Pyramex Safety

These ratings define the impact resistance thresholds of safety eyewear under severe shock conditions:

• ANSI Z87.1+: Indicates high-impact testing compliance. The "+" mark confirms the lens passed heavy-mass drop tests (a 500-gram weight dropped from 50 inches) and high-velocity steel ball impacts (1/4-inch steel ball shot at 150 feet per second).
• MIL-PRF-32432: Military ballistic impact specification requiring the lens to withstand a 0.15-caliber projectile fired at velocities up to 640 to 660 feet per second—nearly 4 times higher than standard ANSI commercial safety tests.

The classifications dictate required background fabric square inches and reflective striping layout based on vehicle speeds:

• Class 2 Apparel: Designed for jobsites where traffic speeds range from 25 mph to 50 mph (e.g., roadway construction, utility crews, parking attendants). Requires a minimum of 775 sq. in. of background material and 201 sq. in. of retroreflective tape.
• Class 3 Apparel: Mandated for high-risk environments where traffic exceeds 50 mph or where workers face extreme weather/low-light conditions. Requires a minimum of 1,240 sq. in. of background material and 310 sq. in. of reflective tape, with full retroreflective coverage across sleeves or pant legs to outline the human silhouette.

Traditional anti-fog coatings use surface-applied spray films that wipe off quickly or degrade when exposed to sweat. Pyramex H2MAX anti-fog coating is bonded directly into the polycarbonate lens material during manufacturing. It is washable, scratch-resistant, and maintains 100% fog-free optical clarity even after repeated cleaning with lens wipes or exposure to rapid temperature shifts (such as moving from air-conditioned vehicles into humid summer heat).

Pyramex gloves are tested under ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 standards (measured in grams of blade load required to cut through the material):

• ANSI Cut Level A2–A3 (500g–1,499g): Light to medium protection for material handling, general construction assembly, and warehouse operations.
• ANSI Cut Level A4–A5 (1,500g–2,999g): High-level protection for HVAC sheet metal work, glass handling, electrical cable stripping, and framing.
• ANSI Cut Level A6–A9 (3,000g+): Extreme protection engineered with HPPE and steel/glass fiber linings for heavy metal stamping, sharp demolition, and structural steel fabrication.

While ANSI Z89.1 and OSHA do not specify a rigid legal expiration date for hard hats, industry consensus and manufacturer recommendations require:

• Suspension Replacement: The 4-point or 6-point fabric ratchet suspension should be replaced every 12 months due to hair oil and sweat degradation.
• Shell Replacement: Hard hat shells should be replaced every 2 to 5 years from the date of first service, or immediately if the shell shows cracks, chalking, UV color fading, or absorbs a direct impact.

To maximize protective performance and extend the life of your PPE:

• Safety Eyewear: Rinse lenses with clean water before wiping to remove abrasive grit, then clean with mild soap or dedicated lens cleaning solution. Avoid harsh solvents like acetone or glass cleaners containing ammonia.
• Hi-Vis Clothing: Machine wash garments in cold water on gentle cycles using mild detergent. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners, which break down the micro-prismatic reflective glass beads, reducing nighttime visibility. Line dry whenever possible.

As an authorized commercial stocking distributor and industrial safety supplier, Ohio Power Tool carries a comprehensive portfolio of Pyramex PPE. We maintain deep regional field stock on Pyramex ANSI Z87.1+ safety glasses, H2MAX anti-fog goggles, Class 2 and Class 3 hi-vis vests, ANSI A2 to A9 cut-resistant gloves, Ridgeline® hard hats, and ear defense to keep your construction, utility, and industrial crews fully protected and compliant.