Faceshields are devices that provide protection against countless hazards such as flying debris, heat, dust, chemical splashes and blood borne pathogens. From operating rooms, chemical labs, construction sites, manufacturing shops to welding operations, this versatile item can offer safety to personnel in these work environments.

Manufacturers can fabricate die cut or molded faceshields for impact, heat, biohazards, radiation or chemical splash protection in different styles, coloration, thicknesses, coatings and materials that includes polycarbonate. Some types of face shields are available as disposable or reusable full-face protection while others only cover the eyes and nose. A special coating can provide added protection against radiant heat or corrosive chemicals.

Some criteria to consider when selecting face-shields for your industry needs are the risk factors associated with the intended application and the economical advantages/ disadvantages of using molded versus die cut face shields in a given work environment. Before buying these safety devices, some additional points to review are:

1. Choose manufacturers that provide good faceshields information to help you select the proper product for diverse uses.

2. Find a faceshields provider that offers products for specific applications.

3. Consider buying specialty face shields for unique industry requirements.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy from a face shields manufacturer with quality products and good product information

Different types of face-shields offer different levels of protection depending on the application. Polycarbonate face shields can offer good protection against heat, but by adding different coatings, colorations and absorbers to these products, better protection is possible for workers exposed to chemicals and other hazards. Manufacturers should provide quality products but also resources or information to assist customers in the right selection of products.

I recommend: Elvex has molded/die cut faceshields list of products that include visor bracket in a variety of styles, materials, coatings and for many applications. Information on die cut versus molded types of products is available and customers can access many resources for proper product selection. Lab Safety Supply also offers different brand products in many materials, colors and uses. Check out the info library, resources, different compliances and specs for these products.

Select the correct face shields for your industry needs

Face shields used by medical personnel in operating rooms have to meet different requirements than those used by machining, construction or foundry workers. If you are searching for a specific type product, connect with the right distributor that can meet those needs.

I recommend: Amdrecor offers these products for the dental, health care, lab and biomedical professions in disposable and reusable versions. Face-shield.com is another source for these products available for many uses in the medical and health care industries. At Professional Equipment, you can find faceshields replacement visors, ratchet and aluminum rim headgear in many styles and materials suitable for different applications that includes grinding and hazardous substances. Airgas is another good source for this product for a variety of industrial applications. You can search by different categories such as materials.

Get face shields for special applications

Specialty face guards or shields are commonly available for applications such as welding and for law enforcement personnel who need ballistic face shields or tactical equipment. Products that offer electric arc flash protection are also important to electrical workers. For a good selection of products, buy from distributors that exclusively offer these specialty items.

I recommend: Inter-American Security Products is a source of face shields and other related products for military /police use. Leonard Safety Equipment offers CAT Series face shield products for arc flash protection. Weldingsupply.com has a good inventory of face shields, accessories, headgear and helmets for welding applications.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When buying face shields that offer good heat resistance, choose products that have an added silver or gold coating to the basic polycarbonate material.