Donning Cap, Mask, and Eye Protection
1.Perform hand hygiene.
2.Don a cap. a.If hair is long, comb it back behind the ears and secure it. Comb hair in an area away from patient care. Secure hair in place with pins.
b.Put the cap over the head as one would put on a hairnet. Ensure that all hair fits under the edges of the cap.
3.Don mask. Ensure that the mask fully covers the nose and mouth and fits snugly. Change mask immediately if splattered with body fluids. a.Mask with ties: i.Find the top edge of the mask; most masks have a thin metal strip along the top edge. Fit the flexible nose piece over the bridge of the nose.
ii.Hold the mask by the top two strings or loops, keeping the top edge of the mask above the bridge of the nose.
iii.Tie the two top strings at the top of the back of the head, over the cap (if worn), with the strings above the ears.
iv.Tie the two lower ties snugly around the neck with the mask well under the chin.
v.Gently pinch the upper metal band around the bridge of the nose or gently press the mask over the bridge of the nose to create a seal.
b.Mask with elastic head bands: i.Separate the two bands. Hold the mask in one hand and the bands in the other.
ii.Place and hold the mask over the nose, mouth, and chin.
iii.Stretch the bands over the head and secure them comfortably. One band should be on the upper back of the head and the other below the ears at the base of the neck.
4.Don eye protection. a.Don protective glasses, goggles, or face shield comfortably over the eyes, and check that vision is clear.
b.If a face shield is to be worn with a mask, don the face shield over the mask.
c.Ensure that eye protection fits snugly around the forehead and face.