Headwear

Head & Face Protection

At Southland, we pride ourselves on delivering reliable head protection and face protection solutions to keep Australian workers safe across a wide variety of industries. On this Head and Face Protection category page, you’ll find comprehensive information about the products we offer, guidance on choosing the right protection, and insight into standards and compliance in the Australia / NZ context.

We aim to support businesses, safety managers, and individual workers in selecting PPE that meets regulations, fits well, and ultimately prevents injury.

What Is Head & Face Protection in PPE?

Head and face protection refers to equipment designed to shield critical zones—namely the skull, face, eyes, jaw, and respiratory zones—from physical, chemical, or environmental hazards. Common types include safety helmets (hard hats), face shields, safety goggles, visor systems, and integrated face-and-head systems.

Such protection is often the final barrier in the hierarchy of controls. In workplace safety standards, PPE must be used only after other hazard controls (elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative) are applied. 

At Southland, our head and face protection products are selected to meet rigorous performance standards, comfortable fit, and compatibility with other PPE (e.g. hearing protection, respirators).

Why Invest in Quality Head & Face Protection?

Prevent Serious Injury

A blow to the head, flying debris, chemical splashes, or projectiles can lead to major injury. Properly rated helmets, visors, and face shields dramatically reduce the risk of trauma, lacerations, and eye damage.

Compliance with Australian Safety Standards

To meet legal obligations under Safe Work Australia and state WHS regulators, PPE must conform to relevant Australian/New Zealand standards such as AS/NZS 1800 (Occupational Protective Helmets), AS/NZS 1337 (Eye Protectors for Industrial Applications), and AS/NZS 1716 / 1715 (Respiratory protection, when combined with face gear). 

Enhanced Worker Comfort & Productivity

Fit, weight, ventilation, and adjustability influence whether workers actually wear the gear consistently. Southland sources head & face protection designed for comfort during full-shift use.

Integration with Other PPE

Our range is compatible with hearing protection, respirators, safety screens, and communication gear. This ensures you can layer protection without interference or compromise.

Southland’s Head & Face Protection Range

Explore our curated selection tailored for diverse workplaces across Australia. Key product categories include:

• Safety helmets / hard hats

• Face shields & full-face visors

• Safety goggles & eye protection

• Welding shields & specialist face gear

• Helmet accessories (chin straps, daylight visors, attachments)

Each product incorporates features like anti-fog coatings, clear or tinted visors, scratch resistance, and compliance labelling.

We also offer guidance on fit testing, inspection intervals, and replacement schedules to help you manage your PPE program.

How to Choose the Right Head & Face Protection

Below are critical considerations when selecting PPE for your environment:

1. Hazard assessment
   Identify the risks your workers face — e.g. impact, chemical splash, ultraviolet exposure, dust, heat, arc flash.

2. Standards compliance
   Always choose products that meet relevant Australian / NZ standards. Ensure certifications are clearly marked.

3. Correct fit and comfort
   Adjustable headbands, suspension systems, and padding help guarantee a secure and wearable fit.

4. Compatibility with other PPE
   Ensure your helmets or face shields can be used without compromising respirators, earmuffs, or safety eyewear.

5. Inspection, maintenance & replacement
   Inspect regularly for cracks, wear, or damage. Replace gear after significant impact or after the manufacturer’s recommended life.

6. Worker training
   Educate users in donning/doffing, cleaning, storage, and understanding limitations of each device.

Industry Applications & Use Cases

• Construction & civil works: Hard hats with side slots for face shields, visor attachments for overhead hazards

• Manufacturing / metal fabrication: Welding masks, arc flash shields, face shields with tinted filters

• Chemical, lab & processing: Full face shields designed to resist corrosive splashes

• Mining / utilities: Integrated systems combining helmet, face shield, and hearing gear

• Oil & gas / petrochemical: Flame-resistant face shields, anti-static helmet materials

Southland’s product range is built to address the specific demands of these sectors, with proven performance in Australian conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should head protection be replaced?
A: If a helmet incurs a substantial impact, shows visible damage, the suspension begins deteriorating, or it exceeds the manufacturer’s specified service life—it must be replaced. 

Q: Can I wear safety glasses under a face shield?
A: Yes — face shields supplement but do not replace safety glasses or goggles. For many tasks, dual eye protection is recommended to protect from both impact and chemical hazards.

Q: Are face shields effective for respiratory protection?
A: No, face shields alone do not provide filtration against airborne particles. If respiratory hazards exist, a respirator or mask system must be used in addition to face protection.

Q: Do I need a fit test for face masks and integrated shields?
A: Yes. Where PPE includes respiratory elements (e.g. combined face mask + shield), users must be fit tested and perform fit checks each time per AS/NZS guidelines. 

Why Choose Southland for Your Head & Face Protection Needs

• Australian-based expertise – we understand local WHS requirements, standards, and industry conditions

• Quality assurance & compliance – our products are tested, certified, and clearly labelled

• Comprehensive range – from general-purpose helmets to specialist shading, welding and chemical shields

• Support & guidance – we’re here to assist with product selection, training, and PPE program integration