Face shields are used in various industries and are designed to protect the face and eyes from hazards. Face shields are constructed based on their intended use in industry, sports, medical or military applications. They cover the entire face and sometimes the whole head. Some face shields include head protection in the form of a hard hat to protect against falling objects. Other special application shields are designed for tactical equipment for law enforcement and the military.
Optical Protection
Welders, brazers and solderers use face shields to protect their faces and eyes in arc welding, according to the Department of Labor. The shield is constructed of material that can protect them against the intense heat, light and sparks from welding. They also have specially treated auto-darkening tinted glass that protects their eyes.
Biological Protection
Medical face shields are used by dentists, doctors and nurses to protect against biological hazards. Infection control is the biggest concern for healthcare workers. U.S. standards and guidelines for medical face shields have been set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (ACORN) and the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM). Medical face shields must protect against bacterial filtration, sub-micron particles, penetration by synthetic blood and be flame retardant.
Doctors and nurses use face shields in the operating room to protect against blood splashes or sprays, bodily fluids, secretions and excretions. They also protect against mucous membranes that may spray and get into the mouth, eyes or nose during medical procedures, according to the March 2003 issue of "Infection Control Today."
Impact Protection
Police and military use ballistic face shields composed of heavy thermoplastic resin or polycarbonate as protection against bullets. These shields are designed to protect against different threat levels, bullet calibers, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Ballistic face shields have impact resistance requirements, according to H.P. White Laboratory, Inc.
Non-ballistic riot face shields are used by police and riot patrols. They protect against flying and thrown objects, according to the Global Security organization.
Chemical Protection
Chemical face shields are used when working with chemicals or hazardous materials. They provide protection from splashes and flying particles, according to Princeton University's Lab Safety Manual. They are used in biological labs, chemical factories and other areas where hazardous materials may be handled.
Sports Equipment
Contact sports like hockey use face shields to protect the players from injury from pucks or other sports equipment. A 2001 study by the University of Calgary Sport Medicine Center in Canada found that hockey players who used full face shields suffered fewer concussions and time off the ice.
