decontamination/waste management Flashcards
The washer-disinfector has a robust and inclusive process consisting of numerous stages that are designed to perform specific actions on the load of instruments being processed
- In the correct order, what are the 5 core stages of the washer-disinfector cycle
(5 marks)
flush/prewash
main wash
rinse
thermal disinfection
drying
The following questions relate to a Local Decontamination Unit.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn when carrying out manual washing of used instruments. Provide THREE examples of PPE and describe what EACH ITEM is protecting you from.
(3 marks)
apron - protect your clothing and you
face shield - face and eyes
rubber gloves and heavy duty gloves - protect hands
- For each of the named stages above, describe the function/purpose of the stage
(5 marks)
flush/prewash - removes gross contamination and makes it easier to remove surface contamination
main wash - this stage is supplemented by detergent to more effectively remove biological matter
rinse - removes any remaining residue, biological or chemical before disinfection
thermal disinfection - this stage actively kills microorganisms with the use of heated water
drying - this stage uses hot air to remove any remaining moisture from the surface of the instruments
- What TWO methods are used for manual cleaning of instruments. For each of these give an example of an instrument cleaned in this way
(2 marks)
immersion to clean hand instruments
non-immersion to clean electrical instruments
- i. How often should an ultrasonic cleaner be de-gassed.
(1 mark)
ii. What is removed by de-gassing
(1 mark)
iii. Why is it important to do this?
(1 mark)
iv. Provide one good reason why dental handpieces should not be placed in the ultrasonic cleaner.
(1 mark)
I) once a day or whenever it is refilled with fresh water
ii) degassing removes trapped air and gases from cleaning solution, to allow the ultrasonic waves to penetrate more effectively and enhance the cleaning process
oxygen left in water inhibits cavitation, therefore bubbles of lower intensity
are formed meaning the ultrasonic is left effective at cleaning
iii) maximises cleaning efficiency = removing trapped air allows ultrasonic waves to fully reach and clean dental intrsuments = make sure all bubbles are same intensity
iV) intense vibrations can damage delicate components such as bearings and gears
- Why is it important to use de-mineralised water in the sterilizer?
(1 mark)
To remove suspended particles and minerals which could create a rough
surface on instruments for micro-organisms to cling to
ou are a vocational trainee at a new dental practice. Principal dentist notices
there is something lacking in the waste disposal procedures and asks you to
look into it and present your findings.
a) Create a flow chart of changing standard operating procedures (5 marks)
- Identify the problem
- Set criteria and standard
- Observe practice/data collection
- Compare performance with the set out standards
- Implement Change
b) 4 principles of waste disposal (4 marks)
- Segregation
- Storage
- Disposal
- Documentation
c) 3 laws and regulations related to that (3 marks)
Health and Safety at work Act 1974
The Controlled Waste Regulations 2012
The Hazardous Waste Directive 2011
The Carriage of Dangerous Goods Regulations
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health 2002
d) 2 designs of amalgam container (2 marks)
Leak and Spill Proof
Mercury Vapour Suppressant Lid
White body red lid drum
e) What is used to disinfect blood spill (1 mark)
f) Active ingredients and concentration (2 marks)
Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate or Sodium Hypochlorite
10,000ppm chlorine solution for 3-5 minutes
g) How to ensure changes are followed by colleagues (3 marks)
Carry out another clinical audit.
Take a day out to observe the practice disinfection protocol.
Ensure colleagues attended required CPD session (Training)
