protected against a range of occupational hazards, contributing to a safer work environment. Employers, safety professionals, and workers should be familiar with and adhere to the requirements outlined in ANSI Z87.1-2015 when selecting and using protective eyewear in various work settings.