Equipment maintenance Flashcards
Failure
mandatory checks should be made such as relevant switches are on, water is topped up and aspiration is unblocked. - if the checks are correctly functioning then this should be immediately reported to a senior colleague and the electrical supply should be disconnected in the meantime. Furthermore, a ‘DO NOT USE’ sign must be put in place to clearly indicate the piece of equipment has failed to other members of staff until it has been attended to by an engineer.
Servicing
is advised that servicing and maintenance records are kept to determine timescales of faulty operation and if this has occurred before within the piece of equipment. As if a patient has been harmed, failure to obtain required records may put the practice at risk of prosecution by the Health and Safety Executive and misconduct by the General Dental Council.
Aspiration equipment
The suction strength should be tested by placing a hand over the aspirator. Poor suction indicates a blocked pipe and this may need clearing before use or the electrical motor may overheat. the reservoir may need emptying+ cleaning before use as this is maintained daily.the aspiration is rinsed through with an alpron solution daily after each clinical session which is to ensure a clear unit for the next day.
Records
Accurate records are essential to ensure patients receive necessary, safe and appropriate treatment. All records should ensure that all maintenance, inspection and testing activities are kept up to date and properly stored in the appropriate work place log book. records should be kept for at least 5 years as external companies such as CQC can ask to inspect these types of records
Dental chair
Chair is effectively moving up, down, forward and back
Hand pieces
Connected correctly to air supply on bracket table and checking air and water supply by running water lines for 30-60 seconds.
Ultrasonic scaler
Connected correctly to air supply on bracket table and checking air and water supply by running water lines for 30-60 seconds.
Xray machine
Should be switched on so illuminated settings are lit and isolator switch is activated. The machine is then switched off
Xray processor
Fluid levels to be checked and filled if necessary, tank drain plugs to be tightened, check temperature light.
Any unexpected noises or smells
Auto clave
Check if filled with purified water, record first sterilisation cycle (TST) strip. record temperature, pressure and time interval for a full cycle. These details must be kept and recorded as written records in a dated log book within the work place.Door seal + safety devices used to prevent the hazard of an autoclave door opening during a cycle must be visually checked on a weekly basis by designated staff to do that check.
washer disinfector
Check if filled with purified water, and detergent. Manual check of its functioning.
ultrasonic bath
Filled with solution, able to place lid and vibratory action of the bath must be checked by switching timer on briefly.
