So, you’re required to wear a safety helmet AND a face shield. What are your options? What features do you want to keep an eye out for? How do you choose?
This guide will help.
First, the face shields we are talking about in this blog are compatible with or designed to be used with safety helmets. They cover the eyes, nose, mouth, and parts of the chin and forehead to protect against airborne dirt and debris, liquid splash, and other impacts.
Many face shields are designed to be utilized with unique adapters that accommodate a face shield or other accessories, such as earmuffs.
But, if your safety helmet doesn’t have the adapter option or you are looking for some features that your current face shield doesn’t provide, you’re in luck – there’s an option to help: the universal face shield. Which is what we are here to talk about.
Hex tip: We have a product for either situation (needing an adapter OR a universal face shield).
Let’s help you choose a face shield to wear with your safety helmet. We’ve narrowed down the top four features to look for below.
Here are four attributes to look for in your face shield:
1. Anti-fog properties
This one is important. Having clear vision on the job is the easiest way to avoid mistakes and injury – which is why having the proper protective equipment that can accommodate this is crucial.
Look for face shields with an anti-fog component in their lenses, preferably something long-lasting and/or permanent. Avoid anything uncoated or disposable. This not only helps ensure you can see clearer and longer, but it also helps reduce product waste and increased costs.
A high-quality anti-fog coating also allows the face shield to sit closer to the face for additional protection.
Hex tip: HexArmor’s TruShield® coating technology is truly permanent, with anti-fog properties on the inside of the lens and scratch-resistant properties on the outside of the lens.
2. Compact design
If you can find a face shield that doesn’t get in the way—both when in use and when not—your life will be easier.
Here’s why: Face shield attachments have been known to take up a lot of real estate – which can be a good thing if you are looking to maximize your view and coverage – but depending on the design, this can get pretty frustrating on the job.
Bulky face shields can snag or get caught on your shoulder or chest when you move your head up and down or swivel your neck. They can also get caught on machinery, ducts, or pipes above your head when pushed up on top of your safety helmet when not in use.
Instead, look for a face shield with more compact dimensions. This will help with several things: keeping your center of gravity, not being a catch hazard, and simply not getting in the way of your surroundings.
You can get all these things without sacrificing a wide field of vision with the right face shield.
3. Universal application
Several face shield products are marketed as "universal," but once reading the fine print, they only work with their brand’s helmets. So, not truly universal.
The former concept works great if you have that helmet brand to accompany your face shield. However, if you don’t, finding another option can be challenging—especially one that meets your standards (especially the standards listed in this blog).
If your brand of safety helmet does not have a face shield attachment and/or adapter, no sweat – universal face shields that fit most safety helmets in the field do exist (and HexArmor® can help).
4. Accessory compatibility
Earmuffs and face shields go hand in hand, frequently used together as part of an integrated accessory need with safety helmets.
But not all face shields (and/or their adapters) are created equal. Some do not allow use of additional accessories, like earmuffs, to be used in conjunction with them.
This may not be a big deal for you, and that’s okay. It all really depends on the task at hand and your safety protocols to know which accessories you’ll need on the job.
If you know you need both, find a product where you’re able to do just that.
What a truly universal face shield looks like with HexArmor®
If you’re looking for a face shield that hits all the marks we mentioned above – and then some – you’re in the right place. HexArmor® makes it easy with TruSpan®.
HexArmor’s universal face shield for safety helmets, TruSpan®, delivers a truly universal face shield option, no matter your brand of hard hat. It’s easy to add and remove, comfortable, close-fitting face, and more.
Unrivaled anti-fog protection
A proprietary dual coating offers permanent anti-fog protection on the inside and a scratch-resistant hard coat on the outside for completely clear vision. This coating also includes D3 liquid splash protection and 100% UV protection.
Compact, convenient design
The ultra-low-profile design and revolutionary self-closing face shield technology create convenient, balanced protection – perfect for work in tight spaces. When not in use, TruSpan® has tight nesting capabilities on top of the helmet for more compact, balanced comfort, reducing neck strain, or can be easily removed from the face shield frame – a unique feature that no one else offers.
Durable, universal coverage
In addition to being incredibly durable and long-lasting, this wide, panoramic face shield is designed to fit not just our Ceros® XP safety helmets but most full-brim/cap-style competitor helmet models. This lets you get all the features you want in a face shield without switching out your favorite helmet. Plus, this adaptable headgear frame is pre-assembled and ready for immediate use.
Hearing accessory compatible
When used with our long-brim Ceros® helmet, TruSpan® is compatible with our K-Series® slot-adapted earmuffs, which rotate 360 degrees when nested to deliver a fully integrated, compact system—no tools are needed for assembly. When used on competitive helmets, TruSpan® is compatible with select competitive earmuffs.
HexArmor® can help
With all these factors to consider, we know it can still be difficult to approach your face protection needs, which is why HexArmor® is here to help.
We offer a variety of head and face safety information and other multi-category PPE so you can be properly protected for your specific application and environment.
Learn more about our head protection technology.
Let us know if you need help finding what you need or if you're ready to start a trial—our Solution Specialists are ready to help. Call 1.877.MY ARMOR or send us a message.
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