Which PPE item is primarily used to protect the eyes and face from arc flash hazards?

• A. Arc-rated face shield.
• B. Sunglasses.
• C. Regular safety glasses.
• D. Face shield with no arc rating.

Answer: (B)

Protection for eyes and face from arc flash relies on equipment that can withstand the intense heat and flying debris of an arc event. An arc-rated face shield is designed specifically for this purpose, providing full-face coverage and a shield that resists the heat and molten splash up to a defined incident energy. Sunglasses only shield against sunlight and offer no protection from arc heat or shrapnel. Regular safety glasses protect the eyes from impact but do not guard against the radiant heat or molten splash of an arc. A face shield without an arc rating may fail under arc energy and offers little real protection. So the arc-rated face shield is the correct choice because it is built to protect eyes and face from arc flash hazards.