COVID-19 Safe Work Procedures – Non-Surgical Procedural Masks

Purpose Safe Work Procedures for COVID-19 and droplet borne viruses will help reduce the risk of exposure in the workplace. These procedures apply to all staff using non-surgical procedural masks in the course of their work activities.

Note: This procedure does not cover the use of non-medical cloth masks, surgical masks or respirators (e.g., N95s, KN95s, half-face elastomeric air-purifying respirators, etc.). For assistance with the use of that equipment or similar, please submit an AskMyHR service request using the category Myself (or) My Team or Organization > COVID-19.

DefinitionsNon-surgical procedural masks/single-use mask: Non-medical masks which provide a level of filtration but do not have anan ASTM rating.

Mode of COVID-19 TransmissionCOVID-19 is transmitted by large droplets which may be generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Droplets travel a short distance through the air (less than two metres) and can be deposited on inanimate surfaces or in the eyes, nose, or mouth. Scenarios that create an increased risk include:

Exposure to potentially infectious respiratory droplets via close contact (within two metres) with a COVID-19 positive person experiencing respiratory symptoms (e.g., sneezing, coughing).

Transfer of the virus via direct physical contact (e.g., touching contaminated skin/hands) with a COVID-19 positive person.

Contact with an inanimate object, such as contaminated surfaces and objects, which can serve as the vehicle for transmission of the COVID-19 virus. This includes contaminated blood and bodily fluids (BBF). Follow your workplace specific BBF protocols for clean up (e.g., call CBRE).

A low risk of contracting COVID-19 from exposure to feces has been established. Workplaces that have identified a risk of exposure to feces will follow the controls in their blood and bodily fluids exposure control plan to reduce likelihood of contracting the disease.

Signs & Symptoms of COVID-19Common symptoms are fever, tiredness and a dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, vomiting or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. They are similar to a cold or flu and may take up to 14 days to appear.

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The BC COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool is available for anyone that develops symptoms and can be used to help determine if you need further assessment or testing for COVID-19.

Standard Precautions for COVID-19 in the WorkplaceStandard Precautions are a group of infection-prevention practices that apply to all workers, regardless of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases encountered. Standard Precautions for COVID-19 or any flu- like illness include:

Physical distancing: keeping two metres of space between staff or clients when possible Cough and sneeze etiquette Not touching your face Hand washing/sanitizing Staying home when sick and self-isolation if required or directed to do so

ResourcesRefer to the following links for up-to-date general information on COVID-19:

BC Center for Disease Control (BCCDC) Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)

Refer to the following link for specific questions related to the BC Public Service’s response to COVID-19:

MyHR BC Public Service Agency (BCPSA)

Will These Masks Protect Me from COVID-19?Wearing a non-surgical procedure mask over the mouth and nose can help reduce the inadvertent spread of COVID-19 through respiratory droplets spread by asymptomatic people. This type of mask does not protect the person wearing it, and they may not be effective in blocking virus particles that may be transmitted by coughing, sneezing or certain medical procedures. They do not provide complete protection from virus particles because of a potential loose fit and the materials used.

LimitationsNon-surgical procedural masks are not medical devices, are not regulated like medical masks and respirators and their use poses a number of limitations:

They have not been tested to recognized standards The fabrics are not the same as used in surgical masks or respirators The edges are not designed to form a seal around the nose and mouth They may not provide complete protection against virus-sized particles They can be difficult to breathe through and can prevent you from getting the required amount

of oxygen needed by your body

These types of masks may not be effective in blocking virus particles that may be transmitted by coughing, sneezing or certain medical procedures. They do not provide complete protection from virus particles because of a potential loose fit and the materials used.

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Appropriate use of non-surgical procedural mask: When worn properly, a person wearing a non-surgical procedural mask can reduce the spread of their own infectious respiratory droplets.

Non-surgical procedural masks should: Allow for easy breathing Fit securely to the head with ties or ear loops Be changed as soon as possible if damp or dirty Be comfortable and not require frequent adjustment Be large enough to completely and comfortably cover the nose and mouth without gaping

Non-surgical procedural masks should not: Impair vision or interfere with tasks Be secured with tape or other inappropriate materials Be placed on anyone unable to remove them without assistance or anyone who has trouble

breathing

Safe Work PracticesThe following safe work practices are a set of methods or “Dos and Don’ts” on how to use non-surgical procedural masks:

DO’s: Make sure it fits well and doesn't gape at the sides Wash your hands before putting it on and after taking it off Avoid touching your face mask while using it Wear masks for a short time Change a mask by only touching the straps or ear-loops, as soon as it gets damp or soiled by

putting it directly into a paper bag (for re use) or a garbage bin (for disposal) Dispose of masks properly in a no-touch lined garbage bin or place in a brown paper bag for

drying and re use (if mask is in satisfactory condition for re use – e.g., not soiled, torn, crumpled, etc.)

Continue physical distancing and wash your hands often

DONT’s: Don't share masks with others Don't wear a mask that is damp or soiled Don’t reuse a mask that is damp, soiled, torn or crumpled Don't touch your face while wearing a mask Don't move or adjust a mask while it is on your face Don’t place a used procedure mask on any work surface, common area or equipment. There is a

potential risk of infection due to droplet transfer

Donning & Doffing

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How to put on a non-surgical procedural mask – ear loop style:

Wash/sanitize your hands before donning.

Pull at the top and bottom to open the pleats or chamber. With colored or printed side facing out, and the nose wire at the

top, put your fingers through the ear loops position the mask over your nose and mouth.

Place the ear loops securely around the ears.

Pull the mask from the top and bottom to fully open the folds of the mask and adjust the mask around the face.

Gently re-form (do not pinch) the nose wire (if equipped) over the bridge of the nose and make any final adjustment.

How to remove a non-surgical procedural mask – ear-loop style1. Wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. If none is available,

use hand sanitizer with a minimum 60 per cent alcohol base.2. Ensure that you are within easy reach of a brown paper bag/lined garbage bin.3. Reach BEHIND your ears and grasp both ear loops.4. Remove the mask outward from your face by handling only the ear loops.5. Place the mask into the paper bag or lined garbage bin.6. Wash/sanitize your hands.

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How to put on a non-surgical procedural mask – tied style:

Wash/sanitize your hands before doffing.

Pull at the top and bottom to open the pleats or chamber.

With colored or printed side facing out place nose wire over the bridge of the nose so it extends across the upper cheekbones and form the nose wire across the face using both hands.

While holding the mask in place with one hand, grasp the bottom of the mask, separating the folds, and fit the bottom of the mask under the chin towards the neck.

Gently form (do not pinch) the nose wire (if equipped) over the bridge of the nose and make any final adjustment.

Tie the lower ties snugly and securely so the mask will not ride up the face.

With both hands, gently re-form the nose wire (if equipped) over the nose and cheekbones. This will insure a proper and secure fit.

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How to remove a non-surgical procedural mask – tied style1. Wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds.

a. If none is available, use hand sanitizer with a minimum 60% alcohol base.2. Ensure that you are within easy reach of a brown paper bag/lined garbage bin.3. Remove the mask by handling only the ties.4. Untie the bottom, then the top tie.5. Remove the mask outward from your face.6. Dispose of the mask by touching only ties and put into a lined garbage bin.7. Wash/sanitize your hands.

Are You Performing Other Work Activities?If you’re performing other work activities not covered here, please review the full list of COVID-19 Safe Work Procedures on MyHR.

For assistance with additional procedures, submit an AskMyHR service request using the category Myself (or) My Team or Organization > COVID-19.

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