Face shields protect against debris, chemicals, and bodily fluids. They are used in medicine, welding, and sports. They should be cleaned and replaced if damaged.
A visor is safety equipment used to protect someone’s face from impact with debris, as well as chemicals, bodily fluids, and other potential hazards. Face shields can be found on equipment ranging from motorcycle helmets to surgical equipment. In some contexts they may be required for health and safety, while in others they are strongly recommended. If a facial field is damaged, it should be replaced, as its functionality may be impaired.
In medicine, face shields are often used during procedures such as amputations and other potentially messy procedures to protect people working on the patient. In the event of a splash, blood and other fluids will hit the shield and not the eyes and face of healthcare workers. This limits the possibility of contracting blood-borne diseases. First responders may also use face shields when providing medical care in some situations and can also be used when providing treatment such as dental care where fine aerosol debris will be airborne. Masks to cover the mouth and nose may be worn under the shield to prevent inhalation of hazardous materials.
People who work in environments where chemicals, sparks or particulates could fall on their faces can wear a face shield while working. This includes welders, chemists and many other professionals. The shield may contain polarized plastic to also protect people from glare of light, a common concern for people like welders. This type of visor can be part of a respirator, providing the worker with clean air to breathe and face protection at the same time. Face shields are often rated for specific applications and it is important to select an appropriate chemical or heat resistant product.
Motorcyclists and people involved in certain sports such as dirt biking may also choose to wear a visor. The shield can increase comfort, as well as solve the problems of injuries caused by debris and particulates. A potential concern for cyclists is the possibility of losing control after debris falls into their eyes, as well as suffering facial injuries from glass, rocks and other materials in the road that could be kicked up by passing traffic.
A visor should be cleaned regularly to ensure visibility is good and checked for cracks and pitting. Even if shield flaws don’t impair vision, they can be a sign that the shield is compromised and may not work as effectively when it needs to; a crack could yield to low stresses and expose the wearer to risks. Damaged and defective visors must be disposed of and replaced with new ones for safety.
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