CHAPTER 11 DENTAL SAFETY AND EQUIPMENT SAFETY

SAFETY

This chapter is divided into two sections, dental safety and dental equipment. You must be knowledgeable of several safety concerns associated with the dental treatment facility (DTF). In the first section of this chapter, we will discuss dental safety. The various areas of safety include such things as hazardous materials, gases, chemicals, mercury, and other environmental hazards. In the second section, we will cover dental equipment and preventive maintenance.

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

The Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) establishes regulations regarding the rights of employees to know the potential dangers associated with hazardous chemicals in the workplace. The goal is to reduce the risk of injury or illness caused by hazardous' chemicals in the workplace.

Accomplishing this goal requires information and communication; therefore, OSHA issued The Hazard Communication Standard. This standard helps protect your right to work in a safe and healthful environment. It requires you to not only be informed about hazardous chemicals in your workplace, but also to be trained to work safely with these materials. Each DTF is guided by BUMED instructions to develop, implement, and maintain a written hazard communication program. This includes labeling, material safety data sheets (MSDS), and employee training. We will briefly cover labeling, MSDS, and some general handling precautions.

Labeling and MSDS

Dental products considered hazardous should come from the manufacturer with a label identifying the chemicals and containing an appropriate hazard warning. You must pay attention to these warnings. The manufacturer must supply material safety data sheets (MSDS) for products that contain a hazardous chemical. An up-to-date file of these sheets must be maintained and available to all employees. You should take time to study these sheets because they contain valuable data concerning precautions and the safe handling of each product.

General Precautions for Handling Materials

If you know the general precautions for handling materials, you can easily prevent hazardous situations or accidents. Whenever you handle chemicals, follow the manufacturer's instructions. Know and use proper cleanup procedures. You must dispose of all hazardous chemicals according to the MSDS instructions and applicable local, state, and federal regulations. For your own protection, you should avoid skin contact with chemicals and minimize chemical vapor in the air whenever possible. Wear protective eyewear, gloves, and a mask to protect yourself. Never leave chemical bottles open. If you do, vapors can escape into the air and chemicals can be easily spilled when bottles are left open. Do not use a flame near flammable chemicals. Eating, smoking, or drinking is prohibited in areas where chemicals are used. Eating can cause chemicals to be ingested and smoking can cause chemicals to ignite or explode.

GAS AND CHEMICAL HAZARDS

A variety of gases and chemicals are used or produced in dental facilities. It is important for you to be aware of the hazards and to take the necessary precautions.

Gases

You must label, store, and use canisters of gases, such as oxygen, nitrogen, and propane, according to published standards. The use of nitrous oxide conscious sedation requires special training and the use of personal protective equipment by personnel during the administration of the gas.

Toxic Vapors

Toxic vapors can be generated when mixing impression and denture materials. Using adhesive, solvents, acids and chemical sterilizers, mixing radiographic processing solutions, and mixing some disinfectant agents can emit toxic vapors. Besides the danger from the vapors, direct contact with many materials, such as etchant acids, radiographic solutions, endodontic materials, or bleaching agents can cause chemical burns of the skin or eyes.

Chemical Storage

Proper storage of chemicals is critical for safety. The type of container and cabinet, security, and proximity to other chemicals, materials, heat, or open flame are areas that need consideration and control.

How to Eliminate Hazards

Proper ventilation can eliminate hazards associated with most gases and chemicals. Instructions must be written for the safe use, storage, clean up, and disposal of hazardous or contaminated items. Storage rooms must be properly furnished and maintained. Personnel protective equipment, such as a mask, shields, rubber gloves, rubber or plastic aprons, eyewear and eyewash stations must be available. Next we will discuss some of the specific chemicals used in dentistry and their precautions.

Organic Chemicals

Examples of organic chemicals include alcohols, ketones, esters, solvents, and monomers, such as ^{methyl methacrylate.} When using these chemicals, you should avoid skin contact and excessive inhalation of vapors. Always work in a well-ventilated area with these types of chemicals. When not in use, keep containers tightly closed and stored on flat, sturdy surfaces. After each use, clean the outside surfaces of the containers to prevent residual material from contacting the next user.

Radiographic Chemicals

These chemicals are used to process radiographs. When handling these chemicals, always work in well-ventilated areas, and wear protective eyewear, plastic apron, and rubber gloves to avoid skin contact. When mixing the solution, minimize your exposure to the dry powder. If spills of these chemicals occur, clean them up at once. If you should come in direct contact with these chemicals, wash the chemicals off with large amounts of water and a pH-balanced soap. Store radiographic solutions and chemicals in tightly covered containers in a cool, dark place.

Acid Etchants

These solutions and gels are used for acid etch ^techniques. When using or handling these products, always wear protective eyewear and rubber gloves to avoid skin contact. Always handle acid-soaked items with forceps or gloves. If spills occur, use a commercial acid spill kit. in the event of eye or skin contact, rinse the area with large amounts of running water.

Flammable Liquids

Many items used in dentistry are flammable. Solvents such as acetone and alcohol are examples. When using flammable liquids, always have adequate ventilation, never use where sparks or flames are present, and have a fire extinguisher available. You must store flammable liquids and bulk quantities in tightly covered containers in an approved flammable storage locker.

Gypsum Products

These products, which include dental plaster and stone, are considered hazards because of their powder form and of the dust particles created when they are in use. When handling the powder form or trimming cast, use protective eyewear, a mask, and work in areas with an exhaust system. It is important to minimize your exposure to the powder during handling.