Face shields are an important element of personal protective equipment. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a Department of Labor agency, requires face shields whenever physical, chemical or radiation hazards to the eyes and face are present on the job site. Face shields are also used by homeowners during maintenance, as well as for some sports and hobbies. Made of a variety of materials, face shields are designed to ensure safety without compromising range of motion and field of vision.
Types
Face shields come in a variety of styles, colors and materials. Some cover only the face while others shield the neck as well. Some face shields cover the whole head, such as welding helmets. Others fasten to a hard hat to protect the face from injuries on construction sites. Some face shields adhere to the forehead or fasten around the head like a headband. Face shields required to protect workers from UV radiation are tinted. Protective face gear used in high-temperature environments are designed to withstand flames and intense heat.
Materials
Face shields are made of durable, cleanable and safe materials such as acetate, aluminum, Mylar, plastic and polycarbonate. These personal-protection devices also contain heat-resistant asbestos and foam for fire safety or high-temperature environments. HDPE, or high-density polyethylene, is a common material used to manufacture face shields.
Uses
Face shields are used in workplace and home environments when there is danger to the eyes or face. These dangers include physical hazards such as flying debris, chemical hazards such as fumes or splashes, and radiation hazards such as high heat or ultraviolet emissions. Face shields are also used in medical situations when blood-borne pathogens put health care workers at risk. Law enforcement officers, military personnel, fumigators and search-and-rescue teams also use face shields as personal protective equipment.
Requirements
Employers are required by OSHA to provide face shields to employees at risk of face or eye damage during their job duties. These face shields must be comfortable, able to be cleaned and disinfected, durable and well-maintained. If the face shield requires tinting, the employer should start with the darkest tint available and decrease the shading gradually until optimal tinting is achieved without impairing vision.
Cautions
Face shields are not considered adequate protection against impact hazards to the eye such as flying glass shards, according to OSHA. When impact hazards are present, safety glasses and goggles should be used as well. People who wear contacts or eyeglasses should always wear them underneath their face shields to achieve optimal vision.
