A Guide To Face Protection PPE

PPE is all about protection and the face is one of the most important parts of the body to keep safe. Keeping hazardous chemicals out of the eyes, nose and mouth and minimising the risk of impacts to the face are hugely important in a range of work environments, so adequate face protection PPE is essential.

When is face protection equipment required?

Face protection equipment is essential if workers face hazards in their role such as:

• - Chemical splashes

• - Molten metal

• - High-velocity impact – for example, fast-moving particles in the air from activities such as cutting and grinding

Employers are required to ensure that staff facing hazards such as those listed above are properly equipped with appropriate face protection, such as the browguards and visors available here at Protec.

What are the regulations for face protection?

When workers are exposed to hazards which could impact on their health and safety, employers have a legal responsibility to take steps to protect them. It’s important to be aware of the relevant regulations and standards, including:

• - Personal Protection Equipment Regulations (2002) – These regulations state that employers must provide PPE equipment free of charge, as well as ensuring that it’s fit for purpose and that employees are properly trained on how to use it.

• - European standards for face protection – There are a number of European standards in place to outline what’s required for face protection equipment to be fit for purpose. This includes standards for equipment used in specific settings. For example, the EN175 standard lays out the requirements for eye and face protection used during welding.

At Protec, we do the hard work for you, by making sure that all of our face protection equipment is CE approved and meets the relevant standards required by law.

What types of face protection are there?

• - Browguards – Browguards are coverings for the top of the face, starting just above the eyebrows and covering the full forehead. They are usually used to hold a visor in place over the face for added protection.

• - Visor Holders – Similarly to browguards, these are used to hold a visor in place to cover the full face. However, they are more minimal and simplistic than browguards and offer less protection to the top of the face.

• - Visors – Visors are transparent or translucent shields that are worn over the face to protect from splashes, debris, and impacts. They’re made with materials that offer protection from workplace hazards such as polycarbonate.

Employer Requirements

If you operate in an industry where employees’ health and safety are compromised and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required for them to carry out their role, you will be responsible for:

• - Providing PPE equipment free of charge for employees to use

• - Providing employees with training on why the equipment is required, and how to use it properly

• - Ensuring PPE equipment is fit for purpose, and carrying out maintenance, repairs or replacement of equipment when necessary

• - Ensuring that all PPE products carry the required CE mark, in accordance with the Personal Protection Equipment Regulations 2002

Browse our range of face protection PPE including browguards, visors and accessories today, and find everything you need to maximise safety for your team.