Podcast
Questions and Answers
What are the three primary methods of chemical exposure?
What are the three primary methods of chemical exposure?
What distinguishes acute chemical toxicity from chronic toxicity?
What distinguishes acute chemical toxicity from chronic toxicity?
What is the best practice for protecting your hands from chemicals?
What is the best practice for protecting your hands from chemicals?
Which personal protective equipment should be worn when handling toxic chemicals?
Which personal protective equipment should be worn when handling toxic chemicals?
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What is a necessary precaution when working with mercury?
What is a necessary precaution when working with mercury?
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What does OSHA require regarding eyewash units?
What does OSHA require regarding eyewash units?
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Which characteristic does NOT classify a chemical as hazardous?
Which characteristic does NOT classify a chemical as hazardous?
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Which guideline helps minimize chemical hazards in a dental office?
Which guideline helps minimize chemical hazards in a dental office?
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What type of waste includes patient bibs and gauze?
What type of waste includes patient bibs and gauze?
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What could be the effects of exposure to radiographic processing solutions in a poorly ventilated area?
What could be the effects of exposure to radiographic processing solutions in a poorly ventilated area?
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How should chemicals generally be stored?
How should chemicals generally be stored?
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What document contains health and safety information about chemicals in the workplace?
What document contains health and safety information about chemicals in the workplace?
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Which color in the National Fire Protection Association labeling system signifies a health hazard?
Which color in the National Fire Protection Association labeling system signifies a health hazard?
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What is another term for infectious waste?
What is another term for infectious waste?
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What type of waste are extracted teeth classified as?
What type of waste are extracted teeth classified as?
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What must a secondary container for chemicals include?
What must a secondary container for chemicals include?
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Why is radiographic fixer considered hazardous waste?
Why is radiographic fixer considered hazardous waste?
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How should scrap amalgam be stored?
How should scrap amalgam be stored?
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Why is it important to check the Safety Data Sheet for disinfectants?
Why is it important to check the Safety Data Sheet for disinfectants?
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What symbol must a sharps container be labeled with?
What symbol must a sharps container be labeled with?
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Study Notes
Chemical Exposure & Safety
- Inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact are the three primary methods of chemical exposure.
- Acute chemical toxicity results from high levels of exposure over a short period.
- Chronic chemical toxicity results from repeated exposures, often to lower levels, over a longer period.
- Wear utility gloves made of chemical-resistant materials like natural rubber, neoprene, or industrial-grade nitrile to protect hands from chemicals.
- Wear gloves, goggles, aprons, and masks when handling toxic chemicals.
- OSHA requires an eyewash unit in areas where chemicals are used.
- Store chemicals in a dry, cool, and dark place.
- Empty containers can be hazardous due to residue that can burn or explode.
Hazardous Waste
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Contaminated waste is waste that has been in contact with blood or body fluids.
- Examples: patient bibs and gauze
- General waste includes items like paper towels, mixing pads, and empty food containers.
- Infectious waste (also known as regulated waste) must be labeled with the universal biohazard symbol.
- Extracted teeth are considered regulated waste.
Handling Chemicals in the Dental Office
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Minimize chemical hazards by:
- Keeping a minimum of hazardous chemicals in the office.
- Reading labels and following directions.
- Keeping containers tightly covered.
- Avoiding mixing chemicals.
- Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Washing hands after removing gloves.
- Maintaining good ventilation.
- Refraining from eating or drinking while working with chemicals.
- Keeping chemicals away from heat sources.
- Using proper cleanup procedures.
- Keeping neutralizing agents on hand.
- Disposing of chemicals properly.
- Exposure to radiographic processing solutions in a poorly ventilated area may cause respiratory problems, dermatitis, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.
Chemical Storage and Labeling
- OSHA Hazard Communication Standard requires employers to inform employees about the identity and hazards of chemicals in the workplace.
- Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) provide health and safety information about each chemical in the office.
- A secondary container is a container that a chemical has been transferred to. It must be labeled with hazard statement, precautionary statement, and product identifier.
- A pictogram is a graphic element that identifies the hazard class and category on a hazard label.
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National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) labeling system:
- Blue: Health hazard
- Red: Flammability
- Yellow: Reactivity
- White: Special hazards symbols
Waste Management
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Sharps containers:
- Closable, leakproof, and puncture-resistant.
- Labeled with the biohazard symbol and color coded for identification.
- Scrap amalgam must be stored in a designated dry, airtight container. If recycled, it must be labeled with the dental office's information and the date collection began.
- Radiographic fixer is considered hazardous waste due to its high silver content.
- Flash point information can be found on the Safety Data Sheet.
Pictograms
- Pictograms are used to identify hazard classes and categories on hazard labels.
National Fire Protection Association Labeling System
- Blue indicates health hazard
- Red indicates flammability
- Yellow indicates reactivity
- White indicates special hazard symbols
Sharps Containers
- Must be closable, leakproof, and puncture-resistant
- Must be labeled with the biohazard symbol
- Must be color coded for identification
Scrap Amalgam Storage
- Store in a designated dry, airtight container
- Containers for recyclable amalgam must be labeled with the dental office’s name, address, and phone number
- Must indicate the date the collection started
Radiographic Fixer
- Considered hazardous waste due to its high silver content
Disinfectant Flash Point
- The flash point of a disinfectant can be found on its Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
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Description
This quiz covers essential information on chemical exposure methods, safety precautions, and hazardous waste management. Topics include acute and chronic chemical toxicity, protective equipment, and proper chemical storage practices. Test your knowledge on OSHA regulations and waste disposal guidelines.
