Back to: Linking to Care, Point of Care Testing (POCT). Aotearoa Edition
Depending on who you talk to, the use of masks and recommendations for mask use seems to have a few variations. In this section we will look at masks and their role in Infection Control Procedures, and the contribution of masks to our and our wai ora wellbeing.
Health Network Collective strongly recommends that you take some time out, grab a coffee or cup of tea, and spend some time reading the following link on Infection Prevention and Control by Te Tāhū Hauora, the Aotearoa New Zealand Health Quality & Safety Commission. The site and information provided will give you greater depth of understanding and resources in the broader sense of infection prevention and control. For the environments we may work in this provides improved knowledge and resources we can display and use as incidental education materials (such as posters we can display in waiting rooms).
So why wear a mask: Wearing a mask reduces the spread of respiratory illness within the community by reducing the number of infectious particles that may be inhaled or exhaled. These particles may be spread when an infected individual talks, sings, shouts, coughs, or sneezes (even if not symptomatic). WHO
The above statement from the World Health Organization indicates that mask wearing is not only for the benefit and protection of us as Health Network Collective. It is also for the benefit of our wai ora in their protection from anything we may have. In short, if air is going in and out we are at risk, hence wearing a mask.
Pragmatically, many guidelines are suggestive of mask wearing being an essential recommendation in the following circumstances; –
- Any suggestion of community prevalence of any airborne conditions. This could include seasonal influenza or flu outbreaks (and not limited to in your immediate area, consider any suspicion in your country as adequate reasoning). Especially where physical distancing of at least one meter is not possible.
- Any interactions with persons, including yourself, when known to have a condition that has the potential of spreading via airborne means. This also applies to suspected or confirmed transmissible infectious disease. It is advisable to have the wai ora wear a mask as well as you or the health provider.
- Any invasive procedure(s) are to be conducted.
- You have doubts as to the effectiveness of ventilation in your workspace or environment.
- You or your wai ora have a health compromise where further infection will place them at risk.
- Any doubt. wear a mask.
Types of mask: Finding a mask that fits your face best is extremely important to ensure effective protection and reduction of risk. Watch the following WHO video for a brief introduction to mask fitting.
- Disposable medical masks are our normal standard and usually the most accessible. The disposable part of the description is very important. Change your mask frequently and in between interactions with different persons. Remember the outside (and inside) of your mask are effectively contaminated so minimize touching the mask and wash your hands when touching or changing masks. Naturally, the used mask goes into the rubbish for disposal. Further down in this section we go into depth on how to change and remove your mask.
- Non-medical masks are acceptable when disposable medical masks are not available. If you or wai ora choose to use non-medical masks it is recommended that the mask is well fitted and meets the following criteria
- Have an inner layer of absorbent material such as cotton
- Have a middle layer of non-woven non-absorbent material such as polypropylene; an example of which is the inner layer of babies’ disposable nappies
- Outer layer of non-absorbent material such as a polyester or polyester blended material, such as poly-cotton or terrycloth.
- If buying a non medical mask check labels for standards ASTM F3502 or CEN/TS17553.
- Wash this type of mask at least once a day in soap or detergent, preferably with hot water at 60 degrees Centigrade or 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure it is dry before use.
- If a hot water wash is not possible, wash in soap or detergent at room temperature followed by boiling the mask for at least one minute.
N95 and filtering or respirator type masks: these are extremely effective options for protection and risk reduction, they are not always effective if the wearer has not been fit tested to ensure adequate fit. Not having a fit test may leave the wearer with small gaps where particles can pass through. While these types of masks look great, they are expensive, require specialist fitting for correct sizing and fit, and will normally only be offered to clinical staff in high-risk areas.
How to fit, wear and change you mask: please watch the following video. The video does mention COVID however is still very relevant for us and our mask requirements.
- To put on your mask
- Before touching the mask, hand wash. Preferably with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Inspect the mask for tears, damage or holes and do not use a mask that has been previously worn
- Ensure you’ve identified the right way up and right side to face out. (white side normally faces in towards your face)
- Place the mask over your nose and mouth ensuring there are no gaps between your face and the mask. Place straps behind the ears and do not cross the straps, this can cause gaps.
- Pinch the metal strip to fit your nose.
- Do not touch the front of your mask while wearing, if you do wash your hands.
- To take off your mask
- Before touching the mask, hand wash. Preferably with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Remove the straps from behind ears, avoid touching the front of the mask
- Lean forward and pull the mask away from your face, discard immediately.
- Wash your hands.
- If you suspect your mask is wet, contaminated or soiled, change it.
In summary if in doubt wear a mask. Again, best practice as described in this section of our lesson with masks and mask use is an important part of infection prevention and control. And keeping us and our wai ora safer. For further information download the New Zealand Ministry of Health PDF how to use a face mask safely from the course materials in this section along with a poster encouraging mask use for your use.
Now find a mask or two and practice.
