Pre‐procedure

ActionRationale

1. 1.Show
   Remove surgical‐type masks singly from the box, or remove individually wrapped items from their packaging, with clean hands.
   To prevent contamination of the item or others in the box or dispenser. E
2. 2.Show
   Consider removing glasses, if worn.
   Glasses may obstruct the correct positioning of the mask/respirator and may be dislodged or damaged. E

Procedure

1. 3.Show
   Place the mask or respirator over your nose, mouth and chin (Action figure 4.23).
   To ensure correct positioning. E
2. 4.Show
   Fit the flexible nose piece over the bridge of your nose if wearing a respirator.
   To ensure the best fit. E
3. 5.Show
   Secure the mask/respirator at the back of your head with ties or fitted elastic straps and adjust to fit (Action figure 4.24).
   To ensure the mask or respirator is comfortable to wear and remains in the correct position throughout the procedure. E
4. 6.Show
   If wearing a respirator, perform a fit check. First, breathe in – the respirator should collapse or be ‘sucked in’ to the face. Then breathe out – the respirator should not leak around the edges.
   To ensure that there is a good seal around the edge of the respirator so that there is no route for non‐filtered air to pass in either direction. Note that this check should be carried out whenever a respirator is worn but is not a substitute for prior fit testing (DH [23], C).
5. 7.Show
   Replace glasses, if previously removed.
   To restore normal vision. E
6. 8.Show
   At the end of the procedure, or after leaving the room in which the mask/respirator is required, remove the mask/respirator by grasping the ties or straps at the back of the head and either break them or pull them forward over the top of the head (Action figure 4.25). Do not touch the front of the mask/respirator (Action figure 4.26).
   To avoid contaminating the hands with material from the outside of the mask/respirator (DH [23], C).

Post‐procedure

1. 9.Show
   Dispose of used disposable items as hazardous infectious waste, as per local policy.
   All waste contaminated with blood, body fluids, excretions, secretions and/or infectious agents thought to pose a particular risk should be disposed of as hazardous infectious waste (DH [25], C).
2. 10.Show
   Clean reusable items according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually with detergent and water or a detergent wipe.
   To avoid cross‐contamination and ensure the item is suitable for further use (DH [23], C).