Face masks Update – Thank you for your continued diligence and commitment to keeping Belmark safe.

Following the state-wide mandate of face masks, there has been a lot of information circulating about types of facemasks, their effectiveness, etc.  The use of face masks is to help protect yourself and others from the spread of COVID-19.  Belmark continues to follow guidance provided through the CDC on the subject, and is providing the update below.

  • The CDC has found that face masks with one-way valves or vents allow exhaled air to escape through these holes, and recommend against wearing them.
  • Bandanas, neck gators and buffs are ineffective at preventing the spread of germs – Belmark asks that our employees wear company provided facemasks or CDC recommended face masks. A guide to CDC recommended face masks can be found here.
  • Face masks are available to all Belmark employees in a variety of different styles. Youth face masks are now available as well – these are not Belmark branded and come in black or royal blue.

Please contact April Knaus (aprilk@belmark.com) in order to request additional face masks.

  • Please make sure you are wearing your face mask correctly, and if you need to try other styles that fit you better, do not hesitate to ask for a different style (we have plenty!)

 

Face Mask Guidelines

  • Face masks do NOT replace social distancing and congregating!!! Make sure you stay at least 6 feet from others at all
  • 8/13/2020 UPDATE: Belmark provides poly & cloth face masks as needed for employees and their families. Wear of Belmark- branded face masks is the recommended option, though employees may wear any face mask that meets CDC
  • Employees must apply hand sanitizer and put on their face mask in their vehicle before entering the building and wear it to the vehicle when leaving from their work shift. This minimizes potential spread during shift changes, when many are at the time clock and there is more foot traffic in the
  • 8/13/2020 UPDATE: The CDC has found that face masks with one-way valves or vents allow exhaled air to escape through these holes, and recommend against wearing them. A recent study also shows that bandannas and neck gators (or buffs) are very ineffective at preventing the spread of germs. If you are using any of these masks types, we encourage you to wear a Belmark-branded or Packer mask available in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, a CDC-recommended homemade or a surgical face mask. Contact April Knaus (aprilk@belmark.com) to get a

 

Mask Wearing Requirements:

  • Face masks (temporary surgical mask or cloth) are required at all times on the production floor.
  • Office personnel are not required to wear a mask at their desk or workstation, but outside of immediate work area or if a visitor stops by their desk or workstation, masks are
  • If you are wearing a surgical mask, ensure the blue side is facing out.
  • 8/13/2020 UPDATE: In the lunch room, ensure you keep your face mask on until you sit down to eat; when leaving, put your face mask on and wash your hands with soap & water before departing. Please do NOT put your face mask onto the lunch room tables or any common

 

Putting on Your Face Mask
–  Ensure you are using a clean mask

– Wash hands with soap & water or hand sanitizer before touching mask

 –  Pick up mask by touching ear loops (or ties) only

–  Avoid touching mask itself

 –  Hold both loops and place around ear, or tie

–  Fit mask around mouth, nose and chin
Wear of Your Face Mask
–  Mask should be either completely on or off; do not wear or rest under chin

–  Remove mask if soiled or damp

 –  Do not touch mask, face or adjust mask while it is on

–  If you touch mask, wash hands with soap & water or hand sanitizer

 – ALWAYS follow social distancing and good hygiene practices

 

Removing Your Face Mask
– Grab ear loops or ties only and lift the mask off the ears – Pull bottom of mask off and away from mouth & chin – When no longer usable, discard

– Wash hands with soap & water or hand sanitizer

 

Mask Cleaning and Inspection:

  • When you get a cloth face mask, ensure you follow the below instructions for safely cleaning your mask before
  • It’s recommended to wash cloth masks frequently – daily, if A washing machine on HOT should suffice for washing.
  • Inspect your face mask daily for rips or tears and replace. Contact your supervisor to have a replacement

 

  • More information about proper wear & care of face masks can be found at the CDC’s website:

o  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html

 

Washing Your Face Mask
– When you first receive your mask, and daily thereafter, launder in HOT water using soap or detergent that doesn’t leave a residue

–  Rinse well with fresh water and let air dry

 – You may choose to disinfect masks by soaking for five minutes in a solution of two tablespoons of bleach per quart of water or 1/3 cup of bleach per gallon of water.