In addition to the usual health instructions, authorities now recommend that masks be worn in public and the workplace. With the reopening of construction sites and industrial activities, it is fitting to ask about visors and face protection equipment. Are they effective against coronavirus?
Types of equipment
SPI distributes several types of face protection equipment, from visors that can be attached to helmets to self-supporting face shields with adjustable straps, to arc-resistant shields, and more.
Precise standards
At this particular time, and to maintain a respectable quality of protective equipment available on its territory, the Government of Canada has published specifications for the manufacturing and marketing of personal protective products.
A visor must, therefore, offer protection against contact of large droplets or splashes with the mucous membrane of the eyes. It must also protect a surface that extends from side to side of the face. It must be easy to remove in the event of an accident.
Although many companies are turning to the manufacturing of visors to help the population, the purchase of a specially designed visor from a recognized manufacturer with expertise in the making and production of this type of equipment is recommended. The choice is all the more important for workers on construction sites and in professional environments. Please consult your employer's recommendations and the safety standards specific to your industry.
A visor is not a mask
In the event of a pandemic, visors can protect the face and the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth from splashing body fluids. They, therefore, help prevent droplets from coming into contact with the face. Visors also provide a barrier that minimizes the risk of hands coming into contact with the face.
However, remember that visors and other face shields are not respiratory protective equipment. Visors that do not provide a complete seal around the periphery of the face do not protect from particles remaining in suspension.
If you are not using a visor that is waterproof and designed for industrial environments (which protects against chemical splashes or dust and prevents the penetration of aerosols), it is not recommended to use the visor as a substitute for masks and/or social distancing rules.
A practical and useful complement
Basic visors worn with a protective mask are an effective solution for personal protection. They serve as an effective screen to prevent particles or hands from coming into contact with the face, especially the eyes.
Regardless of the protective equipment you choose, it is important to always follow the health and social distancing instructions. There’s no risk to take.
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