FSIS Employee Eye and Face Protection 

Instructions on the Use of Hardhat-Compatible Face Shields (FSIS-89A) 

ESHG-Safety 

INSTRUCTIONS 

This document provides instructions on use of face shields for eye and face protection as required by 

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation 29 CFR 1910.132, PPE General Requirements 

and 29 CFR 1910.133, Eye and Face Protection and in compliance with interim guidance from OSHA and the 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for Meat and Poultry 

Processing Workers and Employers. These instructions apply to the use of face 

shields manufactured by Open Works (FSIS-89A) that attach to the hardhats. 

Face shields should be worn in conjunction with a cloth face covering or 

disposable face mask, and in accordance with the guidelines below. 

Sprays, splashes of fluids, and person-to-person droplet spread present 

occupational hazards for workers. Droplets of fluids can be inhaled, land on 

broken skin, or deposit on mucus membranes in the mouth, nose, or eyes. 

Once there, the pathogens they carry may infect workers and cause illness. 

To be effective, the face shield should fit comfortably and cover the entire length and width of the face. Users 

issued a face shield should ensure that it is properly disinfected, kept clean, and stored in a safe location after 

each use. Replace the face shield if it becomes damaged, has reduced visibility from scratching, or if 

contaminants cannot be effectively removed by cleaning. 

ASSEMBLY 

Each visor consists of 5 parts: 1 

visor (A), 1 brim (B), 1 bottom 

reinforcement (C), and 2 clips (D). 

Step 1: Using the four holes at the 

top of the visor, snap the visor 

onto the pegs on the brim. Start at 

one end, snap the visor onto each 

peg progressively from one end to 

the other. 

Step 2: Using the 3 holes at the 

bottom of the visor, snap the 

bottom reinforcement onto the 

bottom of the shield. 

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Step 3: Snap the clips into the 

slots on the side of the hardhat. 

Keep in mind that there is a righthanded clip and a left-handed 

clip. The left-handed clip is 

marked with an “L” and the righthanded clip is marked with an 

“R.” Insert the clips into the slots 

on either side of the hardhat with 

the “L” and “R” facing out, and 

the pivot hole facing the front of 

the hardhat. 

Step 4: Clip one side of the brim 

into one of the helmet clips using 

the peg on the inside of the open 

end of the brim. 

Step 5: Clip the other side of the 

brim into the other helmet clip. 

This will require you to slightly flex 

the brim outwards to fit. It should 

have a strong positive lock. 

PROPER USE 

Face shields must be inspected before each use. To ensure the proper use of a face shield, follow the steps 

below: 

Step 1: Place hardhat on your Step 2: Raise the face shield by 

head. The visor should extend lifting from the bottom of the 

past your chin and cover your visor. It will stay open when 

entire face. extended all the way back. It will 

not stay open if half-raised. 

NOTE: Avoid setting the face shield visor-down, as it will scratch the visor over time. 

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CLEANING, DE-FOGGING, AND DISINFECTING: 

• To clean your face shield of dust, debris, or non-infectious fluids, use warm water and dishwashing 

detergent. Allow to air dry. To remove streaks or spots, use standard glass cleaner (e.g., Windex) and a 

soft cloth or paper towel. 

• You may order FSIS-57 FSIS Anti-Fog Wipes from the MMSC. Alternatively, you may (1) wipe the face 

shield with a solution comprised of 1 oz. white vinegar to 16 oz. warm water, or (2) wash the face 

shield with liquid dishwashing detergent. A thin film of soap left behind helps prevent fogging. 

• It is currently estimated that COVID-19 can live on hard industrial surfaces (e.g., metal, plastic, and 

glass) for up to several days. To disinfect your face shield, use 70% isopropyl alcohol solution and a soft 

cloth, isopropyl alcohol wipes, food grade dilute phosphoric acid (Star-San), or store your visor in a 

paper bag for a minimum of 3 days. DO NOT use hydrogen peroxide since it will gradually fog the visor. 

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