All Heat Wave Visual® eyewear devices feature ANSI (American National Standard institute) compliant markings to indicate the model’s suitability for certain uses. Eyewear marked as ‘Z80.3’ should never be used for anything other than general fashion use.

Sunglasses with Z80.3 marking meet the ANSI requirement for nonprescription general use/fashion sunglasses and eyewear. Each pair features 100% UVA/UVB blocking and shatter-resistant lenses.

Heat Wave Visual® models marketed as 'Z87' or ‘Z87+’ compliant adhere to the fundamental requirements of the ANSI Z87.1-2020 guidelines. Below are the relevant requirements concerning impact resistance, coverage area and markings according to section 5 of the ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2020 standards:

5. Fundamental Design Requirements for All Protectors
All protectors shall satisfy all applicable requirements of Section 5. Unless otherwise stated, all values for measurements are to be considered as nominal.

5.2.1 Drop Ball Impact Resistance
When tested in accordance with Section 9.6, the protector shall fail if any of the following occur when impacted by a 25.4 mm (1 in.) diameter steel ball when dropped from a height of 127 cm (50 in.):
•lens (lens only) fractures
•piece fully detached from the inner surface
•projectile penetrates the inner surface
•lens not retained

5.2.4 Minimum Coverage Area
The frames, lens housings or carriers and lens(es) shall cover in plain view an area of not less than 40 mm (1.57 in.) in width and 33 mm (1.30 in.) in height (elliptical) in front of each eye, centered on the pupil centers of the test headform. Frames, lens housing or carrier and lens(es) designed for small head sizes shall cover in plain view an area of not less than 34 mm (1.34 in.) in width and 28 mm (1.10 in.) in height (elliptical), centered on the pupil centers of the test headform.

5.3.1 Required Protector Markings
All protectors shall bear the permanent and legible markings. Markings for lens type and use applications shall be required only when claims for protection against the hazard or indicated use are made by the manufacturer.

Any Heat Wave Visual® eyewear device marketed as ‘Z87+’ compliant meets or exceeds the ANSI Z87.1-2020 lateral protection and impact requirements. All Heat Wave Visual ‘Z87+’ devices meet the drop-ball test as specified in ANSI Z87.1-2020 section 5, in addition to the High-Mass and High-Velocity impact tests. Both High-Mass and High-Velocity tests require lateral protection provided by use of the removable Heat Wave Visual side shields or protection provided by the frame itself.

All Heat Wave Visual® models marketed as ‘Z87’ or ‘Z87+’ are stamped with ANSI Z87.1-2020 compliant markings on the temples and lens, any additional side shields are marked with a ‘Z87+’. Any Heat Wave Visual product not bearing ANSI Z87.1-2020 compliant marks are not suitable for use as a protective eyewear device. Any Heat Wave Visual devices bearing ‘Z87’ or ‘Z80.3’ markings do not meet ANSI Z87.1+ requirements.

Each production run of all ‘Z87’ and ‘Z87+’ models are tested to meet the highest ANSI impact requirements; additional side shields are offered and necessary to comply with the higher coverage standards of Z87+. This gives the customer the flexibility to use side shields when lateral protection is required. It should be noted that OSHA requirements and ANSI standards are not necessarily the same - which is why we always suggest that customers consult their safety supervisor regarding acceptable eyewear.

In summary; the ANSI Z87.1-2020 standards cover a wide range of devices and uses, each with their own testing and marking requirements. We specify which models meet the Z87 or Z87+ requirements, but Heat Wave Visual® does not market or make claims to meet any other ANSI Z87.1 special use requirements.

Impact resistant eyewear does not imply that it is unbreakable and does not provide unlimited eye protection. Unmaintained, scratched, abused, misused or damaged eyewear can reduce impact protection. It is the wearers responsibility to make a visual inspection on glasses before each use. Protection devices (Z87 devices) which exhibit broken parts, distortion, chipping, cracking, excessive scratching or other defects are unsuitable for use and should never be worn. In the occurrence that glasses have come in contact with any harsh chemicals discontinue use at once. Lastly, if an impact has occurred the use of the eye-wear is not permitted at any time, and the glasses should be discarded or replaced.

Heat Wave Visual® eyewear devices marketed as ‘Z87’ or ‘Z87+’ are not suitable for protection against chemicals, or use requiring side shields, or as substitutes for goggles. Devices with tinted lenses should never be used indoors or other low light scenarios where deemed unsuitable.

Disclaimer Protective eyewear does not provide unlimited protection. In the occupational or educational environment, protective eyewear is not a substitute for machine guards and other engineering controls. Eye protection should not be relied on to provide complete protection against hazards, but can and should be used in conjunction with machine guards, engineering controls, proper training and safe practices.

Since glasses can fit each wearers face differently it is the responsibility of the wearer to ensure that the eyewear fits and stays secure properly. It is the wearers responsibility to exercise extreme caution in the selection of appropriate eye protection and to ensure they are in compliance with standards.

Glasses being worn as safety glasses / protection devices are to remain as assembled and received by Heat Wave Visual®. Disassembly of any glasses with Z87 or Z87+ markings at any time voids any and all safety claims and Heat Wave Visual cannot guarantee structural integrity, or impact resistance claims.

Not suitable for:
Impact: Chipping, grinding, machining, masonry work, riveting, and sanding Heat: Furnace operations pouring, casting, hot dipping, gas cutting, and welding. Chemicals: liquids, acid and chemical handling, degreasing, plating, Dust: Woodworking, buffing, or other general dusty conditions.