Don’t try to get by with safety glasses alone when doing tasks like grinding. Doctor’s offices are frequented daily by people who need debris removed from their eye(s) because they were only wearing safety glasses!
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How does the Uvex Bionic Face Shield Compare?
Unlike the typical, cheap plastic face shield, which is only secured across the top to the headband, the Uvex Bionic face shield is built with a sturdy, black plastic frame that surrounds the face. It extends partially over the top of the head and protects the lower chin.
Anything impacting the old-style face shield could easily deform the lower portion due to little to no structural support for the lower 75% of the shield. Not so with the Uvex shield. This shield has been well thought out in its design. With its built-in chin protection and extended top-of-head coverage, you are protected against not only flying debris, impacts, and splashes, but the front portion of the top of the head is protected from bumps and objects from above.
The hard hat adapter, designed to fit multiple hard hat designs, can be easily attached for total head protection. To boot, the Uvex Bionic Face Shield can safely be used when working near electrical equipment since it is 100% dielectric. (No metal parts)
- Full shield design
- Built-in chin protection and extended top-of-head coverage
- Protects against falling or flying objects, impacts, chemical splashes and airborne debris
- Excellent optics provide increased visibility
How well-designed are the optics of the Uvex Bionic Face Shield?
Since Uvex is a Honeywell product, the impact resistance of the optics is only surpassed by the clarity of their Bionic Face Shield. The clear polycarbonate visor also comes with an anti-fog hard coat to ensure clear vision in any work environment. The majority of all UV rays from welding are blocked. Even though Uvex visors meet ANSI Z87+ and CSA Z94.3 standards, keep in mind that all face shields should be worn in conjunction with goggles or safety glasses.
The visor portion can easily be replaced if scratched or damaged. This allows you to swap in a visor with a different tint. It helps to extend the life of the face shield. Replacement visors come in Clear Uncoated, Clear Anti-Fog/Anti-Scratch (Hard Coated), Shade 3.0 and Shade 5.0.
Since the shield is shipped with the visor in place, it is best to remove it before using it so that the plastic protective films can be removed from the front and back sides. This is accomplished by popping the lens off the plastic pin at the bottom center. Then, slide the lens up while pulling the bottom edge out of frame.
The lightweight construction ensures that fatigue is held at bay when long work periods are necessary. The balanced, ergonomic design follows the contour of the jawbone down and around the lower chin for full face protection. Peripheral vision is very good through the extra large viewing area. There is little to no distortion from the curved visor like you will find in the cheaper manufactured face shields.
How well-designed is the Headgear of the Uvex Bionic Face Shield?
Anyone who has worn a hard hat will find the Uvex Bionic head gear familiar. At least the portion that secures the headgear to your head.
Out of the box, the headgear is unattached. This allows the user to choose from the many settings available to custom fit for the greatest function and comfort. When attaching, keep in mind there are two closeness settings. One will keep the visor closer to the face, the other will provide more room for goggles or a respirator.
The user has four choices for how far the shield will flip downward before it stops. This helps accommodate different-sized head and face shapes and adjust to how the shield will be used most of the time: Looking down, straightforward or looking up, for instance.
Additionally, a band stretches across the top of the head, adjusting for how high or low the headgear will ride on the user’s head.
The adjustable headband ratchets up snuggly by simply pushing in and twisting the knob. Once it’s set, the headgear will stay securely on your head until you are ready for it to come off. Over and above that, it includes a strip of cell foam in the rear, and a removable cloth covering that helps wick up moisture where it contacts the forehead in the front.
When should face shields be worn?
The potential for eye and skin damage is everywhere in the welding world. A quality face shield protects from flying sparks from grinders and their many attachments. Chipping hammers and wire brushes can send debris sailing through the air. Cutting torches send molten metal and slag in all directions. Being near someone else performing this type of work necessitates the onlooker to don face shielding.
Aside from welding, a face shield is a necessary safeguard when woodworking and a thousand other chores – even when working on automobiles. Especially if you need to crawl under one to perform a job, looking up underneath a vehicle is begging for dirt and rust to fall into your eyes.
If you often use spray lubricants carburetor cleaners, or brake cleaners coming out at high pressures from a can, the splatter will be stopped before getting to your face and eyes only if you are wearing a shield. No matter the application, they allow users to get close to their work. Closer than the typical user would dare without shielding. This typically results in a better quality job in the end.
Pros
- The Bionic Face Shield is so clear and lightweight enough that you may very well forget you have it on from time to time.
- Comfort and Fit are high due to the plethora of adjustments that can be made to the headgear.
- An assortment of replacement visors is available, including tinted visors.
- The anti-fogging lens is very useful in cooler temperatures.
- It has extra protection for the chin, neck and upper forehead compared to more modest shields
- It can be easily attached to most hardhats on the market
- It looks nice
Cons
- The cost is higher than some, but the extra value provided offsets the price
Conclusion
First of all, let me say that I believe face shields are underutilized across the spectrum. If everyone had access to a clear, lightweight yet sturdy face shield, I believe there would be fewer injuries in the workplace and hobby shop.