Page 53 - Compendium Chapters for Course 1 (IC, DPA, OSHA)

To avoid the routes of chemical exposure from occurring:
• Hand protection – wear gloves at all times when handling chemical agents
• Inhalation protection – wear a mask whenever handling chemical agents
• Eye protection – wear goggles or chin-length face shield when handling chemicals
• Protective clothing – wearing a lab coat or disposable gown during all chemical handling will avoid potential absorption of chemicals from splash or splatter onto clothes
Eyewash Stations
OSHA requires that eyewash stations be installed in every workplace where chemicals are used. When in use, the eyewash unit will irrigate the eyes with a soft flow of water used to bathe the chemicals or irritants away from the eye.
Eyewash stations can be faucet mounted, counter mounted or wall mounted and must be inspected monthly to ensure proper function and water flow. Employees must be trained in the proper use of the eyewash station as part of the Exposure Control training.
Waste Management
OSHA regulations as well as specific State regulations address best waste management practices in California when handling waste from the dental office for employee protection. When waste leaves the office, the EPA regulations apply to the disposal of the waste for environmental protection.
The classifications of waste are:
• Regulated Waste (Hazardous) – includes sharps, contaminated broken glass, burs, blades, endo files and suture needles (see Infectious Waste); blood, blood-soaked items, human tissues and biopsies; traps and filters that contain amalgam; requires special handling and special disposal by authorized providers.
• Non-Regulated Waste – includes contaminated waste without the presence of saturated blood such as saliva-soaked gauze, used patient bibs, and contaminated PPE.
• Toxic Waste (Hazardous) – includes waste that has a poisonous effect or that may result in pollutants; glutaraldehyde solutions; X-ray system cleaning solutions.
• Infectious Waste – is specific to sharps waste and must be contained and disposed of in closable, leak-proof, puncture-resistant containers with special labeling and regulated waste management services for destruction.
• Photochemical Waste – specific to radiographic lead foil, fixer and developer; must be
Intro Page - 53
Introductory Chapter: Dental Practice Act, Infection Control and Cal-OSHA
The California RDAEF: A Compendium for Licensure Success © The Foundation for Allied Dental Education, Inc. 2016 Copyright protected. All rights reserved