Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Dental nurse revision (301-311) > 302 - impact of health and safety legislation. > Flashcards

302 - impact of health and safety legislation. Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
NCLEX-PN® flashcards NCLEX-RN® flashcards
1
Q

Purpose of health & safety?

A

Set of rules and guidelines for employers to follow to protect employees and patients.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Purpose of legislation?

A

Protect public from workplace.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Health and Safety at work act

A
  • Enforced by HSE.
  • Protects staff and patients by informing of potential hazards.
  • Practice is visited by inspectors.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What should a practice with more than 5 employees have?

A

A health and safety policy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is the policy made up of?

A

A statement of intent - practices commitment to managing health and safety.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Health and Safety (sharps instruments in healthcare) regulations.

A

Responsibility of ensuring risks of sharps is assessed and measures in place to prevent sharps injury.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What happens when there is a sharps injury?

A

Record in accident book.
Investigate so doesn’t happen again.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What measures should individual with sharps injury take?

A
  • Hold wound under running water
  • Dry wound with waterproof plaster/dressing.
  • If necessary go to occupational health.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

what does COSHH stand for?

A

Control of substances hazardous to health.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What do COSHH do?

A

Require employers to control substances that are hazardous to health.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

How do employers control substances?

A

Find out the health hazards and prevent harm to health.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What substances used in dentistry are seen as hazardous?

A
  • Acid etchant, burns when in contact with skin - hold aspirator close.
  • Amalgam - wear correct PPE, dispose in amaglam tub.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Purpose of current ionising radiations regulations.

A

Ensure radiation is used safely to protect patients from risk of harm during exposure.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Current ionising radiation (medical exposure) regulations.

A
  • Prevent exposure to radiation - step out of room.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

what is the minimum safety distance.

A

2 meters.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Dental practice radiation responsibilities

A
  • minimise exposure for only necessary.
  • justify use of exposure, benefit outweighs risks.
  • optimise diagnostic doses, keep as low as possible.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What must local rules contain?

A
  • Designated area for x-ray
  • Instructions how to safely work with x-ray.
  • Dose investigation level stated.
  • Radiation protection supervisor stated.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Current Regulations in Reporting of Injuries, Diseases, Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR).

A

Involves reporting injuries, disease and dangerous occurrences in workplace.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

When should you report to HSE.

A

If it causes more than 7 days absence fro work.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What is ergonomics?

A

Study of working conditions and how we adapt them to support workers.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Examples of ergonomics?

A
  • Stair lift
  • Adjustable seating
  • Chair with backrest to follow spine curvature.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

what are the steps of a risk assessment?

A
  • identify the hazard
    -identify who may be harmed
    -evaluate the risk
    -control the risk
    -record the risk assessment findings
    -review the assessment process
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

what is the aim of a risk assessment?

A

to minimise risks identified so there is little chance they harm anyone

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

what does a COSHH written report include?

A

every potential chemical hazard found :
- hazardous ingredient
-nature of risk
-possible health effects of hazardous ingredient

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

what hazardous substances are found in a dental practice?

A

mercury exposure
acid etchant
sodium hypochlorite
nitrous oxide exposure

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

where should chemicals be stored?

A

in cupboards away from public access

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

where should mercury be stored?

A

in a cool cupboard in properly sealed containers

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

where should oxygen and nitrous oxide cylinders be stored?

A

ideally outdoors, if not then a well-ventilated fire resistant store

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

how is ventilation achieved?

A

open windows
extractor fans

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

why is adequate ventilation essential?

A

to prevent accumulation of hazardous vapours and gases

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

what is the ideal room temperature in a dental practice?

A

20c

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

what is mercury?

A

a liquid metal mixed with various metal powders to form dental amalgam

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

how can mercury enter the body?

A

inhalation: toxic vapours
absorption: through skin, nail beds and eye
ingestion: particles contaminate food and drink

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

since 2018 who has amalgam been banned to use on?

A

deciduous teeth
permanent teeth of under 15
pregnant and nursing mothers unless necessary

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

how to handle a mercury spillage?

A

use of capsulated amalgam products

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

should all mercury spillages be reported even if they are small?

A

yes - a written report should be done

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

why is it important mercury spillages are reported?

A

in the event of long term health effects, report provides evidence of correct procedures being followed

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

what to do if a small spillage occurs?

A

wear PPE
suck up small globules into aspirator
put particles into waste amalgam container

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

what to do if a large spillage occurs?

A

wear suitable PPE
open windows to ventilate
inform senior staff
use mercury spillage kit
mix powders and use on spillage
once dry, wipe contaminated paste and spillage with damp towel

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

when should the HSE be informed of a mercury spillage?

A

when the spillage is the size of a full bottle of mercury

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

what is acid etchant?

A

chemically roughen the enamel surface and ensure bonding of filling

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
42
Q

what material is etch?

A

phosphoric acid

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
43
Q

what can happen is etch contacts the skin?

A

burn soft tissues

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
44
Q

what is sodium hypochlorite (bleach)?

A

a disinfectant which plays a major role in decontamination

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
45
Q

how much solution is used to disinfect non-metallic/non-fabric surfaces

A

10,000ppm (1%) solution

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
46
Q

how much solution is used to disinfect impression?

A

10,000ppm (1%)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
47
Q

what does HTM 07-01 relate to?

A

safe management of healthcare waste

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
48
Q

why must healthcare waste be segregated appropriately?

A

-items may cause injury when handled
-items may be infectious and cause cross-infection
-chemicals may damage environment

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
49
Q

what is non-hazardous waste?

A

-offensive waste (non-contaminated PPE) - yellow bag with black stripe
-non-cytotoxic/cytostatic medicines (out of date) - yellow/blue tub with blue lid
-domestic waste (staffroom/kitchen) - black bag
-office waste - recycling

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
50
Q

what is hazardous waste?

A

-bagged clinical waste: orange sack
-sharps waste: yellow lidded container
-sharps waste uncontaminated with medicines
-sharps waste contaminated with medicines

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
51
Q

what must every practice ensure in relation to waste management?

A

-have a written healthcare waste policy
-segregate waste and store safely
-use correct storage containers
-securely fasten orange waste bags

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
52
Q

what does the Health and Safety (display screen equipment) Regulations cover?

A

protect Health and Safety of workers who use display screen equipment.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
53
Q

what should be considered in a workstation risk assessment for DSE users?

A

-Adequate workstation training for staff
-Workstation issues
-Display screen issues
-Regular breaks from workstation
-Eyesight test for staff who experience headaches/eyestrain after DSE use

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
54
Q

what does Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations cover?

A

Requires employers to provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel to ensure employees receive immediate attention if injured/ill.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
55
Q

where must the first aid kit be located?

A

in an easy access sign posted location

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
56
Q

first aid principle for severe bleeding?

A

restrict the blood flow to wound and encourage clotting to reduce blood loss

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
57
Q

what does arterial bleeding do and what colour is it?

A

-it spurts rhythmically and is cherry red

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
58
Q

what does venous bleeding do and what colour is it?

A

-it gushes quickly and is dark red/purple

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
59
Q

what does capially bleeding do and what colour is it?

A
  • it oozes and is dark red
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
60
Q

what is required treatment for severe bleeding?

A
  • raise the injured part above heart and apply direct pressure to wound for up to 15 minutes
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
61
Q

what is a burn?

A

injury caused by dry heat, corrosive chemicals or irridation

62
Q

what is a scald?

A

a wet burn caused by steam or hot liquids

63
Q

what is the first aid principle for burns and scalds?

A

prevent infection of underlying tissues and prevent clinical shock developing due to loss of blood serum

64
Q

what is the required treatment for burns and scalds?

A

to remove patient from source of danger and reassure if they are conscious

65
Q

what to do with injured part of body from a burn/scald?

A

place under cold water for minimum of 10 minutes to reduce blistering

66
Q

what is the first aid principle for poisoning?

A

to limit the exposure of the casualty to poison and maintain life if necessary

67
Q

what is the required treatment for poisoning?

A

to remove the casualty from the source of poison without endangering other lives.

68
Q

what do you provide when vapours are the cause of poisoning?

A

good ventilation

69
Q

what is electrocution?

A

an electrical current passing through the body

70
Q

what is the first aid principle for electrocutions?

A

to remove the casualty from the electrical source and maintain life

71
Q

what is required treatment after electrocution?

A

to isolate the electrical supply if safe to do so

72
Q

until electrical supply is isolated can you touch the casualty?

A

no

73
Q

what is a fracture?

A

break of a bone, either contained within surrounding soft tissues or puncturing through them

74
Q

what is the first aid principle for fractures?

A

to prevent further tissue damage by restricting movement of casualty

75
Q

what is the required treatment for fractures?

A

not move any injured part of body and to cover open skin wounds

76
Q

what is manual handling?

A

actions which involve hands-on moving or lifting of items without support of lifting equipment

77
Q

what must be considered when deciding if manual handling task is hazardous or not?

A
  • weight/size of object being moved
    -likelihood of staff having to reach,bend or twist
    -frequency of manual handling task
78
Q

what to consider with a heavier load?

A

-split load to make it lighter
-ask other staff to help lift and move it

79
Q

what is likely to cause injury when manual handling?

A

twisting and bending while lifting and moving a load

80
Q

what training should staff have for manual handling?

A

correct handling technique in moving and lifting objects

81
Q

what types of equipment does the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations relevant to?

A

Autoclaves and air receivers (compressors)

82
Q

what do autoclaves do?

A

sterilise hand instruments and items used on patients so they are safe to reuse

83
Q

what to air receivers do?

A

compress atmospheric air used to drive dental handpieces and suction units

84
Q

what hazards are associated with working autoclaves?

A

-high temperatures produce steam = scalds
-high pressures may blow open unsecured door causing injury to someone near

85
Q

how must autoclaves and large air receivers comply with regulations?

A
  • before initial use, ‘competent person’ must draw up written scheme of examiantion
    -written records of examination kept
86
Q

how often must autoclaves be inspected?

A

every 14 months

87
Q

how often must large air receivers be inspected?

A

every 2-4 years

88
Q

what must periodic examination and inspection of pressure vessels include?

A
  • servicing
    -performance testing
    -maintenance
    -safety examination
89
Q

What does the Regulatory Reform (fire safety) Order 2005 relate to?

A

The employer/owner of premises is responsible person - reduce risk from fire

90
Q

what does a fire risk assessment consider?

A

-identify fire hazards on premises
-identify who may be harmed
-evaluate the risk of a fire occurring
-control the risk by taking precautions
-record risk assessment findings
-review risk assessment periodically

91
Q

what does a fire safety inspection advise?

A

-number and positioning of smoke detectors
-number and positioning of fire extinguishers
-written records of staff training in use of fire extinguishers
-types of fire extinguishers to be provided (minimum 2)

92
Q

what is a manual system for fire warning?

A

small open plan workplace
unlikely for fire to break out
basic smoke alarm
whistle/klaxon horn raise alarm

93
Q

what is an electrical system for fire warning?

A

larger workplaces - several storeys
whistle/horn unlikely to be heard
activated manually by breaking glass

94
Q

what is an automatic system for fire warning?

A

for larger premises (clinic/hospital)
require expert design and installation

95
Q

how many employees does a workplace need for an emergency fire plan?

A

5 or more

96
Q

what should every emergency fire plan include?

A

actions staff taken in event of fire
warning system used e.g. klaxon/whistle
contacting fire service: dial 999 ask ‘fire’
evacuation procedures
started assembly point and attendance check
key escape route
location of fire equipment
responsibilities of nominated staff
record of regular staff training

97
Q

what is a class A fire caused by?

A

ignition of carbon-containing items: paper/wood/textiles

98
Q

what is a class B fire caused by?

A

flammable liquids: oils/solvents/petrol

99
Q

what is a class C fire caused by?

A

flammable gases: domestic gases/butane/liquefied petroleum gas

100
Q

what is a class D fire caused by?

A

reactive metals that oxidise in air: sodium/magnesium

101
Q

what is a class F fire caused by?

A

liquid fats: used in kitchens/restaurants

102
Q

what is a red (water) extinguisher used for?

A

all except electrical fires

103
Q

what is a black (carbon dioxide) extinguisher used for?

A

all fires

104
Q

what is a blue (dry powder) extinguisher used for?

A

all fires

105
Q

how often must extinguishers be inspected and certificated?

A

annually by competent person

106
Q

where should extinguishers be located?

A

in easy reach, along escape route ideally
in conspicuous position - not hidden
on wall mounting signposted
in similar position on each level of premises

107
Q

what must escape routes be free from?

A

obstructions to allow immediate evacuation

108
Q

where must fire exits lead to?

A

directly to place of safety

109
Q

how must fire exits be marked?

A

clearly with green sign with pictogram of running man

110
Q

how is emergency lighting activated?

A

automatically when fire alarm starts

111
Q

what direction do emergency doors open?

A

direction of escape, shouldn’t operate electrically

112
Q

what doors shouldn’t be used as fire exits?

A

sliding or revolving doors

113
Q

where should ‘no smoking’ signs be located?

A

at each entrance

114
Q

what does RIDDOR stand for?

A

Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013

115
Q

what does RIDDOR require employers to notify HSE?

A

major accidents and dangerous occurrences that happened on premises

116
Q

how long must an accident that causes absence last to report to HSE?

A

more than 7 days absence from work

117
Q

what are the 2 categories that accidents fall under in workplace?

A

minor accident and major accident

118
Q

what is a minor accident?

A

result in no serious injury to person or premises
dealt with in house

119
Q

should a written record be made when a minor accident occurs?

A

Yes in the accident book

120
Q

what is an example of a minor accident?

A

trip or fall - no serious injury
clean needlestick injury
minor mercury spillage

121
Q

what is a major accident?

A

results in serious injury or death to a person or severe damage to premises

122
Q

what are major accidents classed as?

A

significant events

123
Q

who should major accidents be reported to?

A

the HSE

124
Q

what injuries MUST be reported?

A

death of any person
fracture of skull, spine or pelvis
fracture of long bone of arm or leg
amputation of hand or foot
serious burns of more than 10% of body
injury requiring 24 hour hospital trt admission

125
Q

what occupational disease must be reported when it is likely to have been caused or worsened by persons usual work?

A

carpal tunnel syndrome
severe cramp of hand or forearm
occupational dermatitis
hand-arm vibration syndrome
occupational asthma
inflammation of tendons or sheath
any occupational cancer
disease caused by occupational exposure to biological agent

126
Q

what diseases must be reported to RIDDOR that cause acute ill-health by infection with dangerous pathogen?

A

legionella
hepatitis B or C infection
HIV

127
Q

what is a dangerous occurrence?

A

significant event that could result in serious injury or death to anyone on premises

128
Q

what dangerous occurrences must be reported?

A

explosion, collapse or burst of pressure vessel
electrical short circuit or overload causing more than 24 hour stoppage
explosion of fire due to gases/inflammable products causing more than 24 hour stoppage
uncontrolled release or escape of mercury vapour due to spillage

129
Q

how often should PAT testing be done?

A

every 1-3 years

130
Q

what does the Water Supply (water fittings) Regulations 1999 relate to?

A

mains water supply provided to dental workplace must be protected by back-siphonage, where contaminated water is drawn back

131
Q

how is backflow of water prevented?

A

presence of air gap between point where main water exits tap/connecter and point where it enters dental water unit line

132
Q

what dental equipment is affected by these regulations?

A

dental spittoon
delivery system: bracket table with handpieces
wet-line suction equipment
washer-disinfector machines
automatic radiograph processors

133
Q

how do workplaces abide by HSE to prevent legionella infection?

A

assess risks of legionella contamination in workplace
prepare written course of action for preventing/controlling the risk
use competent services to help in applying health & safety requirements

134
Q

between what water temperatures may legionella increase?

A

if water lies above 20 degrees to below 45 degrees

135
Q

how do you know if a solution is effective?

A

if the colour range is 80ppm or above

136
Q

how often should DUWLs be flushed through before the first patient?

A

2 minutes

137
Q

how often should DUWLs be flushed through between each patient?

A

20-30 seconds

138
Q

why should DUWLs be flushed often?

A

help reduce build-up of biofilm in lines

139
Q

what are occupational hazards?

A

those that a staff member may encounter during normal working day due to nature of their work while in workplace

140
Q

examples of occupational hazards in the dental workplace?

A

exposure to ionising radiation
cross-infection and inoculation injuries
exposure to hazardous chemicals:
-mercury
-acid etchant
-sodium hypochlorite
-nitrous oxide
exposure to hazardous waste
exposure to lasers/curing lamps and teeth whitening
use of display screen equipment (DSE)

141
Q

how can lasers cause harm in the dental workplace?

A

generate intense narrow beam of light or other electromagnetic radiation use to cut hard or soft tissue

142
Q

what danger do lasers pose?

A

damage to the eyes if viewed directly
burn other tissues if beam is too intense

143
Q

how can curing lamps and teeth whitening lamps cause harm in the dental workplace?

A

use blue halogen bulbs as their electromagnetic radiation light source

144
Q

what danger can curing lamps pose?

A

damage to the retina if viewed without orange-tinted shield/safety glasses

145
Q

what are general safety measures?

A

relate to any workplace where staff are employed to provide service to public

146
Q

what are the general safety measures to prevent injury?

A

safe entry which is adequately lit with no obstructions
non-slip floor coverings
no dust traps in decor of surgical areas
no sharp edges on furniture or fittings
guards around fires and heaters to prevent burns
no trialing electrical cables

147
Q

what are general security measures?

A

locking the premises during times where we are low in staff to not be left vulnerable and open to attack

148
Q

how is security maintained during the day in the dental workplace?

A

ensuring premises is only accessed by those who have right of entry

149
Q

what methods can be used to achieve security during the day?

A

locked entry point with speaker phone
fire exits which can only be opened from inside
entry way that has to pass through reception
panic button

150
Q

how is security maintained out of hours?

A

adequate alarm system in place
only senior staff given alarm code
key holders kept to minimum
loss of key must be reported immediately to employer
ensure all monies are banked daily
all windows have locks on them

Dental nurse revision (301-311) (11 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions