How can you tell safety glasses are approved for the shop?

Safety glasses that are approved for use in an environment like a shop must meet specific safety standards to ensure they provide adequate protection for the eyes against potential hazards. The marking of safety glasses with "Z87.1" indicates that they meet the requirements set forth by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for eye and face protection. This stamp serves as a certification that the glasses have undergone rigorous testing and are designed to withstand impacts, providing a reliable layer of safety.

Other characteristics, such as being tinted or made from polycarbonate, do not inherently qualify the glasses as safe for workshop use. While polycarbonate lenses are known for their strength and can help protect against impact, without the Z87.1 stamp, they cannot be considered officially approved. Similarly, while safety glasses might come with a case, this factor does not pertain to their safety rating. The key to ensuring safety in an environment where there are risks of eye injury lies in the certification through the Z87.1 marking.