Face Shields

Patients with COVID-19 experience significant respiratory issues, resulting in coughing. Virus particles are easily spread in the fluids expelled from the patient during episodes of coughing. The face shield is an additional barrier between the healthcare worker and the patient and reduces the risk of viral transmission via airborne droplets.

The FDA has released an important set of guidelines for any makers/manufacturers making face shield, which can be viewed here. Please make careful note of the information presented in Section IV.

• No printed matter, including advertising or promotional materials, relating to the use of the authorized face shield may represent or suggest that such product is safe or effective for the prevention or treatment of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• All advertising and promotional descriptive printed matter relating to the use of the product shall clearly and conspicuously state that
  • The product has not been FDA cleared or approved
  • The product has been authorized by FDA under an EUA for use by healthcare providers as personal protective equipment.
  • This product is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances justifying the authorization of emergency use under Section 564(b)(1) of the Act, 21 USC 360bbb-3(b)(1) unless the authorization is terminated or revoked sooner

In addition to the FDA guidelines, please adhere to the following best practices when 3D printing and/or working with the materials used for making faces shield –

• If you can, please segregate the 3D printer that you will be using in your space away from people, pets, bathrooms, or food preparation surfaces.
• There is still debate about how long the virus survives on hard industrial surfaces, but it is currently estimated that COVID-19 can live on hard industrial surfaces (metal, plastic, and glass) for up to 3 days. If you have access to sanitizing solutions, including diluted bleach, 70% alcohol solution, or products like Star-San or Odo-Ban, please disinfect your tools and equipment before and after each item is made. You can also let packed items sit for 3 days before distributing, as another mechanism to reduce the risk of transmission.
• Medical-Grade PETG is the preferred filament. If you decide to use another filament, please be aware of the following as it relates to your ability to sanitize the filament.
• If the machine is clean, the plastic is heated up enough to be considered clean once the print is finished.
• Do not attempt to sterilize the finished part; just drop in a clear bag with gloves or tongs and set aside.
• Many sterilization solutions will damage PLA, and off-the-shelf isopropyl alcohol is not concentrated enough to clean the parts.
• No latex should be used in designs for clinical settings – do not use an elastic band in your design!

This information was produced in collaboration with OSCMS – click here for more information and documentation.