SEE THE DIFFERENCE QUALITY MAKES IN IR/UV FACESHIELD WINDOWS

IR/UV faceshield windows provide an alternative to goggles for OxyFuel welders and cutters, plasma arc cutting (up to 100 amps) and brazers. Faceshields provide full face protection while goggles just protect the eyes. An IR/UV faceshield with clear protective spectacles is becoming the PPE of choice for many in the OxyFuel and plasma arc trades.

But like all other PPE, there are differences in the quality of design, material and workmanship among the various IR/UV brands available. The quality difference begins with the material. The window base material should be propionate, long recognized as the best all around faceshield window material. Then a top quality "absorber" like IREX should be blended with the base material so that the absorption and filtration protection is molded into the window. Economy grade and most imports coate a clear window with an "inhibitor" which provides a degree of protection as long as it is not scratched off and fades over time

Design is important also. Facehield windows should be designed to be lightweight, comfortable and allow a full range of motion while an OxyFuel welder, cutter, plasma arc cutter or brazer goes about their daily tasks. The unique shape of the Fibre-Metal by Honeywell extended view IR/UV windows for example, provides maximum protection of the face, eyes and neck while not hindering the wearer by banging into his shoulders as he tries to turn his head. There are no other windows shaped like them that we are aware of.

Workmanship is another hallmark of quality. The IR/UV faceshield windows you select should be injection molded (rather than cut or stamped) and should be preformed at the factory to the exact curvature of the faceshield headgear. Molding produces a more dimensionally stable, optically correct window than the other processes. Optical clarity is vital for safety and productivity. Preforming is an often over looked feature when evaluating faceshields. When you take a flat, stamped or cut window, and have to forcibly bend it into a curve to mount it on a faceshield, you introduce stress where it bends and that stress could weaken the window. Bending a flat piece of plastic also results in optical distortions that are hazardous and distracting to the wearer.

The brands you consider should have a full range of shades for maximum application. The Fibre-Metal brand by Honeywell offers shade 3, shade 5 and shade 8. That is the broadest range that we know of. Shade 3 can be used for welders helpers and light OxyFuel cutting; shade 5 for medium OxyFuel welding and cutting, and shade 8 for heavy OxyFuel welding and plasma arc cutting (up to 100 amps). Usually if an operation needs one shade, they need the others. Standardizing on one brand offers many benefits and economies. (Approved protective spectacles should be worn under faceshields at ALL times)

The Fibre-Metal brand also offers unique design, size and material faceshield headgears to mount your IR/UV windows on. They offer the industries only full 7 inch faceshield crown protector that when combined with their IR/UV windows provides the most protective coverage of any industrial faceshield on the market.

IR/UV faceshields provide an alternative to goggles for OxyFuel welding and cutting, plasma arc cutting (up to 100 amps) and brazing. But see the difference quality makes in base materials, absorbers, manufacturing process, design, faceshield headgears and method of attachment (seal) to the faceshield. From our experience, the Fibre-Metal by Honeywell brand is head and shoulders above any other brand. But look around, do your due diligence. If you find something better - use it - and let us know so we can pass it on.
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The evaluation and selection of PPE for specific hazards and applications is the sole responsibility of on site Safety Officials and responsible welding application managers. The writer is not responsible for the accuracy of any information presented. It is based on the best information available to him at the time of writing. If there is any question about the appropriate shade for a specific application, check OSHA or AWS websites for the latest shade selection chart. Failure to do so could result in serious injury.