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Employers have a duty to protect their workers from injury or harm to health which could happen as a result of work-related activity. This includes taking appropriate steps to protect workers from coronavirus. Health & Safety MASK FOR TASK www.thefis.org 23 A T this point in the pandemic, what face covering you use, and how it’s used, could have serious implications for the person next to you. Face coverings must be suitable, sufficient and used correctly. FIS, supported by the CICV Forum in Scotland, has produced the infographic (on facing page) to ensure that best practice information is available to all areas of the industry. It provides timely and helpful advice on what you may need to consider when using a face covering and relays an important message to the industry; to ensure that you are using the correct mask for task, and that you are wearing it correctly. It is important to remember that face coverings are not respirators or disposable facemasks and do not protect people wearing them from exposures. They are only intended to help contain the wearer’s respiratory droplets from being spread. If respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is required for a particular task, then this must still be used, as detailed in your risk assessment to protect the worker from the specified hazard. Tight-fitting respirators (such as disposable FFP3 masks and reusable half masks) rely on having a good seal with the wearer’s face, so a face fit test must be carried out the first time a worker uses a particular type of respirator. Face coverings The use of face coverings should be used in addition to the main control measures, which are; frequent hand washing, implementing social distance practices and frequent cleaning and disinfection protocols for all areas. It is important to stress that coverings do not replace social distancing and that workers must continue to follow the Government guidelines for staying safe. When wearing a face covering also consider: • Is a worker-supplied face covering suitable and effective? (This depends on thematerial it is made of; face coverings with several layers are better than single-layer coverings at filtering particles.) • Does the face covering include multiple layers of fabric where possible? • Does it allow for breathing without restriction during normal activities? (If a face covering isn’t breathable, it can get damp more quickly with condensation, which reduces effectiveness and might encourage people to fiddle around with it or take it off.) • Particular attention should be paid to where the face covering may be placed when not in use to avoid the risk of spread through potential COVID-19- contaminated surfaces. • Do not use face coverings that are made of fabric that makes it hard to breathe. • Face coverings that have exhalation valves or vents should be avoided as these will allow virus particles to escape. Putting a face covering on • Ensure your face covering is clean, dry and undamaged. • Before putting on the covering, clean your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser. • Place the face covering over your nose and mouth and secure with ties or loops. • Ensure the covering fits snugly and moulds to your face and around your nose. Face coverings should go over the nose and below the chin. • Your face covering should be comfortable with no gaps around your face and allow you to breathe easily. • Once you have finished putting the face mask on, clean your hands again with soap and wate r or use hand sanitiser. Taking a face covering off • Clean your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser before you start. • Remove the face covering from behind, (do not touch the front) by untying ties or removing loops then pull it away from your face. • Be careful not to touch your eyes, nose and mouth when removing the face covering. • Place your face covering in a resealable bag or dispose of it appropriately. (Incorrect storage of a used face coverings could pose a transmission risk for yourself or others.) • When you have taken the face mask off, clean your hands again with soap and water or use hand sanitiser. In conclusion, employers should develop a policy, which must include guidance on what is acceptable as a face covering and how to use them correctly. Include these points in your policy document: • Guidance on wearing and washing the face covering. (This is important as wearing or washing it incorrectly could actually increase the risk of infection.) • Consideration of suitable face coverings for people who wear glasses. • Guidance for those who cannot wear face coverings due to medical health reasons. Download the Mask for Task infographic from www.thefis.org/ knowledge-hub/ healthandsafety/