What type of safety glasses should be worn while welding?

The requirement to wear Z87.1 approved safety glasses while welding is crucial for safety. These glasses meet specific impact resistance and optical clarity standards established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The Z87.1 certification indicates that the glasses have been tested and are designed to protect the eyes from flying debris, intense light, and harmful radiation produced during welding processes.

Welding generates strong UV and infrared radiation, which can cause serious eye injuries, such as burns or long-term damage including cataracts. Z87.1 approved glasses provide a necessary level of protection against these hazards, ensuring that the welders can work safely without risking their vision.

In contrast, non-ANSI approved glasses lack the required safety features and could fail to provide adequate protection, and regular sunglasses do not offer the necessary impact resistance or appropriate lens shading to shield against welding glare and sparks. Prescription glasses without shields would also fall short of providing the protective coverage needed while welding, as they are not designed specifically for that environment and don't meet safety standards.