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 11-1