Wear a Face Shield

It is important to protect your face and eyes from flying debris, splash hazards, and extreme heat. Wear a face shield when playing contact sports, when working with power tools and welders, and if there is a possibility of coming into contact with hazardous liquids. Put on your face shield, adjust the fit, and securely fasten any snaps or straps. You can also wear a cloth face shield to protect yourself from the sun and wind.

Steps

Wearing a Cloth Face Shield

1. Wear a face shield to protect yourself from sun and wind. Covering your face with a cloth shield can protect your skin from sunburn as well as windburn. You should wear one when doing activities such as riding a motorcycle or riding in a boat, as you are exposed to sun and strong winds.
2. Cover your mouth and nose with a face shield. You can protect yourself from sun, wind, and dust by covering your mouth and nose with a face shield. Put it around your neck, then pull it up to cover the lower half of your face.
3. Use a face shield as a bandana. Put the face shield around your head as you would a bandana, so that it wraps around your forehead. This will help keep sweat from running into your eyes so that you can have a clear view.
   • You can also use the face shield as a ponytail holder or a bracelet by wrapping it around your hair or wrist.
4. Wear it as a neck gaiter. Put the face shield over your head so that it sits around your neck. This can protect your skin from sun and wind.
5. Use a face shield as a beanie. Fold the shield so that makes a cap. Place it on your head to keep you warm or prevent sunburn.
   • You can also use the shield as a scarf or headband, by looping it around your head or neck.

Putting On Other Types of Face Shields

1. Choose the correct face shield for your activity. Different sports require different kinds of face shields. Face shields also differ depending on what kind of materials you are working with, such as a welding helmet or a splash shield for liquids. Choose the correct face shield for the sport you play or material you work with.
2. Fit the face shield over your head. Ensure the face shield is correctly fitted to your head size. Put it over your head and make sure it covers your face and eyes completely. Check to be sure the visor is intact and that you can clearly see through it, if applicable.
3. Ensure the shield is secure. Adjust the face shield so that it fits properly. Fasten any snaps or straps snugly, such as a chin strap. Leaving these undone could result in the face shield coming off and/or you becoming injured. Be sure to follow the directions included with the shield.

Determining If You Need a Face Shield

1. Use a face shield for contact sports. Hockey, lacrosse, and football players should wear face shields to protect them from pucks or balls, as well as collisions with other players. Softball and baseball catchers should also wear face masks to protect them from the ball or bat. Laws vary by state and league, but it is best to err on the side of caution.
2. Wear a face shield to avoid flying debris. If you’re working with power tools such as saws and grinders, you should wear a face shield to protect yourself from flying debris as well as dust and other fine materials.
3. Use a face shield when working with splash hazards. When working with dangerous liquids that are corrosive or acidic, be sure to wear a face shield to protect your eyes and skin. If there is a possibility of coming into contact with chemical adherents or paint strippers you should also wear a face shield.
   • You should also wear a face shield for infection control, such as when working near, around, or with bodily fluids.
4. Wear a face shield to protect yourself from extreme heat. You should always wear a face shield when welding, handling a molten substance, or performing furnace maintenance. There are even face shields that have special coatings to protect against extreme heat.
5. Use a face shield to avoid arc hazards. Electricians or others working with high voltage connections should always wear a face shield. It is important to choose one specifically designed to protect against arc flash in order to keep yourself safe.

Tips

• Plastic viewing windows protect from light impact, while wire-screen windows protect against moderate impact.

Warnings

• Face shields are to be used in conjunction with eye protection, not in place of it.

Related Articles

• Choose Appropriate Eye Protection
• Put on Hockey Equipment

Sources and Citations

See also

• Care for Your Face (Males)
• Heal Raw Skin
• Use a Glycolic Acid Peel
• Know if Sunscreen Has Expired
• Heal over Exfoliated Skin
• Stop Hard Water from Ruining Your Skin
• Choose a Natural Sunscreen
• Wear Makeup when You Have Eczema
• Make a Charcoal Peel‐Off Facial Mask
• Begin Selling Avon

Read more ...