This advice has been produced to supplement the online induction training produced by the Department of Education and Skills. Please make sure you complete the induction training which can be found here. You should complete either the primary or post primary module as appropriate. We also recommend you complete the module for SNAs and the module for bus escorts as appropriate. This additional advice is based on HSE and HSPC published guidance and links to source materials are included for reference.

When to use a facemask and face visor

It is important to stress that SNAs should not be in contact with students who are showing symptoms of Covid-19 nor with anyone with a confirmed diagnosis of Covid-19. The use of face masks, face visors and other personal protective equipment (PPE) is therefore precautionary but important none the less. Covid-19 is spread through droplet transmission such as coughing or sneezing, there is also a potential risk of transmission through aerosol spread as well as through contact with bodily fluids. PPE is designed to protect staff who may come into contact with someone who has the virus.

A face visor will provide protection against droplet spread and this is the PPE recommended by the Department of Education and Skills for use in classrooms. The face visor will facilitate communication with students and can be easily cleaned with alcohol or disinfectant wipes supplied by the school. SNAs may wish to also use a face mask in the classroom as well as a visor. The minimum standard of protection that should be used is the face visor and staff should consider if they wish to also use a face mask in the classroom taking due account of the potential for communication difficulties with some students. SNAs should use a face mask and a visor when providing personal care to students, see the section below for more details.

When wearing a mask please remember the following:

• ALWAYS change your mask when you answer the telephone or you take a drink or a break
• ALWAYS wash your hands before and after handling a mask
• ALWAYS change mask when leaving a classroom area or exiting an isolation room
• ALWAYS change mask if it is dirty, wet or damaged
• NEVER fidget with your mask when it’s on
• NEVER store your mask in your pocket

The HSE has produced an information leaflet on the correct way to wear a medical face mask and you can access that here.

What type of facemask should be used

In accordance with advice from the HSPC and the HSE all health workers must use a medical grade face mask that meets the industry standard EN 14683 as recommended by the Department of Education and Skills for use by schools staff. These masks are commonly known as surgical face masks and provide protection against Covid-19 whilst also offering protection to others. The masks consist of three layers to filter out small particles, they are manufactured by different companies and all such products meet the WHO standards. These masks are disposable and should be changed whenever they become wet, soiled or damaged. SNAs should change masks on a regular basis as outlined above. Used masks should be disposed of and should not be taken home nor taken outside of the classroom. The HSE recommends that where aerosol spreading procedures are carried out such as suctioning a tracheostomy tube then a higher grade of mask should be used. Where this complex medical procedure is carried out (such as in special schools) advice should be sought from a suitably qualified healthcare professional or from the local HSE directly.

We do not recommend that SNAs use face coverings in the classroom. This is because a cloth face covering will not protect you against Covid-19. Fórsa insisted that proper surgical face masks be provided as they are in the health service.

SNAs who are concerned about using a mask or who are concerned about using the right type of mask should contact their Lead Worker Representative and request a risk assessment.

What to remember when providing personal care to students

SNAs have always practiced good infection control when providing care for students, there are some additional points that are worth remembering to ensure that this work is carried out safely once schools re-open.

The HSE recommends that in addition to using a facemask when providing personal care staff also wear eye protection to protect them from splashes. Therefore we suggest that SNAs consider using both a face mask and a face visor at all times when providing personal care to students. Along with the use of disposable aprons and gloves this will ensure a high standard of protection for staff meeting the hygiene needs of their students.

SNAs should roll up sleeves as recommended by the HSE when washing and changing a student or meeting other hygiene needs. Disposable gloves and aprons should be used at all times when providing personal care and those items should be double bagged prior to being disposed of (see section on disposal of waste products below).

Once all waste products have been bagged, the usual hand washing routine should be followed after providing care.

The HSE advice for their staff providing different types of care can be found here.

Disposal of waste products

SNAs are required to assist students with their hygiene needs as appropriate. This work involves assisting with activities such as toileting, changing soiled clothes, changing incontinence pads and aids, washing and cleaning students and dressing in fresh clothing. This work will generate waste products such as soiled wipes and other materials which need to be disposed of carefully.

Soiled clothing should be placed in a plastic bag and sealed, a second bag should also be used, in effect this clothing should be double bagged and sealed before being returned to the parent or guardian according to local practice.

Other soiled material such as wipes should be placed in a plastic bag and sealed, a second plastic bag should also be used to ensure waste products are double bagged prior to disposal. These waste bags should be left for 72 hours before being sent into the domestic waste system. Schools need to have a system in place for the quarantine of waste products for 72 hours before bags are sent for general waste collection.

If your school does not have such a system in place please make sure you alert school management and the Lead Worker Representative of the need for such a procedure. The induction training video sets out this requirement for a 72 hour quarantine period for waste products.

Moving between pods or different classes

The Department of Education and Skill's guidance advises against moving between pods, bubbles or classes if at all possible. However, given that SNAs are often allocated students in different classes or year groups some movement between these areas will take place.

If an SNA is required to move between areas they should ensure that they wash their hands or use hand sanitiser.

When leaving one classroom it is very important that a face visor is cleaned with a disinfectant wipe, that a new face mask is used and that any other items such as disposable gloves or an apron are removed before entering a new classroom.