Please read the following information carefully as it is critical in times of uncertainty to act on credible information. Our Medical Director Infection Prevention, Associate Professor Rhonda Stuart, outlines the facts for you below:
PDF document
PDF document
Masks are mandatory for all Monash Health employees at work.
Refer to Masks at Monash Health for general information about mask use at work.
Refer to the Personal Protective Equipment Compulsory standards to determine the type of mask you should be wearing in different scenarios.
Droplets are transmitted through your nose and mouth – so to be effective, a mask must cover your nose and mouth at all times.
Masks can be worn for up to 4 hours. Masks also need to be changed at meal breaks or after going to the toilet and whenever wet or contaminated.
Dispose of used masks in the normal waste bin unless they are visibly soiled or have been used as a component of Tier 2 or 3 PPE.
If caring for a confirmed COVID-positive patient, mask removal is as per our normal donning and doffing procedures (i.e. remove and discard the mask after leaving the COVID-positive room).
If your mask is damaged, do not use it – or if it is already on, remove it immediately and dispose of it.
If you need to readjust your mask, do it from the rear only. Avoid touching your mask while wearing, and if you do touch it perform hand hygiene afterwards.
All Monash Health clinical employees have been trained on the application and removal of PPE, and this includes masks. If you have not completed your PPE training, please do so immediately.
We will ensure masks are available in all required locations to keep you safe.
Yes.
Yes.
Yes, with the use of Clinell wipes on application and on removal, but only for a single shift/day.
Clinell wipes on each application and on removal. Please note that ear savers should only be used for single-day use.
Ear Saver Straps must be disposed of at the end of the shift/day as they are single-day use only.
If you have a lot of facial hair, you may not be able to use a mask properly and will put yourself at increased risk.
At the end of your shift discard your used surgical mask in the normal waste bin unless they are visibly soiled or have been used as a component of tier 2 or 3 PPE. Then perform hand hygiene. Then don your personal face covering before leaving the site.
Yes.
Yes.
These FAQs are designed to answer some of the questions you may have regarding the use of N95 masks.
Surgical masks are being substituted for N95 masks in some areas of the health service seeing high numbers of suspected or confirmed COVID patients. This substitution applies only to staff with direct patient contact (not admin staff): Emergency Departments, Intensive Care Units, COVID wards/zones, SCOVID wards.
It is essential you fit the mask correctly. Please follow these step-by-step instructions.
After applying the mask, ensure you have performed a seal check. Inhale and the mask should collapse. Exhale and check for leakage around your face. You must replace the mask if it becomes hard to breathe through or if the mask no longer conforms to the face or loses its shape.
The mask can be worn for up to four hours. You must remove the mask after four hours, and when going on meal breaks.
Yes, apply N95 mask on entry to high risk area. You do not need to remove the N95 when leaving the area, the mask can remain insitu for up to 4 hours.
No – the mask can stay on for up to 4 hours
No – the mask can stay on for up to 4 hours unless soiled, wet or you need to remove for a meal break
No. If you take your mask off, you must not re-use it. Please ensure it is disposed of correctly.
The mask can continue to be worn, but you must practice correct hand hygiene immediately.
Please remove the mask if it soiled or wet (e.g. blood or bodily fluids), dispose of it correctly, practice correct hand hygiene and follow the relevant precautions required.
No. You can continue to wear the N95.
The relevant Director of Clinical Operations will continue to distribute the N95 masks, where appropriate.