Modern Dental Assisting Chapter 23

What color is health hazard labeled on NFPA?

Blue

What color is special hazard labeled on NFPA?

White

What color is flammability labeled on the NFPA?

Red

What color is reactivity labeled on NFPA?

yellow

What is the numerical value hazards can be labeled with on NFPA?

0-4

How do we dispose of glutaraldehyde?

Neutralize it THEN pour down the sink

SDS label 1

Identification

SDS label 2

Hazard(s) Identification

SDS label 3

Composition / Information on Ingredients

SDS label 4

First-Aid Measures

SDS label 5

Fire-Fighting Measures

SDS label 6

Accidental Release Measures

SDS label 7

Handling and Storage

SDS label 8

Exposure Controls / Personal Protection

SDS label 9

Physical and Chemical Properties

SDS label 10

Stability and Reactivity

SDS label 11

Toxicological Information

SDS label 12

Ecological Information

SDS label 13

Disposal Considerations

SDS label 14

Transport Information

SDS label 15

Regulatory Information

SDS label 16

Other information

Flame – for fire hazards

Flame over circle – for oxidizing hazards

skull and crossbones – can cause death or toxicity with acute exposure

Environment – may cause damage to the aquatic environment

Exploding bomb – explosion or reactivity hazards

Corrosion – for corrosive damage to metal, skin, eyes

exclamation mark– May cause less serious health effects (irritant)

gas cylinder – for gases under pressure

Health hazard-May cause or suspected of causing serious health effects

What is it important for dental assistants to understand in terms of chemicals?

Proper use, storage, handling, cleanup of spills, and disposable methods

What things lead to a chemical being considered hazardous?

If it can ignite, react/explode when mixed, corrosive, or toxic

What are the three primary methods of exposure?

Inhalation, skin contact, ingestion

Acute chemical toxicity

High chemical exposure for a short period of time

Chronic chemical toxicity

Lower chemical exposure over a long period of time

What must be on glasses if you want to use them?

Vinyl flanges (rims)

What must PPE be?

Non-soakable

What must masks be?

Fluid repellent and provide respiratory protection

Info about eyewash units

OSHA requires an eyewash unit, and it should be inspected every 3 months

What should ventilation be when chemicals are involved?

Good

What are some general precautions for storing chemicals?

If changes in composition occur, it may no longer be effective. Store in dry, cool, dark places.

What should you do with storing chemicals?

Follow instructions, avoid exposure to light (change in color could mean deterioration!), check expiration date, rotate inv to use old products first

What should you do with a disposable container?

Follow label and SDS for dispoal guide, it may hold residues

Who issues how we handle chemicals?

OSHA

What was the biggest change to the HCS standard in 2012?

The chemical labels

What is in the HCS (hazard communication standard)?

Written program, inventory of hazardous chemicals, SDS for every chemical, proper container labeling, employee training

What is the written program

Logs for everything in terms of chemicals (ie. who’s exposed, staff training, how are chemicals handled)

What is the primary use for an SDS?

Resource for employees in the office

When is staff training (with documentation) required?

When a new employee is hired and when a new chemical product is added (once a year). Must be kept on file and retained for atleast 5 years

Why must containers be labled?

To indicate any hazards that may be associated, same with secondary containers

What colors do the NFPA use?

Blue, red, yellow, and white

What are 3 examples of things exempt from labeling requirements?

Tobacco products, food, drugs, OTC drugs

Who classifies waste?

EPA

Three examples of regulated waste

Sharps, blood, human tissue

Three examples of nonregulated waste

Saliva soaked gauze, bibs, surface barriers

What should you do with regular teeth if used for teaching?

Heat sterilize

What if the regular teeth used for teaching has amalgam?

NEVER heat sterilize

Where/how should scrap amalgam be stored?

Cool, designated, dry, airtight container. It is hazardous waste

Radiographic fixer

You store it correctly and contact a disposable company to pick up

Radiographic developer?

Are usually high to low PH, considered hazardous waste and must be managed according to local regulations

Lead contamination

Lead foil must be recycled through a license recovery facility

How to dispose disinfectants with 2% or less glutaraldehyde

Down the drain

How to dispose disinfectants with 2% or more glutaraldehyde

Managed as hazardous waste

Is the dental assistant responsible for waste disposable?

Nope, only the dentist

Infectious waste

Capable of causing infectious disease (blood soaked items, caked blood items, liquid OPIM)

Pathologic waste

Capable of causing disease, (tooth, bone, tissue-comes from the body)

Contaminated sharps

Contaminated and pose a threat to humans (needles, blades, orthodontic wires)

Hazards

pose a threat to humans and environment (Toxic chemicals, lead foil, amalgam)

What are the components of the hazard communication program

that includes a written plan, labeling of hazardous materials, and safety data sheets (SDS) for each chemical