Tat unit 3 chapter 23

• Hazardous Chemicals


  Any chemical that can cause a physical or a health hazard
• Chemical is considered hazardous if it:


  • Can ignite (catch fire)
  • Can react or explode when mixed with other substances
  • Is corrosive
  • Is toxic
• Three primary methods of exposure:

  • Inhalation
  • Skin contact
  • Ingestion
• Acute chemical toxicity


  Results from a high level of exposure over a short period
• Chronic chemical toxicity


  Results from many repeated exposures, generally to lower levels, over a much longer time—months or even years
• Utility-type glove


  • Made from a chemical-resistant material such as natural rubber, neoprene, or industrial-grade nitrile
• Latex gloves worn during patient care do not provide adequate protection when one is handling chemicals
• Ideal goggles


  • Have soft, vinyl flanges (rims) at the top and bottom and fit the face snugly
• Proper face mask


  • Fluid repellent and should provide respiratory protection
• If your job requires you to pour or mix chemicals frequently, or if you are sensitive or allergic to substances, you might require a mist respirator mask approved by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Mercury spill kit


  Should be available in all dental offices in which amalgam is used
• Exposure to even small amounts of mercury is very hazardous to the health of dental personnel
• Mercury can be absorbed through the skin or through the inhalation of mercury vapors
• OSHA regulations require an eyewash unit in every place of employment in which chemicals are used
• Eyewash unit


  When turned on, it will irrigate the eyes with the soft, wide flow of water necessary to bathe away contaminants without causing additional damage
• Employees must be trained in the proper use of the eyewash station, and the unit should be inspected every 3 months to ensure that it is functional
• Good ventilation is a necessity when dealing with any type of chemical
• Radiographic processing chemicals can cause contact dermatitis and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory system because of vapors and fine particles of chemicals
• General precautions for storing chemicals

  Store dental medications and chemicals in a dry, cool, dark place where they are not exposed to direct sunlight
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for storage found on the SDS
• Avoid exposure to light as it is the primary cause of the deterioration of sodium hypochlorite, epinephrine, and hydrogen peroxide
• Change in color is a common sign that the chemical has deteriorated
• Check expiration date and rotate inventory to ensure older products are used first
• Empty containers may hold residues that can burn or explode
• Never fill an empty container with another substance because a dangerous chemical reaction could occur
• Follow the label and the SDS for guidance in disposing of empty containers
• Types of hazardous waste:

  • Ignitable waste
  • Corrosive waste
  • Reactive waste
  • Toxic waste
• OSHA issued the Hazard Communication Standard because employees have the right to know the identity and hazards of chemicals that they use in the workplace
• Hazard Communication Program


  Also known as the Employee Right-to-Know Law, requires employers to implement a hazard communication program
• In 2012, OSHA revised the HCS and adopted the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)
• Major changes to the Hazard Communication Standard

  • Hazard classification
  • Labels
  • Safety data sheets
• Hazard Communication Standard Pictograms

  • Health hazard
  • Flame
  • Exclamation mark
  • Gas cylinder
  • Corrosion
  • Exploding bomb
  • Flame over circle
  • Environment
  • Skull and crossbones
• Hazard Communication Standard requires a written program, inventory of hazardous chemicals, SDS for every chemical, proper labeling of containers, and employee training
• Written program


  • Identify all employees who are exposed to hazardous chemicals
  • Identify the individual who is responsible for the program
  • Describe staff training
  • Describe how chemicals are handled in the office
  • Provide a description of all labeling and safety measures
  • Describe how to respond to chemical emergencies such as spills and exposures
• When a new product containing a hazardous chemical is added to the office's inventory, it must be added to the chemical list, and the SDS for that product must be placed in the SDS file
• Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)


  • Contain health and safety information about every chemical in the office
  • Provide comprehensive technical information and are a resource for employees working with chemicals
  • Describe the physical and chemical properties of a chemical, health hazards, routes of exposure, precautions for safe handling and use, emergency and first-aid procedures, and spill-control measures
• The manufacturers of products that contain hazardous chemicals are required to provide SDSs
• Staff training is required: when a new employee is hired, when a new chemical product is added to the office, and once a year for all continuing employees
• Records of each training session must be kept on file and retained for at least 5 years
• Labeling of chemical containers

  • Containers must be labeled to indicate what chemicals they contain and any hazards that may be associated
  • When a chemical is transferred to a different container, the new container also must be labeled