Safety Glasses

Science Olympiad has provided definitions of the various kinds of safety glasses that are to be used in events. This policy was recently revised for the 2016 season, in which eye protection is divided into three categories. However, the explanations do not provide any pictures of the glasses in question. To clear up any confusion, read the definitions again and look at pictures of these different types of glasses.

In order to be approved for use in Science Olympiad, safety spectacles must meet the ANSI standard at the time of their manufacture, bearing the manufacturer's "Z87" mark.

''Please note that the pictures may not show glasses that are actually ANSI rated. They were merely chosen for visual similarity to the classes listed at soinc.org.''

Category A
In order to meet the requirements of Category A eye protection, safety spectacles must provide basic particle protection. Examples include safety glasses, safety spectacles with side shields, and particle protection goggles.

Category B
In order to fulfill the criteria of Category B eye protection, safety spectacles must provide protection from high inertia particle hazard (often referred to as high impact protection). As such, they must bear the "Z87+" marking.

Category C
To meet the requirements of Category C eye protection, safety spectacles must provide indirect vent chemical/splash protection. They must seal tightly to the face completely around the eyes. Indirect vents must be constructed in a way so that there is no direct path for foreign matter to enter the eyes.

Other Information
''Note: goggles that bear the "Z87+" marking and provide indirect vent chemical/splash protection meet the criteria for all three categories. As such, they may be used for any event which requires eye protection.''

Each of the above types of eye protection is available in either Basic Impact or High Impact Protection versions. Devices marked with "Z87" provide Basic Impact Protection. Devices that provide High Impact Protection are marked with a "+" in addition to the "Z87" ("Z87+"). Devices used in events where the rules require High Impact Protection must bear the "Z87+" mark.



The "Z87" marking can be hard to see, especially on devices made of clear material. Removable lenses must also bear the "Z87" mark. Regular eyeglasses with safety glass are not approved unless they bear this mark.

Although VisorGogs do not seal completely to the face, they have been approved to be acceptable as indirect vent chemical/splash protection goggles.

Contestants must not be allowed to participate without the level of protection required by the rules. It is sometimes impossible for event supervisors to know what hazards a team's device may present; therefore, it is incumbent upon teams to bring and wear a higher level of protection than what is specified in the rules when their device warrants it.

Events that Use Safety Glasses
Category A Category B Category C By Event
 * Division B:
 * None
 * Division C:
 * None
 * Division B:
 * Air Trajectory
 * Bottle Rocket
 * Bridge Building
 * Elastic Launched Glider
 * Mission Possible
 * Wind Power
 * Division C:
 * Air Trajectory
 * Bridge Building
 * Robot Arm
 * Wind Power
 * Division B:
 * Bio-Process Lab
 * Crime Busters
 * Experimental Design
 * Food Science
 * Division C:
 * Cell Biology
 * Chemistry Lab
 * Experimental Design
 * Forensics