Laboratory Safety and Infection Control Policy

Laboratory safety

Providing a variety of dental and dental hygiene services puts you at risk of potential exposure to a variety of hazards. These types of hazards include, but are not limited to, infectious materials, hazardous chemicals, and/or physical dangers that could result from day-to-day coursework or activities performed in the dental simulation laboratory. Precaution needs to be taken at all times to ensure that you, your peers, and instructors are not at risk of occupational exposure.

Safety extends beyond individual responsibility and includes protecting those around you. Procedures must be conducted in a manner that maintains a safe environment for all individuals in the area and clearly communicates any potential hazards. This includes respectfully pointing out unsafe practices you observe, such as reminding a peer to wear appropriate protective equipment. Additionally, in the event of an emergency, such as a fire or accident, you are responsible for promptly alerting nearby personnel to ensure a timely and coordinated response.

Preventing accidents is the foundation of a safe working environment. Potential hazards may include toxic substances, electrical equipment, mechanical systems, and chemical waste. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and equipment manuals serve as critical resources for identifying risks and implementing proper safety precautions.

You must be prepared to respond promptly and appropriately in an emergency. Familiarize yourself with the laboratory environment, including all exits and available safety equipment such as eyewash stations, sinks, fire blankets, fire extinguishers, and spill kits.

All incidents, injuries, or unsafe conditions must be reported immediately. A detailed statement of the situation must be provided to the OSHA Supervisor (or designated safety authority) without delay so that appropriate actions can be taken to ensure continued safety and regulatory compliance.

Rules

  • You will never be allowed to work alone in the Dental Lab. An instructor must be present in the lab at all times.
  • We require the use of either safety glasses, chemical goggles, or face shields.
  • In situations where splashing or spills may occur, protect your body with lab coats and gloves.
  • Do not work in a laboratory wearing loose hair, loose clothing, or dangling jewelry.
  • Consumption of food and beverages in laboratories where chemicals are being stored or used is not permitted.
  • Wash hands and arms before leaving the laboratory.

Chemical Safety

Chemicals must be stored, transported, and handled safely to prevent harm to individuals, equipment, and facility systems such as plumbing. Proper disposal procedures must always be followed to avoid environmental or safety hazards. All containers must be clearly labeled with their contents—including materials that may seem harmless, such as distilled water—to prevent accidental misuse or contamination.

Toxic Hazards

Toxic materials may enter the body through skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion. Appropriate precautions must be taken to prevent exposure through any of these routes when handling hazardous substances.

Personal Protective Equipment

Laboratory jackets and safety goggles must always be worn while in the simulation laboratory. Other personal protective equipment that might be required based on activities includes, but is not limited to, examination gloves and a face mask.

Simulation Lab Cabinets

Laboratory cabinets are designated storage spaces for dental materials and equipment needed to complete required assignments. Students can enter cabinets to retrieve necessary materials and equipment. Cabinets are always to be kept neat and clean.

Stations

Each station is labeled with a specific number, and all materials that belong at that station are labeled with the same number. All items used for class purposes must be returned to the specific station it was retrieved from. Students are required to keep their assigned station stocked and clean before dismissal of each assigned class time.

Ventilation

Dental laboratories are required to have proper ventilation to protect against fumes or particles that are accumulated in the air during activities. The SPC simulation laboratory has two separate ventilation machines located on both sides of the laboratory. Ventilation is obtained by turning on the switch located on the top of the ventilation box.

Operation of equipment

Vibrator

Function: to vibrate material in the mixing bowl to remove air bubbles from mixing plaster, stone, or die stone.

Practice: Place a plastic cover on the vibrator work surface to keep the vibrator free from material. Disinfect after use.

Vacuum Former

Function: used to make custom trays, mouth guards, and splints. Heats up different-sized sheets of plastic to adapt to models.

Practice: The Unit contains a heating element and a vacuum adapter. Sheets of plastic are held under the heating element by a frame and an adjustable arm. The model is placed on vacuum table. Once the material is heated, the arm is dropped, and the vacuum is turned on to suction the material tightly onto the model. Eye protection must be worn when operating the vacuum former. Be careful not to burn yourself on the heating element.

Model Trimmer

Function: to trim plaster, stone, or die stone models. Has an abrasive grinding wheel to grind excess plaster, stone, or die stone from the models. Water runs next to the grinding wheel to reduce heat, reduce the dust created by grinding, and keep the wheel clean.

Practice: Glasses and a mask must be worn while trimming models. Hair must be pulled back in a ponytail to prevent it from catching in the grinding stone. Be very cautious of hands around the grinding wheel. Make sure the water is turned on before using the model trimmer. Always use precautions.

Cleaning/Disinfecting Dental Materials

All materials that are exposed to patients must be disinfected before using the equipment in the simulation laboratory. This ensures to not cross-contaminate when using the equipment. In the instance that a material was not disinfected before use on the equipment in the laboratory, proper thorough disinfection of the equipment is required immediately following use.

Management of Emergencies in the Laboratory

Emergency Preparedness

  • All faculty, staff, and students must maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for healthcare providers, including CPR and AED use.

Immediate Actions During an Emergency

  1. Stop all activity and assess the situation immediately.
  2. Notify faculty or a supervising instructor without delay.
  3. Assess the patient’s responsiveness, airway, breathing, and circulation.
  4. Activate emergency response:
    • One individual calls 911 and provides the exact location.
    • Another retrieves the emergency kit, oxygen tank, and AED.
    • Faculty assumes leadership of the situation and directs roles.
  5. Provide care using BLS skills and emergency equipment until EMS arrives.
  1. Describe the onset of the condition and subsequent signs or symptoms to the emergency team.
  1. Assist the attending emergency team in administering required emergency treatment, as directed.

Emergency Equipment and Location

  • Emergency kit: Located in the central sterilization area.
  • Oxygen tanks and delivery masks: Stored adjacent to the emergency kit.
  • AED: Mounted on the wall near the clinic for rapid access within seconds from any operatory.
  • First aid kit and eyewash station: Located in the simulation laboratory.

Injuries in the Laboratory

Despite all preventive measures, accidents and injuries may occasionally occur in the simulation laboratory. To protect the health and safety of all individuals and ensure compliance with institutional policies, the following procedures will be followed for any injury, regardless of severity:

  1. Immediate Response
  • Stop all work immediately and notify the supervising faculty member.
  • If the injury is minor (e.g., small cut or burn), the faculty member will assist with on-site first aid using supplies from the first aid kit located in the laboratory.
  • If the injury is serious (e.g., heavy bleeding, chemical exposure to the eyes, electrical shock, or suspected fracture), call 911 and provide details of the incident.
  • For chemical splashes to the eyes or skin, immediately flush the area with water at the eyewash station or sink for at least 15 minutes while assistance is obtained.
  1. Reporting Procedures
  • The injured individual must report the incident immediately to the supervising faculty member and the Program Director or Clinic Coordinator.
  • An Injury Incident Report Form must be completed the same day the injury occurs.
  • The report should include:
    • Date, time, and location of the incident
    • Description of how the injury occurred
    • Names of witnesses (if any)
    • Actions taken and treatment provided
  1. Post-Injury Follow-Up
  • Faculty will evaluate whether additional medical care or follow-up is needed (e.g., urgent care, employee/student health, or emergency department).
  • Injuries involving potential exposure to blood or body fluids must follow the SPC Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan, including immediate evaluation for post-exposure prophylaxis if indicated.
  1. Recordkeeping
  • Completed incident reports will be kept on file by the Program Director and maintained in accordance with South Plains College policies.
  • Reports will be reviewed annually to identify potential safety concerns or trends requiring procedural updates or equipment changes.

Accident Protocol

Fire Response Plan

  • Immediately notify the nearest faculty member of the emergency.
  • Contact Campus Police/ Security right away.
  • Evacuate the area promptly and close all doors behind you to help contain the fire.
  • If clothing catches fire, use the Stop–Drop–Roll technique and/or a fire blanket located near the fire extinguisher or emergency cart.
  • Seek medical attention immediately for any burns or injuries.

Eye Injury Response Plan (Chemical Splash or Debris Entry)

  • Immediately notify the nearest faculty member of the emergency.
  • Flush the affected eye(s) with clean, running water at the eyewash station for a minimum of 15 minutes.
  • Avoid rubbing or applying pressure to the eye.
  • Seek prompt medical evaluation at an emergency care facility or follow up with a primary care provider as appropriate.

Cuts or Lacerations Response Plan

  • Immediately notify the nearest faculty member of the emergency.
  • Retrieve a First Aid Kit from a designated location (e.g., emergency cart or sterilization area).
  • Apply direct pressure with sterile gauze to control bleeding.
  • Rinse the wound thoroughly with clean water.
  • Apply antiseptic and an appropriate bandage or dressing.
  • Seek medical evaluation at an emergency care facility or through a primary care provider, as needed.

Burns Response Plan

  • Immediately notify the nearest faculty member of the emergency.
  • Rinse the affected area with cool running water; do not apply ice.
  • Obtain a First Aid Kit from a designated location (e.g., emergency cart or sterilization area).
  • Apply a sterile, non-stick bandage to protect the burn.
  • Do not break or disturb any blisters.
  • Seek medical care at an emergency facility or through a primary care provider as needed.

Chemical Spill on Skin Response Plan

  • Immediately notify the nearest faculty member of the emergency.
  • Rinse the affected skin thoroughly with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes.
  • Remove any contaminated clothing to prevent continued exposure.
  • Seek medical evaluation at an emergency facility or follow up with a primary care provider, as appropriate.

Inhalation of Fumes Response Plan

  • Immediately notify the nearest faculty member of the emergency.
  • Move the affected individual to an area with fresh air as quickly as possible.
  • If breathing difficulties occur, administer oxygen if available and call emergency services immediately.
  • Seek medical evaluation at an emergency care facility or through a primary care provider, as appropriate.

Slips, Trips, and Falls Response Plan

  • Immediately notify the nearest faculty member of the incident.
  • If the individual is conscious, assist them to a seated position and assess for injuries.
  • If a head, neck, or major injury is suspected, do not move the individual—call for medical assistance right away.
  • Identify and report any hazards that contributed to the incident (e.g., spills, loose cords) so corrective action can be taken.
  • Seek medical evaluation at an emergency care facility or through a primary care provider, as appropriate.

Needle Stick or Puncture Wounds Response Plan

  • Immediately notify the nearest faculty member of the incident.
  • Encourage slight bleeding by gently squeezing the wound—do not aggressively massage the site.
  • Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water for at least 30 seconds.
  • Obtain a First Aid Kit from a designated location (e.g., emergency cart or sterilization area).
  • Apply an antiseptic and appropriate bandage.
  • Seek prompt medical evaluation at an emergency care facility or from a primary care provider.
  • If the injury involves a contaminated sharp, post-exposure testing and follow-up for HIV and Hepatitis B & C are required. The student must report to the Dean of Health Professions office as soon as possible for further guidance and documentation of the exposure.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DENTAL HYGIENE

.