The face shield is an essential piece of personal protective equipment for limiting the risk of splashing, spatter or impact to the face. It is aimed at many sectors such as industry, chemicals, construction or metalworking. Different models exist to meet the demands of every professional environment and guarantee operator safety every day.
What standards apply to face shields?
Face shields are subject to several European standards that guarantee their performance and reliability:
EN 166: general requirements for eye and face protection against mechanical, chemical or thermal hazards.
EN 170: covers filters protecting against ultraviolet radiation, suited to laboratory or disinfection environments.
EN 171: applies to filters against infrared radiation, particularly for welding work or exposure to heat.
EN 1731: covers mesh screens for protection against low-energy particles, used in woodworking or metalworking.
Meeting these standards makes it possible to select a face shield suited to every hazard identified at the workstation.
What types of face shields are there, and for which sectors?
Several types of face shield exist to meet professionals' specific needs:
Full face shield: protects the entire face, ideal in industry or laboratories for chemical or biological hazards.
Mesh visor: suited to woodworking, forestry or light metalworking, it protects against particles and debris.
Anti-fog face shield: designed for humid environments or those with major temperature variations, such as food processing or waste management.
Welding face shield: filters radiation and splashes during welding operations.
For additional protection, see the selection of professional safety glasses. Centurion face shields are also suited to many demanding industrial environments.
How should face shields be maintained?
Thorough maintenance of face shields is essential to preserve their effectiveness and user safety. It is advisable to:
Clean the visor with warm soapy water after each use, avoiding abrasive products that could scratch the surface.
Dry the equipment thoroughly and store it away from light, heat and chemicals.
Inspect the shield regularly to spot scratches, cracks or deformation that could affect visibility or protection.
Replace the equipment as soon as clarity, fastening or integrity are compromised, to guarantee optimal protection over the long term.
What specific points should be considered for face shields?
When choosing a face shield, it is important to check compatibility with other personal protective equipment, such as a helmet, safety glasses or hearing protection. Some models feature universal or modular attachment systems to fit different supports. Impact resistance, lightness, wearing comfort and protection against chemical splashes are essential criteria for extended use. It is also advisable to monitor the lifespan of the material, particularly in environments exposed to UV or heat, to guarantee lasting safety.