Face Masks — Essential Supplies And Storage Strategies
Wearing face masks within a medical setting reduces harmful contaminants from spreading between care personnel and patients. Use the following guidelines to ensure you have enough personal protection materials on hand. Set up a storage plan that will prevent masks from becoming lost or contaminated.
Your Supplier
First, assess the manner in which you currently acquire face masks. If the merchant from who you order masks regularly keeps a steady supply of respirators, surgical masks, and standard face coverings in stock, determine if you need to maintain or increase the number of masks that you order for your medical facility.
If there have been occasions in which some mask products have been on backorder, explore other avenues for obtaining the protective face coverings that you need. A wholesaler who features personal protection gear may offer a wider range of mask products than your current supplier.
Bulk Products
You may be able to purchase bulk products. Each mask that is part of a bulk order may cost less than what you usually pay per mask when you purchase smaller quantities.
A Dispenser And Support Materials
A mask dispenser will keep masks clean and dry. A dispenser can be set up within a lobby or another common area where medical staff and patients frequent. If your staff members will be assigned to wear N95 respirators or another specialized type of covering, plan on adding more than one dispenser to areas within your medical facility.
Disposable gloves, hand sanitizer, and waste receptacles are some support materials that can be set up in each mask station. Leave these items within view of the mask dispensers.
Storage
Keep careful track of the mask products that you order. Set up an inventory system that will allow you to calculate how many mask products you have on hand at any given time. Store excess masks within a cool, well-ventilated area.
Avoid opening up multiple packages of masks at the same time. Designate one package of each type of mask when replenishing the mask dispensers.
Hazardous Waste
All masks that are used within areas where bodily fluids could come into contact with a mask should be handled with care. Masks that become contaminated should be treated as hazardous waste.
Supply your staff with a designated receptacle to throw away their masks when they are finished wearing them. Go over the mask guidelines with each person who is part of your medical team.
For more info about face masks, contact a local company.