What equipment is typically used to protect the face from impacts?

The face shield is specifically designed to provide protection for the entire face, particularly against impacts, flying debris, and splashes from hazardous materials. Unlike safety goggles, which primarily safeguard the eyes, a face shield covers a larger area, including the forehead, cheeks, and chin, offering a broader scope of protection. This makes it particularly useful in environments where there is a risk of flying objects or exposure to hazardous substances.

In contrast, safety goggles do not cover the face and therefore do not offer the same level of protection against impacts. Ear muffs focus on hearing protection and do not provide any face protection, while protective gloves are essential for hand safety but do not shield the face from impacts. Therefore, the choice of a face shield as the correct answer emphasizes its specific role in protecting facial areas vulnerable to various workplace hazards.