Practical tips for safe use of masks

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Thanks to Dr. Jeff Powis, Medical Director, Infection Prevention and Control, Michael Garron Hospital, for sharing practical tips for the safe use of masks: 

·       Put your mask on when you arrive and don't take it off. Don't keep fiddling with your mask as every time you touch it you could contaminate yourself.

·       Staff that wear a hijab or headscarf should use a headband with buttons on it to put their ear-loop mask on or use a surgical mask with ties. Otherwise they may be more likely to self-contaminate as it is hard to put your ear-loop on with the hijab over your ears.

·       Do a Point-of-Care Risk Assessment to determine the need for N95 mask. These are only needed for Aerosol Generating Medical Procedures (AGMP) – see here.

·       Self-contamination is the biggest risk when using a mask. Focus on PERFECTION with respect to technique of doffing, vigilant hand hygiene and purposeful timed cleaning of your workspace. I would recommend doing this at the start and end of each shift.

·       Donning and doffing N95 respirator: I recommend using a Tupperware/plastic container, as I demonstrate in the video here. That way you can doff and re-use without touching it with your hands.

·       Use a face shield as this will make it less likely for you to touch your face. Face shields are superior to goggles, especially in units with COVID.

·       Be aware of fatigue and mindfulness. I've noticed this myself. When I get tired I get sloppy and have almost made a mistake when doffing. Take a moment to think about your technique before you do it. We take for granted the complexity of donning and doffing but now it is critical!!!