Facial protection only protects the eyes and is used against hazards such as (coarse) debris, grinding spatter (shavings) and liquid spatter that are not damaging to the skin.
What should I look for when purchasing facial protection?
Firstly, look into measures that would obviate the need for facial protection.
- Is the danger preventable?
- Is wearing a helmet, hearing guard, or respiratory protection necessary as well?
If this is not the case, then the exposure time should be as limited as possible and the employer must provide facial protection. There is a large selection of various types and models:
- Face shield: a shield that protects the eyes as well as the face. A face shield is worn with an adjustable head band.
- Safety glasses: these are similar in style to ordinary glasses, but the lenses are made of a special material: tempered glass or polycarbonate.
- Safety goggles: protects the eyes and one’s own glasses and offers protection against debris to the surrounding areas of the face.
Considerations for safety glasses and goggles:
- An anti-fog coating prevents (temporary) fogging of the glasses.
- Safety goggles must fit properly onto the face.