There are many different safe operating procedures for dental biomaterials. The first is when handling/mixing acrylic, it should always be done in the fume cupboard in order to prevent excessive inhalation of fumes. Wearing gloves is also essential when handling acrylic as you do not cause any harm to yourself. There is also the risk of acrylic going in your eyes in the form of flash which is very sharp and can cut you if precautions aren’t taken. When trimming, goggles and a face mask should be worn and gloves can be an option for further protection. By doing this, it helps reduce the risk of harm of inhalation of the fumes as well as the physical aspect such as cuts and injuries. Polymethylmethacrylate is the most commonly used plastic in dentistry and therefore should be WHAT ABOUT POLYMERS? CONFUSED
When
UNDERSTANDING AND INTERPRETATION OF INFORMATION PRESENTED ON MATERIAL DATA SHEETS (10)
Data material sheets are important because they contain all the manufacturers details that you require especially in case you need to track them in the future. On the data sheets themselves, there is a list of all the risks that may be involved.
COSHH – MATERIAL IDENTIFICATION AND PROCESSES (10)
COSHH is a regulation which covers a variety of different aspects as to which can be hazardous to our health and how to control them so that no harm is caused. Risk assessments on how the risks can be made in order to help prevent any damage occurring. Some example of substances which can cause harm are chemicals, any product which may contain chemicals, fumes, dusts and many more. (HSE COSHH, no date). Hazardous substances will always have some sort of hazard sign on it in order to warn you that it may be harmful to health so that you can then use your initial instincts in order to take precautions before-hand. The risk of harm should be made as low as possible for it to be marked as reasonably acceptable within a dental practice.
CORRECT SELECTION AND USE OF PPE WHEN CARRYING OUT TECHNIQUES USING DENTAL BIOMATERIALS (20)
A biomaterial is used to contrast artificial organs, rehabilitation devices, or prostheses and replace natural body tissues. When using dental biomaterials, the correct selection and use of PPE is highly important. When trimming metallic biomaterials, it is important to wear safety goggles as well as a mask in order to be protected from any danger. Wearing gloves can be an option for further protection however, it is not necessary. (AZOM)
CORRECT USE OF EQUIPMENT AND IMPORTANCE OF MAINTENANCE (10)
Equipment should always be used in the correct way to avoid harming yourself and even prevent expensive machines from breaking down to help them last longer. Ventilation is important within every dental practice to ensure that any harmful air is going out and fresh air is coming in again. This helps to
DISPOSAL OF DENTAL BIOMATERIALS, ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES, LOCAL AUTHORITY REQUIREMENTS (10)
Disposing of dental biomaterials in the correct way is important because you want to be as eco-friendly as possible. When
REASONS FOR STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES AND EVIDENCE REQUIRED DURING AUDITS (10)
STORAGE (10)
It is essential for chemicals to be stored in the correct way to prevent any spillages, accidents or harm. Chemicals which are extremely harmful should be stored in air-tight containers and away from light in order to prevent the fumes escaping into the air. Manufacturers details on how to use and store the chemicals are usually given so it would be sensible to follow their instructions as every chemical is different. Whilst making sure that the chemicals are stored safely, it you must ensure that chemicals which may have the possibility of reacting together aren’t placed together. Although the substance may not be as harmful by itself, when reacted with another substance, it can pose a much higher health risk. This is where COSHH comes into place. Training on how to safely store hazardous substances is available so that workers are aware of the variety of different dangers each chemicals possesses.
RISK ASSESSMENTS (10)
A risk assessment is a process of evaluation of any possible risks that can occur when undertaking an activity. They are made in order to help reduce potential harm. When something is deemed to be hazardous, factors are put into place as precautions. For example, when using chemicals, the best way to reduce the hazard is to keep it away from other hazardous products, away from light and with the correct labels on them which should also be clearly shown on the bottle.