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When using a power tool such as a drill,
sander, grinder, nailer, power saw, impact wrench, or router, it is probable that shards and chips are circulaing in the
air during operation. Almost all workers are required to wear face
protection devices, which will serve to shield the face and especially
the eyes. While these protective devices are mandatory in woodworking
and metalworking industries, they are also useful items to have at home.
In addition to goggles, other face protection gear includes: masks,
face shields, and ear muffs.
Features and working of face protection tools
Face protection gadgets range from simple eye
glasses and goggles to lens covers for full face respirators. Safety
goggles are generally heavy duty items and are designed to be worn over
the normal eyewear that the user might be wearing. These goggles are
normally held in place with elastic headbands. Direct vent impact
goggles protect the user’s eyes from flying chips and other debris. The
goggles are usually very clear to offer the worker a clear line of
vision, which is important as most tasks require accuracy and precision.
Some goggles have anti-fog coated lens to
offer consistently clear visibility. Molded-in side shields along with
brow guards offer added protection. The temple length can be adjusted
to create a more customized fit. The snug fitting is further enhanced
with pliable fingers and a three-position ratchet lens inclination
system with adjustable ratcheting temples. Occasionally, a nylon frame
is incorporated to reduce the weight of the product. Soft elastomer
browguards and over molded temples help to provide a cushioning effect
at every contact point between the goggles and the wearer.
Lens covers for full face respirators are
compatible with SAS 4161-10, 4261-10, 4171-10, and 4271-10 respirators.
These lenses covers help to keep the respirators lens free of
overspray. Some lenses constitute a hard coated red mirror.
A lighted visor magnifier is another safety
enhancing face mounted device, which provides adequate light to
illuminate the workplace. This accessory is rendered with flip-down
lenses and the loupe can be flipped away when not in use. Manufacturers
have intentionally kept the weight of this item low at around 8 ounces
to prevent neck strain when worn.
Full face respirators are usually composed of
a comfortable silicone facepiece with a standard nose cup that
minimizes the chance of fogging. The sir hose is ultra light weight and
can be easily slung over the shoulder.
Face shields offer complete face protection
and are around 12 inches wide and 8 inches high. The clear shield offer
unrestricted visibility with complete shielding. A particulate
respirator covers the entire nose held in place by suspension straps.
A comprehensive air breathing system
incorporates a single air line to provide the user with pure, filtered
Grade ‘D’ air. An eyewash station is a useful gadget in any workshop,
offering flowing water to wash the eyes of any particulate matter. This
gravity feed, single-hand operated machine offers a flow rate of around
0.4 gallons per minute (GPM) for approximately 15 minutes. The fluid
emissions usually contain algaecide, fungicide, and bactericide
components. This unit is normally wall-mounted.
Ear muffs protect the ear drum from damage when using noisy equipment such as circular saws, power trimmers, and lawn mowers.
What to look for in face protection tools
Lens covers should be flexible and easily
peeled off when dirty. Lenses are required to withstand the greater
impacts than the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the
Canadian Standards Association (CSA) high speed military testing. Most
safety equipment is required to pass stringent tests from the National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), two organizations
governing the safety standards of most industrial tools.
Goggles with a wraparound styling offer a
wide panoramic vision. Since the safety goggles may be required to be
worn for a long period of time, a soft frame, coupled with a supple
nose bridge, is desirable to increase the comfort Level of the user.
Most goggles have replaceable lenses that are scratch proof.
Ventilation vents between the frame and the lens prevent the formation
of moisture in the goggle eye socket and thus negate the adverse effect
of fog formation.
Polycarbonate lens enhance the durability of
the goggles. Additionally, these kinds of lenses have a greater than
99.9 per cent absorbing capability for Ultra Violet A and Ultra Violet
B radiations. Optical grade polycarbonate lenses ensure a
distortion-free 180 degree field of vision.
Some goggles are frameless to lower the
weight and prevent vision restriction.
Some reputed manufacturers of
face protection devices include Eclipse, Grip, Milwaukee, and S.A.S.
Safety Corporation.
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