Safety Training: COVID-19 Face Mask Do’s & Don’ts

Ensure proper face mask use at your facility.

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Wearing face masks and face coverings is vital to prevent COVID-19 infection where people can’t maintain the required social distancing separation of 2 meters/6 feet. And now municipalities around the country are adopting bylaws mandating the use of masks in all indoor public spaces, including workplaces. But requiring masks is just the beginning; you must also ensure that personnel and others at your facility use those masks properly. To help you out, here’s a list of Do’s and Don’ts that you can turn into a training handout, poster and/or sign to ensure proper face mask use at your facility.

Face Mask Do’s & Don’ts

Do’s

√ DO make sure your mask completely covers your nose and mouth

√ DO put on your mask properly using the tie loops

√ DO wear your mask snug around your face and adjust it as necessary throughout the day

√ DO when taking off your mask and putting it down, place it with the outside down on a tissue; if a tissue isn’t available, clean the surface on which you placed it down afterwards

√ DO wash your hands and face after removing the mask and before touching your face

√ DO keep your mask clean and launder it once day in warm water

√ DO store your mask in a clean and dry space or properly dispose of it

√ DO request a new mask if the one you’re using becomes unsanitary or damaged

Don’ts

  • DON’T wear your mask under your nose or mouth
  • DON’T let a strap dangle down or cross the straps
  • DON’T touch or adjust your facemask without cleaning your hands before and after
  • DON’T wear your mask on your head or around your neck or arm
  • DON’T let your mask fog your safety glasses or otherwise obstruct your vision
  • DON’T lay your mask on a surface that could be contaminated or contaminate the surface
  • DON’T wear your mask near machinery, equipment or parts in which it may become entangled
  • DON’T use a mask if it is damaged in any way