Ergodyne Skullerz SIXTEN-AFAS Safety Glasses with Integrated Side Shields — ANSI Z87.1+

The Ergodyne 58212 Skullerz SIXTEN Safety Glasses with Integrated Side Shields deliver full wraparound eye protection — ANSI Z87.1+ rated, polycarbonate lens, with permanent side shields built directly into the frame. The SIXTEN eliminates the compliance gap that exists with standard safety glasses in environments requiring lateral impact and splash protection: many facilities require side shields wherever chemical splash, flying particles, or side-angle projectiles are a hazard, but side shields added post-purchase to standard frames are often lost, removed, or improperly attached. The SIXTEN's integrated side shields are not a removable accessory — they are structural elements of the frame, providing permanent lateral protection that is present every time the glasses are worn.

For safety managers, EHS professionals, and procurement programs specifying safety eyewear for chemical processing, machining, grinding, and fabrication operations where OSHA 1910.133 and ANSI Z87.1+ compliance with side protection is required, the SIXTEN provides the complete side-protection specification in a single SKU. Workers who resist clip-on side shields due to discomfort or fit issues get equivalent lateral protection in a fully integrated design that is no heavier or more cumbersome than standard safety glasses.

Ergodyne 58212 Skullerz SIXTEN — Key Features

• ANSI Z87.1+ — high-impact rated eye protection for industrial, construction, and laboratory environments
• Integrated side shields — permanent structural side protection; no clip-on attachment required
• Polycarbonate lens — lightweight high-impact lens material; standard for ANSI Z87.1+ eyewear
• Wraparound frame design — full front and side coverage for comprehensive facial protection
• Soft temple tips — rubber overmold at temples for secure fit and extended wearing comfort
• Adjustable nose piece — fits a range of facial geometries

Specifications

Integrated vs. Removable Side Shields: A Compliance Distinction

OSHA 1910.133 and ANSI Z87.1 establish requirements for eye protection that includes side protection in environments where lateral hazards are present. Many facilities comply with this requirement by issuing standard safety glasses with clip-on or slide-on side shields. In practice, this approach creates compliance problems: side shields are separate components that get separated from the glasses, left at the workstation when the glasses are taken elsewhere, or removed by workers who find them uncomfortable. A safety compliance program that depends on removable accessories is less reliable than one where the protection is integrated.

The SIXTEN's integrated side shields eliminate these failure modes. The lateral protection is part of the frame — it cannot be misplaced separately, cannot be left behind when the glasses travel with the worker, and cannot be removed by the worker without permanently modifying the eyewear. For facilities where side protection compliance is audited or where the hazard analysis justifies permanent lateral protection, the integrated approach of the SIXTEN provides a more consistent compliance outcome than clip-on alternatives.

The integrated design also maintains the fit and comfort profile of the glasses. Clip-on side shields change the weight distribution and feel of the glasses, which is a reported reason workers remove them. The SIXTEN's integrated side shields are engineered into the frame's weight and balance, so the wearing experience is designed from the start with side protection as a permanent element rather than an addition.

Compliance and Certifications

• ANSI/ISEA Z87.1+ — high-impact rated safety eyewear
• OSHA 29 CFR 1910.133 — suitable for industrial eye protection programs requiring side protection
• Polycarbonate lens — meets ANSI Z87.1 basic and high-impact test criteria

Real-World Benefits

Permanent side protection removes the compliance variable from lateral-protection requirements. When lateral protection is required by the hazard assessment, removable side shields create a compliance variable: the worker must have attached them correctly and kept them in place. The SIXTEN removes this variable by making lateral protection a permanent feature. Safety audits for side-protection compliance are simpler when the protection is integrated — the auditor sees glasses with side shields, not glasses where the shield status must be checked separately.

Full wraparound coverage in a comfortable integrated frame. The SIXTEN's integrated design distributes the frame weight correctly for the complete wraparound profile. Workers who transition from standard safety glasses with add-on side shields typically report that the SIXTEN's integrated side shields are less obtrusive and more comfortable for extended wear than retrofit shield accessories, which can shift the glasses' center of gravity and create pressure points.

Single-SKU solution for side-shield-required environments. Procurement programs specifying safety eyewear for operations where side shields are mandatory can use a single SKU (SIXTEN) rather than managing separate glasses and shield inventory and the associated assembly and distribution logistics. The SIXTEN simplifies the hearing protection kit for operations with side-shield requirements.

Applications and Use Cases

• Chemical processing and laboratory environments — ANSI Z87.1+ eye protection where chemical splash protection from lateral angles is part of the hazard assessment
• Grinding and metal fabrication — side-angle flying particle hazards require lateral protection alongside front impact protection
• Woodworking and construction — applications where sawdust, debris, and side-angle projectiles are present
• OSHA 1910.133 programs requiring side protection — compliance programs where the hazard assessment specifies lateral protection
• Facilities transitioning from glasses + clip-on shields — programs seeking integrated side protection to simplify compliance management

Compare: Ergodyne 58212 vs. Other Skullerz Models

vs. Ergodyne 57000 BALDR Full-Frame — The BALDR is a full-frame ANSI Z87.1+ safety glasses without integrated side shields. Choose SIXTEN (58212) where lateral protection is specifically required; choose BALDR where full-frame with anti-fog coating is the priority.

vs. Ergodyne 56003 LOKI Convertible — The LOKI converts between safety glasses and goggle configuration, providing full-surround splash protection in goggle mode. Choose LOKI for environments requiring occasional full-surround protection; SIXTEN for permanent integrated side shields in glasses format.

Browse the complete Safety Glasses collection for the full Skullerz lineup and Ergodyne eye protection options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the side shields on the SIXTEN removable?

No. The side shields on the Ergodyne 58212 SIXTEN are permanently integrated into the frame structure. They are not a separate accessory and cannot be removed without modifying the frame. This is the design intent — integrated side shields provide permanent lateral protection that is present every time the glasses are worn.

Does the SIXTEN meet OSHA requirements for side protection?

The SIXTEN is ANSI Z87.1+ rated and includes integrated side shields meeting ANSI requirements for side protection. For OSHA 1910.133 compliance in environments where side protection is required by the hazard assessment, the SIXTEN's integrated design provides the lateral protection coverage specified in the standard. Consult your EHS professional for site-specific compliance documentation.

What lens options are available for the SIXTEN?

Check the specific product listing for available lens variants. Ergodyne Skullerz models are typically available in clear, smoke/tinted, and in some cases indoor/outdoor lens options. Lens selection should match the lighting and UV exposure conditions of the work environment.

Is the SIXTEN appropriate for prescription eyewear wearers?

The SIXTEN is a standard safety glasses frame, not an OTG (over-the-glasses) design. Prescription eyewear wearers who need safety glasses that fit over their prescriptions should consider the Ergodyne 55104 OSMIN OTG Safety Glasses. Alternatively, prescription safety inserts may be available for the SIXTEN through an optical provider.