Which Ansi Safety Rating is right for me?

What is ANSI?

Key ANSI Standards for Eyewear

1. ANSI Z87.1 – Occupational Safety Eyewear

• Impact Resistance: Tested with high-velocity steel balls or heavy objects to ensure lenses and frames can withstand impact.
• Splash and Dust Protection: Optional markings like D3 (liquid), D4 (dust), and D5 (fine dust) indicate protection against specific hazards.
• Radiation Protection: UV (U) and infrared/visible light (R, L) filters may be included for specialized workplaces.
• Markings: Z87 for basic protection, Z87+ for high-impact certification, Z87-2 for prescription eyewear, with additional symbols indicating specific protections (W for welding, H for small head sizes, V for variable tint, S for special purposes).

2. ANSI Z80.3 – Sunglasses and Non-Prescription Eyewear

• UV Protection: Lenses must block harmful UVA and UVB radiation.
• Luminous Transmittance: Ensures adequate visibility without distortion of traffic signals or natural light.
• Frame Strength: Durable enough for outdoor activities and regular wear.
• Applications: Ideal for sunglasses, casual wear, prescription-free lenses, and sports eyewear with optical correction.

3. ANSI Z80.1 and Z80.31 – Prescription Lenses

• Z80.1: Governs ophthalmic lenses including prescription glasses and ensures that lenses are manufactured to meet precise optical quality and safety measures.
• Z80.31: Applies specifically to over-the-counter reading glasses or non-prescription lenses, focusing on optical performance, safety, and durability.

4. Specialty Marks within ANSI Z87.1 and Related Standards

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Types of Safety Glasses Aligned with ANSI Standards

1. Prescription Safety Glasses: Combine vision correction with protective features. Customization options include wrap-around frames, anti-fog coatings, and polycarbonate lenses.
2. Non-Prescription Safety Glasses: Versatile protective eyewear with clear, tinted, or polarized lenses. Ideal for high-impact environments without corrective needs.
3. Polarized Safety Glasses: Reduce glare and improve contrast, particularly useful for outdoor work or bright environments. Often used in construction, driving, or water-based jobs.
4. Anti-Fog Safety Glasses: Feature advanced coatings to prevent condensation, essential for fluctuating temperature or high-humidity workplaces.
5. Blue Light Blocking Safety Glasses: Protect against digital screen strain while maintaining ANSI-compliant safety features.

Selecting the Right ANSI-Certified Eyewear

• Assess Hazards: Identify the primary risks—impact, radiation, liquid splashes, dust, or UV exposure.
• Check Markings: Confirm ANSI compliance and relevance to your hazards.
• Consider Fit and Comfort: Proper fit ensures consistent protection. Adjustable features improve wearability over long periods.
• Verify Authenticity: Buy from authorized manufacturers or retailers, check product labels, and consult official ANSI databases.
• Balance Functionality and Style: Especially for sports or fashion eyewear, functionality should not be compromised by aesthetics.

Conclusion

Protect Your Style. Protect Your Grind.

When it comes to safety eyewear, the ANSI rating isn’t just a technical detail—it’s your frontline defense. Whether you're on a job site, in a workshop, or out in the elements, knowing which ANSI rating fits your grind is key to staying protected and compliant.

🛡️ What Is ANSI Z87?

ANSI stands for the American National Standards Institute. The Z87 standard sets the benchmark for impact resistance, coverage, and durability in protective eyewear. If your glasses don’t meet ANSI Z87 standards, they’re not built for real-world hazards.

🔍 ANSI Z87 vs. Z87+

• Z87: Basic impact protection. Good for low-risk environments.
• Z87+: High-velocity impact protection. Required for industrial, construction, and high-risk settings.

At Califas 22, we don’t mess with the minimum. Our Z87+ rated lenses are built to take hits and keep you moving—without compromising your look.

⚙️ When to Choose Z87+

• Construction sites
• Metalworking or carpentry
• Landscaping or outdoor labor
• Any job with flying debris or high-speed tools

If you’re working with power tools, machinery, or anything that throws sparks or fragments, Z87+ is non-negotiable.

😎 Califas 22: Safety Meets Swagger

We build eyewear that meets ANSI Z87+ standards and still turns heads. Whether you're rocking Travieso or Mero Mero, you’re covered—literally and legally.

Our frames are tested, certified, and ready for whatever your day throws at you. Because protection shouldn’t mean sacrificing style.

💬 Final Word

Choosing the right ANSI rating isn’t just about compliance—it’s about confidence. Califas 22 gives you both. So next time you gear up, make sure your eyewear is built for the job and the journey.

Protect your style. Protect your grind. Protect your vision.