Safety Shields

About Safety Shields

Safety shields, also known as face shields or safety visors, provide essential full-face protection for tradespeople and DIY users working in hazardous environments. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of safety shields from trusted brands including Portwest, Sealey, Draper, and Bolle, offering both clear polycarbonate and mesh visor options to suit different applications. These protective devices are designed to work alongside other PPE such as safety glasses, respirators and ear defenders to create complete personal protection systems.

Available in various configurations, safety shields at MyToolShed include browguard-mounted visors, helmet-attached options for forestry work, and disposable face screens for emergency and healthcare applications. Whether you need protection from molten metal sparks, flying debris, chemical splashes or wood chips, there's a suitable face shield design to match your specific working conditions.

Applications

Safety shields are essential PPE across numerous trades and industries:

• Metalworking and fabrication: Grinding, cutting, welding preparation and molten metal handling
• Forestry and arboriculture: Chainsaw operation and tree surgery work
• Construction: Demolition, breaking concrete and general site work
• Engineering and manufacturing: Machine operation, turning and milling
• Woodworking: Routing, sanding and cutting operations
• Chemical handling: Protection against splashes and droplets
• Emergency services: First responders and healthcare professionals
• DIY projects: Angle grinding, stripping and general workshop tasks

Choosing The Right Safety Shields

Selecting the appropriate safety shield depends on your specific working environment and hazards:

Visor Material: Clear polycarbonate shields offer superior protection against fine particles, hot metal chips and chemical splashes, making them ideal for grinding and metalworking. Mesh visors suit forestry applications where larger, uniform debris is produced and ventilation is crucial to prevent fogging.

Mounting System: Browguard-mounted shields provide versatility and can be flipped up when not needed. Helmet-integrated systems are essential for forestry work, often combining the visor with hearing protection. Consider whether you need a standalone unit or one that integrates with existing safety helmets.

Visibility and Comfort: Anti-fog coatings and scratch-resistant treatments extend the life of clear visors. Adjustable headbands ensure secure fitting for extended wear periods. Check that the shield provides adequate coverage without restricting peripheral vision.

Standards Compliance: Ensure products meet relevant BS EN standards for face protection. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks certified safety shields suitable for professional trade use.

Replacement Parts: Consider the availability and cost of replacement visors, as these wear items need periodic changing to maintain protection levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear a safety shield instead of safety glasses?

No. Safety shields should be worn in addition to safety glasses, not as a replacement. Face shields protect against larger particles and splashes, but smaller debris can enter from underneath. Always wear appropriate eye protection underneath your face shield for complete protection.

How do I prevent my clear visor from fogging up?

Choose visors with anti-fog coatings where possible. Ensure adequate ventilation in your work area, and consider using anti-fog spray treatments. For applications where fogging is persistent, mesh visors may be more suitable if the particle size allows.

How often should I replace my safety shield visor?

Replace visors immediately if they become cracked, deeply scratched or compromised in any way. Even minor damage can affect impact resistance and visibility. For regular use, inspect visors before each shift and replace them when optical clarity deteriorates or surface damage accumulates.