Leadership Support Team FAQs
- Published: 22 October 2020
What is a surgical Mask?
A surgical mask is a loose-fitting, disposable device that creates a physical barrier between the mouth and nose of the wearer and potential contaminants in the immediate environment. The Standard for Surgical Masks in Ireland is EU EN14683.
Surgical masks are made in different thicknesses and with different ability to protect you from contact with liquids. These properties may also affect how easily you can breathe through the face mask and how well the surgical mask protects you.
If worn properly, a surgical mask is meant to help block large-particle droplets, splashes, sprays, or splatter that may contain germs (viruses and bacteria), keeping it from reaching your mouth and nose. Surgical masks may also help reduce exposure of your saliva and respiratory secretions to others.
When wearing a surgical mask, the dark blue (or green) side of the mask (the fluid-repellent layer) is to be worn outward, with the white (absorbent) layer on the inside. This is to ensure that droplet-borne viruses are filtered out.
Who should wear surgical masks in school?
Teachers and SNAs who are within 2m of a child and performing healthcare like tasks (personal care) the face covering should normally be a surgical mask. If a surgical mask is not practical for any reason, they should use a visor or a quality suitable for use in a healthcare setting.
Staff members who are accompanying a child (or adult) who is being isolated in the school while awaiting collection from the school.
Bus escorts who are in close proximity to children while escorting them.
Is there guidance on the wearing and disposal of masks?
Masks and visors should be donned and doffed and disposed of as demonstrated in videos.
Masks should be removed and disposed of if they are wet or damaged. Masks should be removed and disposed of if going or a break or visiting the toilet.
How do I record Deputy Principal Release Days on OLCS?
Deputy principal release days and substitution claims can be made under the ‘School Business’ category. No additional information is required to be submitted to the DES to record this leave.
OLCS has also advised that if you have submitted previous deputy principal release day requests to the Department, they have been recorded on the OLCS as Department Sanctioned (Sub). The Department will be re-naming those days as ‘Deputy Principal Release Days’ over the coming weeks and no further action is required on the part of the school.
