What Are the Functions of a Face Shield?

Face shields come in a variety of designs, depending on their intended purpose. In fields as varied as construction, medicine and professional sports, individuals wear face shields to provide protection. The amount and type of protection vary depending on the individual's particular profession. A welder, for example, wears a dark face shield to protect his eyes from the damaging light and his entire face from the flying, hot sparks.

Heat Resistance

• Face shields can provide heat resistance for firefighters and welders.

Chemical Resistance

• Face shields can provide chemical protection for hazardous material (HazMat) response teams.

Fluid Protection

• Members of the medical field use face shields to protect them from bodily fluids that might get into their eyes, mouth or nose during emergency medical response or in surgery.

Impact Resistance

• Face shields can provide impact resistance for police who use them in riot gear or for bomb squad response teams.

Sports Protection

• Face shields can provide professional athletes with protection from flying pucks in hockey or errant fingers in basketball.