Handpiece Safety Flashcards
What are the 6 tests for handpiece use?
SAFETY
1 - Backcap doesn’t rotate anti-clockwise
2 - Bur resists pulling force after placement in chuck
3 - Handpiece fitted to coupling resisting applied tension
FIT FOR USE
4 - Bur rotates freely in device
5 - Bur does not move laterally
6 - When operated, handpiece has consistent sound, no lateral movement of bur
How fast does the bur spin in a handpiece?
250,000 to 400,000 rpm
What does MHRA guidance state?
Device user is responsible for its safe use
Who is responsible for handpiece safety?
Only device user at chairside
What does the visual inspection include?
Expiry fate on sterilisation pouch
Obvious faults (dents in device head, damaged surface of optical rod)
What should you do if you find a fault in a handpiece?
Inform the dental nurse who will complete a dental handpiece fault report
Why should you bother informing a nurse?
Better safe than sorry
Repairs done in-house
Why settle for a sub-optimal device
How can a loose backcap be recognised?
There is a slight gap
How many devices typically need repairing each year?
200-300
How many devices are found to have a loose back-cap?
2%
What is the normal maximum rotation of a “slow-speed” (latch grip) handpiece?
20,000rpm
What is the normal maximum rotation of a (high speed) air turbine?
400,000
