Masking :

 

(a)   Masking : 

Definition :

Masking cover both the nose and the mouth to maintain asepsis during procedures and patient care activities.

Purpose : To prevent dispersal of droplets from wearer to environment and patient.

 

 

                 Masking Technique

Sl.No	Steps	Rationale
1	After performing surgical hand washing take the sterile mask handed to you by the circulating nurse. Hold it by top two strings, keeping top edge above bridge of nose.	To maintain asepsis
2	Tie both  top strings at back of head above ears.	To fit snugly.
3	Tie the two lower strings snugly around neck well under the chin
4	Gently pinch upper portion of mask around bridge of nose.	Ensures proper fitting.
5	Gently pinch upper portion of mask around bridge of nose	Ensures proper fitting

 

                                       Removal of Mask

S.No	Steps	Rationale
1.	Wash hands. Unite lower strings fist, then the top strings and pull mask away from face.	Avoids contact of the contaminated portion of mask to our body.
2.	Hold mask by strings and discard into appropriate receptacle.	Reduce the infection.

 

(b)   Caps :

   Caps are used more frequently in surgical asepsis to prevent contamination of surgical wounds.

    If cap is to be worn, first adjust the cap and then it is desirable to wear the mask.

Purpose :

       Cover all the hair under cap so that hair will not protrude outside. After use, it should be discarded.

Procedure :

        Cap must be applied in such a way that all the hair is concealed inside of it. It should be tied properly. removal of cap is done by holding it on top from front towards back and is discarded into the bin.

(c)    Eye wear/goggles  :

Eye protection choices include the following :

      Safety Glasses : Ordinary prescription glasses do not provide adequate protection. Eye protection. Eye protection must conform to the American national standards institute (ANSI),standard Z87.1-1989. Look for this stamp on the inside of the safety glass frame. Prescription safety glasses are recommended for employees who must routinely wear safety glasses in lieu of fitting safety glasses over their personal glasses.

             All safety glasses shall have side protection. Whenever protection against splashing is a concern,” chemical splash goggles”  must be worn..

Goggles : Use –goggles intended for use when protection is needed against chemicals or particles. Impact protection goggles which contain perforation on the sides of goggle not to be used for chemical splash protection, therefore are not recommended. Splash goggles which contain shielded vents at the top of the goggle are appropriate for chemical splash protection  ,and also provide limited eye impact protection. Goggles only protect the eyes, offering no protection for the face and neck. 

Face shields:

         Full face shields provide the face and throat and partial protection from flying particles and liquid splash. For maximum protection against chemical splash, a full face shield should be used in combination with chemical splash goggles. Face shield are appropriate as secondary protection when implosion (e.g. vacuum applications) or explosion hazard are present  . face shield which are present. face shields which are contoured to protect the sides of the neck as well as frontal protect on re preferred.