Bloodborne Pathogens are creating quite a stir in the dental world these days. Many practices are realizing they need stronger protocols on how to contain and transport their instruments and materials; both to keep their patients protected from cross-contamination and themselves. Many practices are being proactive and utilizing a dental instrument cassette to streamline their procedure performance and to be more in line with the regulatory side of dental. Unfortunately, there is more to this standard to keep in compliance with than just a cassette.
What are the Standards?
Here they are in a nutshell:
OSHA (1910.1030(e)(2)(ii)(B):
Contaminated materials that are to be decontaminated at a site away from the work area shall be placed in a durable, leakproof, labeled or color-coded container that is closed before being removed from the work area. Read more here…
CDC:
Minimize handling of loose contaminated instruments during transport to the instrument processing area. Use work practice controls, (e.g. carry instruments in a covered container), to minimize exposure potential. Read more here…
How do you Become Compliant with OSHA & the CDC?
You need to use a leakproof and puncture proof container for your contaminated procedural items. Cassettes do offer the protection against instrument pokes but still expose everyone to the risk of Bloodborne Pathogens through leaks and spills. Zirc offers a simple solution to this which is to use a dental instrument tray and Safe-Lok® cover. This provides safe transportation that eliminates the risk of any contaminated items injuring or infecting anyone. You will have to replace your existing trays to accommodate the Safe-Lok® covers but the investment into this proper protocol will be nothing compared to the fine that you could potentially receive for not following the OSHA requirements.
Beyond the OSHA & CDC
Zirc’s trays, tubs and Safe-Lok® covers go beyond just meeting proper protocol with industry standards. The dental storage tub decreases operatory clutter by reducing inventories and the tray allows a practice to set up their procedures prior to performing for the day eliminating all pre-procedure setup time. In addition to an efficiency boost, the covers allow for counter saving stackablility and dust control keeping all items safe and secure while being stored.
Want to learn more about how you can increase your practice efficiencies and lower some of those overhead costs? Check out our dental office organization video to get a good idea on how to become an efficiency fueled and money making dental office. Want to be more convinced why color coding and material management are the way to run a practice effectively? Check out a recent case study done by one of our passionate Zirconians.
