The world these days is faced with the COVID-19 pandemic where wearing disposable face masks have become a global requirement to stop the spread of the disease. The main benefit of wearing a mask is to protect others.
Appropriate wear, use and disposal of the face masks are essential to ensure they are effective and to avoid any increase in risk of transmission associated with the incorrect use and disposal of masks. Figure # 1 shows how to wear, use, take off and dispose face masks correctly as dictated by the World Health Organization (WHO).
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), COVID-19 particles can survive on a mask for up to a week. If you opt for disposable face masks, be sure to throw them away in the trash bin. If you are concerned about COVID-19 particles potentially on your mask, place it in a bag before throwing it away.
When you leave your used mask on the ground, not only are you littering, but you also increase the chance that someone will come into contact with your germs.
Please follow below tips to avoid face-mask contamination to People and environment:
- Dispose of your masks properly in the closed bin, immediately wash hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
- If you drop your mask, pick it up, hold onto your mask until you can dispose it safely.
- When the mask bag is 2/3 full, make sure you tie it tightly, to ensure that waste stays contained.
- Brief staff on the correct disposal of used masks.
- Monitor staff practices of disposing masks closely.
Hafsa Nasar Al Siyabi
HSE Coordinator
