Putting on surgical face masks

Before putting on your mask, make sure your hands are clean by using alcohol hand rub, gel or washing your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.

  1. Make sure you are hydrated and are not wearing any jewellery, bracelets, watches or stoned rings

  2. Put on your apron and make sure that it is securely tied at the back

  3. Put on your surgical mask. If it ties at the back, make sure it is securely tied at the crown and the nape of the neck. Once it covers the nose, make sure you extend it to cover your mouth and chin

  4. Put on your eye protection if there is a risk of splashing

  5. Put on non-sterile nitrile gloves.

Taking off surgical face masks

Surgical masks are single session use, other PPE such as gloves and apron should be changed between patients

  1. Remove your gloves by grasping the outside of the cuff of the glove and peeling off. Hold the glove in the remaining gloved hand, insert the finger underneath and peel off the second glove.

  2. Clean your hands using alcohol hand rub, gel or washing your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.

  3. Remove other PPE such as your apron, by snapping or unfastening the apron ties around the neck and allowing it to fall forwards. Remove your eye protection if necessary.

  4. Clean your hands using alcohol hand rub, gel or washing your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.

  5. Remove surgical mask

  6. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

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