How to properly put on and take off surgical masks

Donning a face mask
1. Perform hand hygiene before donning any PPE. If you have questions about hand hygiene, check out our hand hygiene videos.
2. Orient so that the stiff edge of the mask is upwards.
3. Make sure the front of the mask is facing away from you. The inside of the mask is usually white.
4. Place mask on your face, and secure elastic band around ears or ties around middle of head and neck
5. Pinch the stiff edge around your nose.
6. Adjust the mask to fit your face and below the chin.
7. When using a mask, do not touch the front as it is contaminated. If you touch the front of the mask accidentally, please perform hand hygiene.
8. Your mask must stay on your nose and mouth.
9. Replace the mask when it becomes moist with respirations.
10. Do not attempt to disinfect the mask.
Doffing a face mask
11. Do not touch the front of the mask, as it is contaminated. If you touch the front of the mask accidentally, please perform hand hygiene.
12. Remove the elastic band from around your ears. If you have ties, remove the lower or neck tie first, then the top or middle of the head ties second.
13. Holding the elastic band or ties, remove the mask from your face.
14. Dispose of the mask.
15. Perform hand hygiene. If you have questions about hand hygiene, check out our hand hygiene videos.

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