An increased level of PPE stock has come into the health service via the national stockpile. While these may come in different forms, shapes and colours to those you’ve been used to, rest assured that each of these surgical and N95 masks has been approved and meets the criteria for their respective uses.
As always, follow the correct procedure when applying your mask and remember these important points:
- Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water
- If you wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly.
- Before putting on a mask, clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
- Cover mouth and nose with mask and make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask, and do a fit check every time you don an N95 mask.
- Avoid touching the mask while using it; if you do, clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
- Replace the mask with a new one as soon as it is damp and do not re-use single-use masks.
- Remove masks when leaving the ward area and when going on breaks
- Do not drink or eat when wearing a mask (don’t lift the mask or let it hang around the neck)
- To remove the mask: remove it from behind (do not touch the front of the mask); discard and clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
Approved by Rhonda Stuart