Hazardous Chemicals and Waste Management in Dental Office

50 practice flashcards covering hazardous chemicals, exposure, PPE, spills, and waste management in dental settings.

What defines a hazardous chemical?

Any chemical that can cause a physical or health hazard (ignite, react/explode, be corrosive, or toxic).

What are the three primary exposure routes to chemicals?

Inhalation, skin contact, and ingestion.

What is a corrosive chemical?

A chemical that can destroy skin tissue.

What distinguishes acute chemical toxicity?

High level of exposure over a short period, causing an immediate reaction.

What distinguishes chronic chemical toxicity?

Many repeated exposures at lower levels over a longer period, with different symptoms.

Name some acute toxicity symptoms.

Dizziness, fainting, headache, nausea, vomiting.

Name some chronic toxicity symptoms.

Liver disease, brain disorders, cancer, infertility.

Why should regular examination gloves be avoided with chemicals?

They degrade quickly and can allow chemical to reach the skin.

What gloves should be used when working with dental chemicals?

Utility gloves.

What eye protection is recommended when handling chemicals?

Snug-fitting goggles for large chemical exposures; safety glasses if goggles are not used.

What protective clothing options are mentioned for chemical handling?

A lab jacket and neoprene or rubber aprons.

What does the SDS indicate about protective clothing?

It tells which protective clothing is ideal for a specific chemical.

What mask characteristics are recommended for inhalation protection with chemicals?

Fluid-resistant or fluid-repellent and provides respiratory protection.

What does the PPE recap require for chemical handling?

Protective clothing per SDS, a fluid-repellent mask, safety glasses or snug goggles, and utility gloves.

What is the purpose of planning for chemical spills?

To ensure safety and prevent hazards from spills.

What is the primary spill hazard in a dental office?

Mercury spills from amalgam.

What is a mercury spill kit used for?

Cleaning up mercury spills and preventing hazards to the dental team.

What safety device is required where chemicals are used?

An eye wash unit.

How should eye wash stations be maintained?

Flushed weekly for three minutes and inspected every three months.

Which areas require good ventilation when using chemicals?

Operatories, sterilization area, and any darkroom if used.

Where should dental chemicals be stored?

In a dry, cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and excessive heat; follow manufacturer’s instructions.

What should you do with expired chemicals?

Dispose of them appropriately and rotate inventory; never use expired.

Why should you not fill an empty container with a different chemical?

Because certain chemicals react poorly together (e.g., bleach and ammonia).

What should you do with empty containers according to SDS?

Follow the SDS guidance for disposal of empty containers.

How does the EPA categorize dental waste?

As regulated vs non-regulated; hazardous waste is ignitable, corrosive, reactive, toxic, or EPA-listed.

What is general waste in a dental office?

Non-regulated waste discarded in regular covered containers.

What defines contaminated waste?

Waste that has come in contact with blood or bodily fluids.

What is infectious waste?

Contaminated waste capable of transmitting an infectious disease.

Can contaminated waste that is not infectious go in general trash?

Yes, if it is not infectious.

Where should infectious or regulated waste be placed?

In containers labeled with the universal biohazard symbol.

What are sharps containers used for?

Needles, blades, and anesthetic carpules; they are closeable, leak-proof, and puncture-resistant.

Where should the protector sheath for needles go?

In general waste.

What regulates hazardous waste while it is in the office vs after it leaves the office?

OSHA regulates in the office; EPA regulates after it leaves.

What determines disposal methods for infectious material?

The amount of infectious material.

What is a hazard communication program?

OSHA’s hazard communication standard (employee right to know) to inform employees about chemical identities and hazards.

What should employees understand under hazard communication?

Chemical symbols, hazard classification, labeling, and SDS information.

What is the SDS, in brief?

A 16-section document with health/safety info, properties, hazards, exposure routes, handling, first aid, spill control.

Where should SDSs be stored?

In a binder accessible to all employees.

What labeling requirements exist for chemical containers?

Containers must be labeled with required information; transferred containers must be labeled.

What does the NFPA diamond show?

Four colored diamonds with numeric ratings: blue health, red flammability, yellow reactivity, white special hazards.

Which items are exempt from NFPA labeling?

Tobacco, wood products, food, drugs, and cosmetics.

What regulations govern disposal of waste?

Federal, local, or state environmental regulations.

How should sharps be disposed after use?

In closeable, leak-proof, puncture-resistant containers.

What dictates disposal frequency for waste?

State regulations.

How should pharmaceutical waste be managed?

In a leak-proof container collected by a medical waste company.

Where should scrap amalgam be collected?

In a designated dry airtight container.

How should photochemical waste be handled?

According to regulations governing such waste.

What should be done with lead foil from traditional radiography?

Recycle it appropriately.

Can glutaraldehyde disinfectants be dumped down the drain?

Only if permitted by local authorities.

How should non-hazardous waste be managed?

Normally; recyclable materials should be recycled whenever possible.