A sneeze guard or food shield is one of the most important types of plastic products used in areas where protection against the risk airborne contaminants, such as spit, from coughing, and sneezing may come in contact with food or other humans.
These products were typically installed over buffets or self-service food stations; however, due to the pandemic, they are being installed in a vast array of businesses.
For instance, sneeze shields are being utilized in areas, such as checkout counters, schools, casinos, and restaurants.
If you are considering the use of sneeze guards, it’s important to choose the appropriate type for your specific needs.
Here are a few tips on how to pick the right sneeze guard.
Sneeze Guard Styles
There are a number of different styles and sizes of sneeze guards, but the primary difference between them is that some have an opening and some don’t.
Sneeze guards with an opening make it more convenient for employees to take payments or make exchanges with the customer.
There are also some with sidewalls, which are the preferred option where it will be used in situations, such as an open food buffet, because the sidewalls provide an additional layer of protection, especially if there is a risk of people congregating on the ends of the buffet.
The sidewalls provide coverage both from the front as well as on either side of a buffet or self-serving food line. Sneeze guards are available in a variety of sizes as well as designs.
For instance, a desk shield is free standing and can stand on a counter or desk without modifications to the desk surface. Desk shields are currently popular in some department stores at the checkout counters, casinos, and schools.
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Materials Used
Sneeze guards and desk shields are made from a variety of materials, but the most common materials used are either acrylic or polycarbonate and sometimes glass.
There are a few factors to consider when choosing the best material for your needs, including the environment and stresses that will be placed on the sneeze guard or desk shield.
Stresses may include things such as the type of activities that will take place, how frequently the shield will be moved, and the amount of traffic.
- Acrylic a plastic or polymer, also known as Plexiglas, that is typically transparent. It is a popular choice because the cost is relatively low, it is lightweight and it can be manufactured in a wide variety of shapes. Acrylic is a good choice for desk shields that will be used in mild traffic areas, such as for the separation of students in classrooms.
- Polycarbonate is also a plastic material, but it is tougher, more resilient, and crack resistant than acrylic. Polycarbonate is often the best material for sneeze guards that will be placed in a high traffic area, such as check-out counters, because of its durability and it is easy to clean.
Sneeze guards are available in framed designs as well as freestanding and mounting styles. A mounted sneeze guard requires attachment to the counter, desktop, or other areas being protected.
Mounted sneeze guards require gluing or drilling the guard to a solid surface, so it is a permanent modification.
Freestanding guards and desk shields stand on their own, so there isn’t the need for a permanent modification and they are easier to move from one area to another.
When searching for sneeze guards or desk shield, it is best to look for those that are made in the USA in order to ensure they are of the highest quality construction.
About The Author:
Written by Janelica Nagy interested to write about skin problems, makeup tips, cosmetic surgery, etc.