At 07:40, a respiratory therapist wheels the intubation tray toward a patient with suspected COVID-19. Within minutes, suctioning and airway manipulation will generate a plume of aerosols that can linger in the room long after the procedure ends. Her respirator protects her airway, but her eyes, conjunctiva, and face remain exposed to droplet splatter travelling several feet. A face shield closes that gap — and for aerosol-generating procedures, it is not an accessory; it is a required layer of defence.
Why Face Shields Belong in the PPE Matrix
Face shields are a distinct PPE category, not a substitute for masks. They provide full-face coverage against droplets, splashes, and self-inoculation — the route where a worker touches a contaminated surface and then touches their face. For facilities that have standardized on procedural masks and isolation gowns, adding face shields completes the barrier without changing workflows.
Health Canada lists eye and face protection among the core elements of droplet and contact precautions. When paired with a CliniEco 3-ply ASTM Level 1 procedural mask and a CliniEco Level 1 isolation gown, a shield addresses the three exposure routes that matter most: inhalation, mucous membrane contact, and contamination of clothing.
Optical Standards: CSA Z94.3 and ANSI/ISEA Z87.1
In Canada, the reference document for eye and face protectors is CSA Z94.3. In the United States, the equivalent is ANSI/ISEA Z87.1. Both standards evaluate impact resistance, optical clarity, and coverage. A shield that meets one of these marks has been tested, not just designed, for workplace use.
What to look for on the label or datasheet:
- CSA Z94.3 certification for Canadian distribution
- ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 marking for impact-rated lenses
- Optical quality rating — shields with poor optics cause eye strain during long shifts
- Manufacturer documentation confirming compliance, which your safety officer will want on file
Anti-Fog Design: The Difference Between Coverage and Compliance
A shield that fogs within minutes of donning will be pushed up, adjusted, or removed — and every adjustment is a moment when the barrier is open. Anti-fog coatings keep the lens clear by preventing condensation from forming on the inner surface. The coating quality matters: low-grade coatings wear off after a few cleaning cycles, while durable anti-fog treatments survive repeated disinfection with the wipes your facility already uses.
For high-exertion tasks or long procedures, consider shields with ventilation channels or moisture-absorbing brow pads, which reduce fogging even when ambient humidity is high.
Disposable vs. Reusable Face Shields
The choice between single-use and reusable shields comes down to workflow. Disposable shields are suited to high-turnover units where reprocessing capacity is limited. Reusable models with replaceable lenses suit departments with established reprocessing protocols.
- Disposable: no decontamination steps, lower per-unit cost at volume, predictable stock rotation
- Reusable: lower waste over time, higher upfront cost, requires validated cleaning between uses
- Hybrid frames: reusable frame with a replaceable visor, a practical middle ground for clinics
Building the Full Barrier: Shields with Masks and Gowns
A face shield is most effective as part of a system. For aerosol-generating procedures, the sequence is: perform hand hygiene, don the gown, apply the mask, and put on the shield last so it sits over the mask's upper edge without disturbing the seal. Suppliers such as 3M and Kimberly-Clark publish fit and seal guidance for their respirators; the same discipline should apply to how shields sit over masks in your facility.
Stocking masks and shields from the same source simplifies procurement. A CliniEco individually wrapped surgical mask in every procedure cart, alongside a shield, means staff never improvise a barrier mid-shift.
Selection Tips for Procurement Teams
When evaluating face shields for your facility, work through a short checklist:
- Verify optical certification (CSA Z94.3 or ANSI/ISEA Z87.1) in the supplier's documentation
- Confirm the anti-fog coating is rated for repeated cleaning
- Check coverage — the shield should extend below the chin and to the temples
- Test compatibility with the masks and respirators already in use
- Request samples before committing to a volume order
Face shields are the natural next step after masks and gowns in your PPE program. They are a modest investment, a tested barrier, and a visible signal to staff that their safety is taken seriously. Start with a small pilot on one unit, measure compliance and comfort, then expand.
Related reading: explore our infection control resources for clinics.
decode HAI, SSI, CJD and MDRO acronyms in our infection control pillar article.
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