The CIF have circulated an email requesting that all duty holders on construction projects double their efforts with regard to COVID 19.

Notwithstanding the necessity to do so for health reasons the CIF is also looking to ensure the industry remains operation at Level 4.  The industry has performed very well over the past number of months, we want to ensure this continues.

Face coverings / face masks are more and more becoming common place on sites. The importance of selecting the correct type and the correct wearing of the item is very important.

Please see the NSAI publication on Face Coverings. SWiFT19

A barrier mask is a type of face covering for consumers and is intended for single use or reusable.

Used in conjunction with relevant public health advice, a barrier mask may help prevent the spread of viral
infection to others. A barrier mask is a non-medical & non-personal protective equipment grade face mask and is not
intended to protect the wearer against viral infection.

A barrier mask for consumers shall: 

— cover the, mouth, nose and chin (protection area see Figure 1),

— sufficiently cover the user’s face against the ambient atmosphere, when the user’s skin is dry or damp  or when the user moves their head,

— have a means by which it can be fitted closely over the nose, mouth and chin of the wearer and which  ensures that the mask fits closely at the sides,

— not contain inhalation valve(s) and/or exhalation valve(s)

Putting on the barrier mask
To avoid contamination when putting on a mask, the following steps should be followed:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water (or use a hand sanitizer) before handling the mask.

2. For reuse of the mask, ensure that it has been properly washed beforehand (see washing and
drying instructions below)

3. Touching the outside or harness only, locate the top of the mask.

4. Place the barrier mask on the face and adjust the nose-bridge clip to the nose, where applicable.

5. Hold the mask from the outside and fasten the headgear or straps behind the head or the ears, as
appropriate.

6. Lower the bottom of the mask to the chin

7. Check that the mask covers the chin.

8. Pinch the nose-bridge support with both hands to adjust it to the nose.
9. Check that the mask is correctly positioned. Ensure that (a) there is no breathing discomfort, and (b) there are no gaps remaining between the barrier mask perimeter and face.

10. Once secured, no longer touch the mask with your hands. If the user needs to touch the mask, they
should first wash your hands with soap and water or rub them with a hand sanitizer.