Are secondary face/eye protections like face shields covered under NFPA 1500?

Secondary face and eye protections, such as face shields, are indeed discussed in the context of NFPA 1500, but they must be understood in relation to their use alongside primary eye protection, such as safety goggles. NFPA 1500 outlines the standards for fire department safety, which includes various protective measures for personnel.

Face shields serve as a secondary protective measure and are intended to provide additional protection against specific hazards like flying debris and splashes. However, they do not provide adequate protection on their own against impacts, dust, or chemical splashes, which is why the guidance indicates that they should be used in conjunction with goggles.

This necessity arises because goggles provide a tighter seal and protection for the eyes, ensuring that they are safeguarded against all possible hazards. Combining them maximizes eye safety in hazardous environments. Therefore, the idea that secondary protections could replace the need for goggles misunderstands the intent of comprehensive eye safety protocols under NFPA guidelines.