USING MASKS AND GLOVES PROPERLY

USING MASKS AND GLOVES PROPERLY

The application of Standard Precautions and proper usage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has guarded workers and the community from transmitting diseases. Now, more than ever, we all should educate and review the proper usage, application, and disposal of PPE. The proper application and disposal of PPE is key to it’s effectiveness. With proper usage and disposal, PPE, we can all continue to flatten the curve of COVID-19 now and in the future. Today, we will focus on the use of masks and gloves.

HAND HYGIENE REFRESHER

The CDC says, “Hand hygiene is the most important measure to prevent the spread of infections. To wash properly, wet your hands under warm water, apply soap, and rub your hands together, hitting every part for at least 20 seconds. Always wash the tops of hands, bottom of hands, between fingers, under the nails, up and around the wrists on both hands. Rinse and dry your hands thoroughly and turn off the faucet using a disposable towel.

When should I wash my hands?

• Upon entering and exiting your home (or someone else’s home).
• Before putting on gloves.
• After removing gloves.
• Whenever gloves are torn or punctured.
• Before and after eating/food preparation.
• After using the bathroom. 

Don (Put On) Your Mask Correctly        

ALWAYS WASH YOUR HANDS PRIOR TO DONNING A MASK.

When donning their masks, most people make the mistake of looping it around their ears first. But before securing your mask, you should use your thumb to make a slight indentation or divot on the nose piece. This will help seat the mask appropriately on the bridge of your nose.

As you don your mask, open it slightly (but not so much that the folds flatten out).  This will give the mask a more efficient fit.

After looping your mask around your ears, use your index and middle fingers to mold the nose piece between your eyes and across the bridge of your nose. This contoured fit helps to protect the most contaminated area on your face.

Next, extend the mask fully over your mouth and chin to draw the outside edges of the mask securely around your face, providing 360 degrees of protection. If you wear glasses, remove your glasses before donning your mask. Put your glasses back on after your mask.

Doff (Take Off) Your Mask Correctly

ALWAYS WASH YOUR HANDS PRIOR TO DOFFING A MASK.

Just as there is a right way to put on a face mask, there’s a right way to remove one. Removing a face mask incorrectly risks cross-contamination. Keep in mind the outer surface of a face mask may be covered in a layer of aerosols, viruses, and saliva.

To doff a face mask, put your fingers underneath each of the ear loops near your ear lobes and pull straight down. Then lift the mask off and away from your face and dispose of it. Do not touch the mask itself. Wash or use of alcohol-based hand-rub immediately after mask removal is required.

Best Practices

Application

1. Wash your hands
2. Apply a clean mask/bandana
3. Wash your hands
4. Apply clean gloves
5. Do not touch your face. Act as if you are contaminated.

Removal

1. Remove your gloves without touching the outside of the gloves. Remove one glove with the other gloved hand without touching the outside. Then, with your ungloved hand, slide one finger inside the other gloved hand and roll the glove off without touching the outside. Dispose properly.
2. Wash your hands
3. Remove your mask. Touching the ears or ties only and pull away from your face. Dispose of or launder the mask if reusable.

Infection Control and Disposal

• When wearing a mask and gloves, be sure you act as if they are contaminated. Do not touch your face or mask once applied.
• Dispose of PPE safely: place used masks and gloves in a lined basket with a lid.
• If you are using a bandana, make sure you launder it between uses and use the same clean techniques for applying and removing.