A face shield is a piece of personal protective equipment (PPE). To provide optimal protection, they are designed to cover the full face (from the top of the head to the chin and covering the ears horizontally) and protect the wearer from viral spray particles. Face shields are arguably best at protecting from coughs and sneezes.
Face Shield
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Face Shield Structures
The manufacturing for face shields
There are two methods are used to manufacture face shields:
- Extrusion
- Injection molding.
Generally speaking, faceshields cut from extrusion sheets provide better impact resistance than injection molded faceshields
Face Shield Materials
There a 2 major materials for medical face shields
When it comes to selecting face shields, the most important consideration is the lens plate. The quality of the lens plate ultimately reflects the clarity and impact resistance of the face shield. Cheaper materials with poor clarity often result in dizziness and fatigue after a period of time. Here are some common materials for face shields.
- Polycarbonate (PC)
- Glycol Modified Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETG)
- Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
Face Shield Regulation & Standards
ANSI (American Standard)
- Mark Z87: Basic impact: Faceshields shall be capable of resisting impact from a 25.4 mm (1 in) diameter steel ball dropped from a height of 127 cm (50 in).
- Mark Z87+: High impact: Faceshields shall be capable of resisting impact from a 6.35 mm (0.25 in) diameter steel ball traveling at a velocity of 91.4 m/s (300)
EN 166 (European Standard)
These shields are for protection against high-speed particles and must withstand the impact of a 6 mm nominal diameter steel ball, striking the oculars and the lateral protection at the speed stated.
- Mark A: 190 m/s.
- Mark B: 120 m/s.
- Mark F: 45 m/s.
- ref. EN166
CSA (Canadian Standard)
Z94.3-15 Eye and Face Protectors Class 6 relates to face shields, and is divided into 3 sub-classes
- 6A – Impact, piercing, splash, head, and glare protection.
- 6B – Radiation protection. Also for low heat, splash, glare, and light non-piercing impact protection.
- 6C – High-heat applications and light non-piercing impact protection only.
ref. CSA Z94.3-15
Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM Standards & Protective Clothing
ASTM International is an international organization that sets standards for a wide range of products, materials, systems, or services that are used every day by people to do their jobs. Let’s Look at the ASTM standards that are related to protective clothing.
What are NFPA Standards? Which Standards are Related to Disposable Coverall?
The National Fire Protection Association(NFPA) is an International Non-Profit Organization dedicated to eliminating fire, electrical, and other types of hazards. Let us check out the NFPA regulation for coveralls.
Can I travel after I’ve been vaccinated? Is it safe to fly during COVID-19?
Is it safe to travel during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the fact that there is no common symptom for it? There is a possibility that the virus may cause a common illness like cough and flu but the illness is said to last longer. Therefore, you cannot be sure if you have the illness or not. It is best to ask questions before you travel to another place.
USA PPE exporting and importing procedures
USA PPE exporting and importing procedure can be difficult to understand. This article explains how PPE can be imported to the USA.
What are the fabrics materials for Medical Gowns and Disposable Coveralls?
what fabrics are medical gowns and body coveralls made off? This article talks about eh materials for coveralls and medical gowns.
What are the 11 coverall testing methods? What does the CE mark stands for?
What are the coverall testing methods and procedures? Check out the CE mark affixed to PPE will provide evidence of compliance to EU legislation.