Download the OSHA manual - Wisconsin Dental Association

ENGINEERING AND WORK PRACTICE CONTROLS CONTINUEDIn this Dental Office/Practice/Facility:F. OTHER CONTAMINATED DISPOSABLE SHARPSContaminated disposable sharps such as scalpel blades, suture needles, broken instruments,broken glass, orthodontic wires and anesthetic carpules (which may cause injury and thereforeexposure to blood if broken) are handled as follows: Broken carpules (scalpel blades, suture needles, broken instruments, broken glass, orthodonticwires and anesthetic carpules) are picked up with forceps or brush and pan and placed immediatelyin the sharps container. Other:(Please specify)G. REUSABLE SHARPSMany reusable dental instruments and appliances used in dentistry are sharp and, if handledimproperly, can cause injury and exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials.To avoid potential injury when handling these instruments and appliances these proceduresare followed: During treatment that requires the use of reusable sharps (e.g., explorers, excavators, endonditcinstruments), instruments are passed to the assistant/operator in a firm and deliberate manner. Work surfaces are organized to minimize accidental injury with sharps. Sharp instruments are within the full vision of the individual who is reaching for them. After patient treatment and during clean-up, contaminated instruments are always handled withheavy-duty gloves. Instruments are removed from the ultrasonic cleaner by lifting them from the basket. Other:(Please specify)OSHA EXPOSURE CONTROL PLAN…a member benefit from the WDA 13