LDSO/RDSO Flyer - May-June 2021 - 11

OSHA Inspections
Have Increased: Be Prepared
With COVID-Related OSHA inspections on the Rise,
it's More Important Than Ever That We Be In Compliance
Karson L. Carpenter, D.D.S.
During the COVID-19 pandemic period, OSHA
inspections have increased. OSHA's primary
concern is the safety of your dental team,
which would include all assistants, hygienists,
doctors and business office staff. Compliance
with OSHA regulations makes the workplace
safer for everyone, and this should be
emphasized when you discuss with your staff
the need for training specific to prevention of
COVID-19, as well as annual required training.
Assign Responsibility
To begin your compliance efforts, choose
someone to be your Safety Compliance
Coordinator (SCC). A trusted and organized
dental assistant, hygienist or officer manager is
suggested. The SCC should review and implement
one step at a time, using the following outline.
Hazard Communication Standard
The Hazard Communication Standard deals
with hazardous chemicals in the workplace. In
dentistry, these include disinfectants, restorative
materials, acids, cleaners, impression materials,
etc. The Standard requires a written chemical
safety plan, material safety data sheets for each
hazardous chemical/product, labeling of these
potentially hazardous products and training of
employees who are exposed to them.
Bloodborne Disease Pathogens Standard
Requirements include having a written Exposure
Control Plan, providing the Hepatitis B
immunization at no cost to exposed employees,
and making available personal protective
equipment (mask, gloves, safety eyewear,
long-sleeved protective clothing). In addition,
employees must have inter-departmental
meetings at least annually to consider safer
medical devices. Employees must understand
the modes of transmission for bloodborne
diseases such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and
HIV. They must also know what to do in the event
of a needle stick or other exposure incident and
have access to proper follow-up medical care.
COVID-19
Both the CDC and OSHA have outlined
requirements and best practices for preventing
the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Training
requirements, copies of the new guidance and
a COVID specific training program are available,
at no charge, at compliancetrainingpartners.
com. Simply click on the " COVID-19 Learn
More " button.
21GP2511

Electrical Safety

Medical and First Aid

Dental facilities make considerable use of
electrical devices including autoclaves,
instrument washers, ultrasonic cleaners,
model trimmers, lathes and curing lights. It is
important that no extension cords be used, that
plugs and cords are checked for wear/ intact
insulation and that plugs match their outlets
(e.g., three-pronged). In addition, cords should
not be twisted around each other, but should
run in parallel.

The requirements include having medical
personnel available to provide emergency
care if needed or to have an employee(s)
trained in first aid available during working
hours. A first aid kit should be available for
self-aid, as well as a CPR Microshield to use
when performing resuscitation. Remember
to have emergency numbers posted on
the phone and to have an eyewash station
installed for flushing of the eyes.

Ionizing Radiation

Fire Safety

OSHA regulations require an employer to
evaluate their facility for any potential radiation
hazard and provide employees with the
appropriate training and monitoring equipment.
While some states require the wearing of
radiation badges by dental workers, others do
not. It is recommended though, that workers
who take radiographs wear monitoring badges.

OSHA requires fire safety training. This training
must include reviewing a list of all flammables
in the workplace and their possible ignition
sources. Employees must also know what
their responsibilities are in the event of fire
and the location of a safe meeting place after
evacuation.
Recordkeeping

Means of Egress
There must be at least two ways of getting in
and out of every building. Exits must have no
locks or fastening devices that may prevent
free escape and must be clearly visible and
conspicuously with illuminated or glow-in-thedark signs. In the event of power failure, reliable
emergency lighting must also be available for all
exits and signs.

Requirements include employee medical
records, records of training and environmental
monitoring records (results of nitrous oxide and
radiation testing).
Protection and Peace of Mind
Achieving compliance with OSHA regulations
not only protects your employees but mitigates
the risk you have as a business owner.

Walking and Working Surfaces
This regulation requires all rooms and
passageways to be kept clean, orderly and
sanitary. All aisles and hallways must be kept
free of debris/clutter and floors must be kept
clean and dry. Additionally, stairways must have
railings/guardrails and any ladders used must
be OSHA approved.
Ventilation
Ventilation in the dental office is very important,
as a variety of potentially hazardous substances
can become airborne and cause illness or
injury. One of the best recommendations is
to put the heating/cooling system fan in the
" on " position during working hours to allow
for adequate turnover of air in the office. In
addition, encourage the use of high-volume
evacuation during restorative procedures or any
other procedures involving rotary instruments. If
working with monomers or other volatile liquids
in the lab, use the vent fan or hood. For those
offices that use nitrous oxide, remember to
use your scavenger system and test for nitrous
levels in the air on a quarterly basis.
henryscheindental.com

Karson L. Carpenter D.D.S
is a practicing dentist and
serves as president of
Compliance Training Partners,
a company dedicated to
compliance issues in the
dental office.
As part of Henry Schein Practice Services,
Henry Schein Dental can assist you with
compliance issues including OSHA, HIPAA, and
infection control. Contact your Henry Schein
Sales Representative today and ask about
ready-to-go compliance programs as well as
in-office and online training programs.

http://www.henryscheindental.com

LDSO/RDSO Flyer - May-June 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of LDSO/RDSO Flyer - May-June 2021