Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - Part (4)

SURGICAL MASK:

The surgical mask/face mask is worn by healthcare professionals, this is also known as isolation mask. It is used to prevent infection, bacteria etc. the surgical mask is a loose-fitting, disposable covering that creates a physical barrier between the mouth/nose of the wearer. The surgical masks are never reused, wash or disinfect. The surgical mask does not protect against smaller airborne particles.

IS THERE ANY PURPOSE OF USING SURGICAL MASK?

• It is used to prevent the spread of infection between sick and well persons.
• It should protect the wearer from splashed with body fluids.
• It prevents direct transmission of body fluids from the healthcare professionals to the patient.
• The surgical mask has sufficient filtration efficiency to bacterial and aerosol particles.

HOW TO CHOOSE A SURGICAL MASK:

• The mask should have fluid proof and splash resistance to blood and body fluids.
• The surgical mask should have pleats/folds so that it allows the user to expand the mask so as to cover from nose to under the chin.
• The mask should have greater stability during breathing.
• The surgical mask must have a minimum pore size for efficient filtration.
• The surgical mask should be light in weight.
• The mask should be breathable and have less breathing resistance.
• It should be comfortable to wear.

HOW TO DON SURGICAL MASK:

1. First, clean your hands with hand wash and sanitizer.
2. Check whether the mask having holes on it.
3. Determine which side of the mask is at the top, the side of the mask that has a stiff bendable edge is the top and it is meant to mould to the shape of your nose.
4. Check which type of facemask you wear there are different categories they are

• Face mask with ear loops
• Face mask with ties
• Face mask with bands

    5. If you using a facemask with ties then take the bottom ties, one in each hand, and secure with a              bow at the nape of your neck.

    6. Pull the bottom of the mask over your mouth and chin.

HOW TO REMOVE A SURGICAL MASK:

1. Clean your hands with hand wash and hand sanitizer before touching the nose.
2. The front of the mask is contaminated only touch the ear loops, ties and band.
3. If the mask having ear loops then hold both of the ear loops and gently lift and remove the mask.
4. If the mask having ties then untie the bottom bow first and then untie the top bow and pull the mask away from you as the ties are loosened.
5. If the mask having the bands then lift the bottom strap over your head first then pull the top strap over your head.
6. Finally through your mask in the trash. 
7. Clean your hands with soap and hand sanitizer.

DO’S AND DON’TS:

DO’S:

• Make sure to wear your mask to protect yourself from infectious droplets that may occur when patients cough, sneeze, laugh or talk.
• Check to make sure the mask has no defects, such as a tear or torn strap or ear loop.
• Bring both top ties to the crown of the head and secure with a bow, tie bottom ties securely at the nape of the neck in a bow.
• Remove the mask when no longer in clinical space and the patient intervention is complete.
• For the ear loop mask, remove the mask from the side with your head titled forward.
• For tied masks, remove by handling only the ties, and untie the bottom tie followed by the top tie.
• Properly dispose of the mask by touching only the ear loops or the ties.
• Always perform the hand hygiene before and after removing a surgical mask.

DON’T:

• DON’T use for protection against very small particles that float in the air.
• DON’T wear if wet or soiled, get a new mask.
• DON’T leave a mask hanging off one ear or hanging around the neck.
• DON’T reuse.
• DON’T touch the front of the mask, as it is contaminated after use.

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 👈                          👉 Part 5, Part 6, Part 7