How to Wear a Surgical Mask

With a recent rise in the community transmission of COVID-19, some Australian states are beginning to recommend or mandate the use of masks in public places.

Health sources report that wearing a mask can play a significant role in preventing the spread of coronavirus - but wearing one properly is crucial in order to make it effective.

Selecting the Right Face Mask

There are a range of protective face masks currently on the market. It’s important to remember that for a pandemic situation, you may not necessarily need a surgical grade mask to provide adequate protection. Certain masks may be worn that normally would not provide enough protection in a health care scenario.

View this guide from the Australian Government for additional information on protective and medical masks and the level of protection they can provide in relation to airborne transmission and droplet protection.

Putting on a Face Mask

Before and after putting on a mask, be sure to clean your hands thoroughly with warm water. Use soap and water whenever possible, as it is the most effective way to wash your hands. Should hand washing not be possible, an alcohol based hand sanitiser (made up of over 70% isopropanol or 60% alcohol) is an appropriate substitute.

The steps to putting on a face mask properly are as follows:

• Inspect the mask for dirt or damage.
• Put on the mask and adjust to your face without leaving gaps on the sides.
• Make sure the mask covers your mouth, nose and chin.
• While wearing, avoid touching the mask.
• Clean your hands before removing the mask and pull it away from your face.
• Store the mask in a clean, resealable plastic bag if it is not dirty or wet.  When taking it out of the bag, remove it by the straps.

If your mask is dirty, wet or damaged, do not wear it. Masks should never fit loosely or be worn under the nose or above the chin. Do not share your masks with others or remove your mask when there are people within 1.5 metres.

Cleaning a Fabric Face Mask

Manufactured fabric masks can be washed and re-worn. If the mask is wet or dirty, it must be cleaned before wearing again. Wash fabric mask in detergent or soap in hot water, at least once a day. Virus/bacteria destroying masks must be cleaned in cold water every 10-12 days.

It is recommended that disposable face masks are changed after 4-5 hours of use, and only be worn for a maximum of 8 hours. Refrain from re-wearing disposable face masks multiple times without sterilisation.    

Keep Your Workplace Safe - Order Online Today

Protect yourself and those around you with a medical-grade mask. MediNat offers a range of face masks to purchase online, including disposable surgical masks and reusable protective face masks.

Shop our Virus Destroying, Reusable Face Mask, equipped with an N95 grade filtration and sterilisation system, which kills bacteria and viruses. This 3-layer mask protects the wearer by destroying >99.9% of SARS-CoV-2.

We also offer a 50 pack of Medsense Disposable Face Masks, protecting you from infectious bacteria, pathogens, dust and other pollutants. The MedSense surgical face mask is tested by professionals and meets the international standard for face masks - ASTM F2100 Level 2 Requirements.

Contact MediNat Australia today on 1300 725 520, email us at info@medinat.com.au or use our online contact form to learn more about implementing safety precautions in your workplace.