DIY Face Shield

07 April 2020

DOWNLOAD THE PFD GUIDE 
(Scroll down for video and photos)

It has become increasingly clear that, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are desperate for PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) solutions. Whilst much fine work is taking place to design and make quality solutions for NHS staff, there remains an urgent need for PPE at the domestic scale (home carers, supermarket workers, delivery drivers etc).

Ordinary people need simple, accessible and well-considered options that have been reviewed and approved by people who know something of what they are talking about. 

With this in mind, I decided to get making and improvised an idea that has proved surprisingly practical, comfortable, robust and easy to clean. The challenge I set myself was to make a face shield using only the limited resources I had at home, that could be considered a good option for those in immediate need who have no official PPE at their disposal. 

Once I had a prototype, I ran the idea past a number of esteemed colleagues at UCL; researchers, clinicians, engineers and sterilisation experts, who were surprisingly enthusiastic and encouraged me to put the design in the public domain.

Therefore, I have produced the following DIY Face Shield design and how-to-make guide. The downloadable PDF document and accompanying demonstration video have passed muster with a range of experts but I implore you, if you do make one of these face shields, pay particular attention to the wearing and the cleaning instructions. The idea may be sound, but the responsibility for successful implementation now lies with you.

I have done all I can to ensure that due diligence and care have been taken and that the information produced is clear and well considered, but if you have any questions, please get in touch.

I hope you find it useful.
All the very best,

Zoe
Dr Zoe Laughlin, Institute of Making, University College London.