Two misconceptions about the use of sneeze shields in manufacturing facilities

Industrial & Manufacturing Blog

Here are two misconceptions about the use of sneeze shields in manufacturing facilities.

Myth: Sneeze shields are only necessary for facilities where consumable products are made

One misconception about sneeze shields is that they're only needed in manufacturing facilities that make consumable items (such as medicine or food), to keep pathogens from getting onto raw materials or products when employees cough or sneeze. The truth is that sneeze shields are vital in many other types of manufacturing premises. For example, if a facility makes non-consumable products, such as gadgets or ornaments, that feature metals that can corrode, then the presence of sneeze shields in the facility could prevent the saliva droplets, that emerge from people's nostrils and mouths when they cough or sneeze, from getting onto these metals, and causing them to corrode.

Similarly, if a facility makes decorative, reflective products (such as glass vases, decorative mirrors, etc.), having sneeze shields on the premises would ensure that the aforementioned salvia droplets caused by staff coughing or sneezing would not result in these items being covered with tiny water droplet marks that could make them look unclean and ruin their shiny, pristine appearance. Finally, sneeze shields that help to keep a manufacturing facility's products hygienic could also be helpful if the facility makes non-consumable items that are designed for medically vulnerable people (i.e., those with weak immune systems), as people like this could get ill quite easily if, for example, their new walking stick is covered in pathogen-containing dried salvia droplets.

Myth: Sneeze shields can shatter easily and cause damage and injuries

Another misconception about sneeze shields is that they can shatter easily and that when they do, they can cause damage and injuries. In reality, sneeze shields are usually made from either high-strength tempered glass or acrylic. Neither of these materials will shatter easily, even when they are struck hard. However, on the rare occasions that a sneeze shield breaks, it does not usually cause many issues. This is partly because neither tempered glass nor acrylic will break in a way that is likely to create a huge mess or hurt someone.

Tempered glass, for example, doesn't break into dangerous big shards when it falls apart, but instead shatters into small pebbles that won't, for example, slice through a facility's delicate raw materials or give nearby staff members deep cuts. Likewise, broken pieces of acrylic are lightweight and not as sharp as non-tempered glass shards, which means they don't cause much damage and are relatively easy and safe to clean up.

For more information on sneeze shields, contact a professional near you.

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22 December 2022