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Face Shields
Click here for basic
information on safety glasses for kilnworking.
Although face shields are common in fields such as woodworking
and welding, where they are used to protect the entire face from
flying objects and sparks, they're less frequently used in
kiln-forming activities. However, there are situations (such
as when combing or manipulating hot glass) when a face shield can
come in handy.
The best kind of shield to use is a heat-reflective face shield.
This kind of shield, which is designed to shield the face from
extreme heat, covers the entire face from forehead to below the
chin. It is made of a transparent material (usually
polycarbonate or a similar hard plastic). Some varieties are
made of wire mesh rather than metalized plastic.
Heat-reflective shields are sometimes coated with a layer that
will reflect ultraviolet and infrared light (the best are coated
with gold) or they can be found uncoated. In either case (and
especially with uncoated shields), you should use the shield in
addition to wearing safety glasses that block infrared radiation.
Good sources for face shields are welding supply shops,
foundries, and distributors of industrial safety equipment.
Shields made for woodworking should not be used because they are
unlikely to be able to withstand the heat of the kiln.
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Copyright 2007 Brad Walker.
All rights reserved.
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