The SPC Dental Hygiene Program has outlined the following policies and procedures in order to comply with established standards for infection and hazard control. It is the responsibility of all healthcare providers to uphold these standards for the protection of patients, clinicians, and staff. The focus is to eliminate the chances of injury, cross-contamination, and disease transmission of infectious agents. The guidelines which align with the Association for Dental Safety (ADS, formerly known as OSAP) must be followed for every instrument handled and every material utilized in the dental clinic and assigned clinic rotation sites.
Universal/Standard Precautions Protocol
- Universal Precautions are guidelines based on treating all human blood and body fluids (saliva, mucous membranes) as potentially infectious.
- Standard Precautions are the minimum infection prevention practices that apply to all patient care, regardless
of suspected or confirmed infection status of the patient, in any setting where health
care is delivered.
- Hand Hygiene
- Use of personal protective equipment
- Respiratory hygiene / Cough etiquettes
- Sharps protocol
- Safe injection practice
- Sterilization
- Clen / Disinfection of environmental surfaces
Engineering and Work Practice Control
- Engineering controls serve to reduce exposure in the workplace by either removing the hazard or isolating the worker from it. Generally, this is achieved through the use of equipment designed for this purpose.
- Work practice controls reduce the likelihood of exposure through changes in the way in which a task is performed. This provision reduces risk by requiring that tasks be performed in the safest manner possible.
Use of Personal Protective Equipment
Personal protective equipment (PPE) refers to wearable equipment that is designed to protect dental healthcare professionals from exposure to or contact with infectious agents.
Handwashing
- Hand hygiene is the most important measure to prevent the spread of infections among patients and dental healthcare professionals. For routine dental examinations and nonsurgical procedures, use water and plain soap (hand washing) or antimicrobial soap (hand antisepsis) specific for health care settings, or use an alcohol-based hand rub. Although alcohol-based hand rubs are effective for hand hygiene in health care settings, soap and water should be used when hands are visibly soiled (e.g., dirt, blood, body fluids).
Perform hand hygiene
- When entering and exiting the SPC dental hygiene clinic.
- When hands are visibly soiled.
- After barehanded touching of instruments, equipment, materials, and other objects likely to be contaminated by blood, saliva, or respiratory secretion.
- Before and after treating each patient.
- Before putting on gloves and again immediately after removing gloves.
Examination Gloves
Wear gloves when there is potential for contact with blood, body fluids, mucous membranes, nonintact skin, or contaminated equipment.
- Do not wash examination gloves. Examination gloves cannot be reused.
- Perform hand hygiene immediately after removing examination gloves.
Utility Gloves
Wear utility gloves when handling contaminated instruments and equipment following patient care. Utility gloves must be puncture-resistant to prevent any instrument stick. Refer to the department exposure protocol in the event an accident occurs.
Wash utility gloves with soap and water, dry thoroughly, place in a plastic bag, and store in a drawer or locker after use.
Face Mask
A fluid-resistant face mask is to be worn over the nose and mouth during procedures or activities where contact with blood, saliva, or other potentially infectious material is anticipated. Masks should never be worn below the nose, on the chin, or hanging from one earlobe. Masks should be changed between patients or during patient treatment if they become visibly soiled.
Protective Eyewear
(Face Shield, Goggles)
Protective eyewear is to be worn to protect the eyes against splattered solutions, caustic solutions, and dental materials/ equipment that might become dislodged. OSHA requires the use of protective eyewear with both front and side protection during exposure-prone procedures. If wearing prescription glasses, protective eyewear is still required, either by adding side and bottom shields or additional eyewear that can be worn over the prescription glasses.
Patient Safety glasses must be offered to the patient prior to the beginning of treatment. Patients may choose to wear their own glasses if they provide enough coverage of the eye area. Students must inform a professor and document in the Eaglesoft Note History if a patient refuses to wear safety glasses.
Protective Clothing
(Reusable or Disposable Gown, Jacket, Laboratory Coat)
Wear protective clothing that covers skin and personal clothing during procedures or activities where contact with blood, saliva, or other potentially infectious material is anticipated. Protective clothing is always to be worn in the SPC dental hygiene clinic.
- Remove any protective clothing before exiting the dental clinic.
- Dispose of protective clothing at the end of the clinic day or between patients if any contact was made with blood, saliva, or any other potentially infectious material.
- Dispose of and replace protective clothing if it becomes visibly soiled.
Personal Habits and Eating
- OSHA prohibits eating, drinking, smoking, applying cosmetics or lip balm, and handling contact lenses in work areas where there is a reasonable likelihood of occupational exposure.
- The OSHA Standard also prohibits the storage of food and drink in refrigerators, freezers, shelves, cabinets, or on countertops or bench tops where blood or other potentially infectious materials are present.
Minimize Exposure
All procedures involving blood or other potentially infectious materials should be performed in such a manner as to minimize splashing, spraying, spattering, and generation of droplets of these substances, e.g., high-volume evacuation.
Specimens
Specimens of blood or other potentially infectious materials should be placed in a container that prevents leakage during collection, handling, processing, storage, transport, or shipping. The container should be labeled with the biohazard symbol or color-coded in red and closed prior to being stored, transported, or shipped. If outside contamination of the primary container occurs, it should be placed within a second container.
Biohazards
The OSHA Standard section “Communication of Hazards to Employees” includes information regarding the training of those employees with occupational exposure. This section of the manual also includes labeling requirements and provides a biohazard label for your use.
Regulated Medical Waste* includes:
- Liquid or semi-liquid blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM)
- Contaminated items that would release blood or OPIM in a liquid or semi-liquid state if compressed
- Items caked with dried blood or OPIM that are capable of releasing these materials during handling
- Contaminated sharps
- Pathological and microbiological wastes containing blood or OPIM
*This waste should be placed in a red biohazard bag and is disposed of through a regulated waste disposal company.
Safety Data Sheets
A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a document that is provided by a chemical product’s manufacturer. The document contains information on the potential hazards (health, fire, reactivity, and environmental) and how to work safely when utilizing that particular chemical product. The SDS documents can be found on all computers in the SPC dental hygiene clinic. An alternative method for searching for an SDS is to look up the supply representative’s website, search for the product name, and select the fire and safety protection symbol. The SDS will be generated in a PDF document.
Biohazard Labels
- The required label is the biohazard symbol and the legend “Biohazard” (shown below), which should be fluorescent orange or orange-red with lettering or symbols in a contrasting color.
- Labels should be affixed or attached as closely as possible to the container, so that there is no possibility of loss. Alternatively, labels can be imprinted on the container or bag.
- Red bags or red containers may be substituted for labels.
- Regulated waste that has been decontaminated need not be labeled or placed in red bags. For example, autoclaved waste would not be labeled.
- Biohazard labels are to be placed on containers of regulated waste, e.g., Sharps containers. Laundry contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious materials must also be labeled or color-coded.
Small Biohazard Bags
Small Biohazard bags are to be used in the dental clinic operatories. Be sure to close the small biohazard bags before placing them in the large biohazard container, located in the sterilization area. Do not touch any items with bare hands that have been contaminated by tissue, blood, or saliva products. Biohazard bags that have been used must always be replaced with a clean, new bag
Sharps Protocol
Contaminated needles and other contaminated sharps should not be bent, recapped, or removed, except as follows:
- The Employer can document that no alternative is feasible or that such action is required by a specific medical procedure.
- Recapping or removal must be accomplished through the use of a mechanical device or a one-handed technique. Shearing or breaking of contaminated needles is prohibited. Immediately or as soon as possible after use, contaminated reusable sharps should be placed in appropriate containers until properly reprocessed.
Sharps Container
Function: To serve as a storage receptacle for used needles, old burs, scalpel blades, orthodontic wire, endodontic files, and all other disposable sharp items used intraorally. Typically, red in color.
Practices: Container must be puncture-resistant, leak-proof, and labeled with “Biohazard”. These containers should contain a re-closable lid. A sharps container is located between each operatory in the SPC dental hygiene clinic. Filled sharps containers are transported to an off-site hazardous waste facility. If outside contamination of the primary container occurs, it should be replaced with a second container.
Hazard Communication Policy
The Hazard Communication Policy is designed to ensure that all chemicals produced or imported into the workplace are properly evaluated for potential hazards, and that clear and accessible information regarding those hazards is effectively communicated to employers and employees.
OSHA defines a hazardous chemical as any chemical that can pose a physical or health hazard to employees. This includes substances that are flammable, toxic, corrosive, reactive, or biohazardous, as well as those capable of causing acute or chronic health effects.
- A hazardous substance could cause physical damage to an individual from inhalation, absorption, or ingestion.
- Consult the SDS sheets for detailed information on any chemical.
- Read labels and use products as directed by the manufacturer.
- Store chemicals in their original containers.
- Use PPE as indicated (gloves, masks, and eye protection).
- Wash hands immediately after removing gloves.
- Never mix chemicals unless directed by the manufacturer.
- If a chemical exposure occurs, immediate action is required.
- Know the guidelines for treatment after an exposure – flushing eyes, rinsing skin, removing exposed articles of clothing, etc.
In accordance with the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200), the Hazard Communication Policy ensures that all students, faculty, and staff of the South Plains College Dental Hygiene Program are informed about the hazards associated with the chemical products used within the program. Through this plan, individuals will be educated on the requirements of the Hazard Communication Standard, the hazardous properties and characteristics of the materials they may encounter, safe handling procedures, and protective measures to minimize exposure and ensure personal safety.
Safety Coordinator
The Safety Coordinator for the department is responsible for communicating and implementing the Hazard Communication Policy. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Properly label containers
- Maintain and update, as necessary, a list of hazardous chemicals used in the department.
- Maintains a notebook of copies of all Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all chemicals
- Implement appropriate safe practices
- Provide training for all persons in the department who handle chemicals
- Perform an annual review of the Hazard Communication Policy, Chemical Inventory, SDS sheets, and training
Labeling
All chemicals used within the department must be properly labeled in accordance with the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard. The Safety Coordinator is responsible for verifying that each chemical container includes the required labeling and hazard warnings. If a chemical arrives without appropriate labeling or an SDS, the Safety Coordinator will obtain the necessary information and update the department files accordingly.
When chemicals are transferred to secondary containers, the Safety Coordinator will ensure that a durable, legible label is applied identifying the chemical and associated hazards. Labels must clearly indicate the chemical name, required hazard warnings (e.g., flammable), and recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) for safe handling.
All disinfectants used in dental settings must be registered disinfectants and must include required labeling information such as active ingredients, directions for use, and necessary safety warnings. When concentrated disinfectants are diluted, the working container must be labeled with the chemical identity, intended purpose (e.g., disinfectant, sterilant), and an appropriate signal word (e.g., Caution, Warning, Danger, or Poison) to identify potential risks.
SDS Forms
The Safety Coordinator will maintain a complete and current collection of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for every chemical used within the department. A physical SDS binder is available for review by students, faculty, and staff in the Clinic Coordinator’s office. SDS format and usage will be reviewed during annual Hazard Communication training to ensure all personnel understand how to access and interpret this information.
Each SDS includes detailed information organized into the required sections, including:
- Product Information
- Hazardous Ingredients
- Physical Hazard Data
- Fire and Explosion Data
- Health Hazard Information
- Reactivity Data
- Spill or Leak Procedures
- Special Protection Information
- Special Precautions
Manufacturers are required to provide SDS sheets for all products containing hazardous substances. The SDS must be consulted for guidance on spill clean-up procedures, as well as for proper handling and disposal of hazardous or contaminated materials.
Chemicals must be stored away from food and beverages to prevent contamination. Any chemical removed from storage for use must be returned to its designated location immediately after use.
Training
Training will be delivered through various methods, including certified online modules and in-person lecture and discussion sessions. All department personnel are required to complete OSHA training annually. The Hazard Communication Policy will be reviewed each year to ensure continued compliance and awareness.
Additionally, all students, faculty, and staff must demonstrate understanding of the department’s emergency procedures and post-exposure protocols.
Sterilization/Disinfection Procedures After Patient Care
Clinical contact surfaces become contaminated during patient treatment from the generation of direct or indirect contact. Clean and disinfect clinical contact surfaces after each patient.
- Touch Surfaces- directly touched and contaminated during treatment procedures
- Transfer Surfaces- not directly touched but come in contact with contaminated instruments or materials used during patient treatment.
- Splash and splatter surfaces- do not directly encounter contaminated instruments or materials. This occurs from the release of potentially contaminated aerosols or moisture during procedures.
Operator drawer and cabinets
Operator drawers and cabinets located in the operatories become contaminated during patient treatment by direct contact or splash, and splatter. All drawers and cabinets must be wiped down with an EPA-registered hospital disinfectant during disinfection of the operatory. No gloves are to be worn when opening cabinets or drawers to prevent the possibility of cross-contamination.
Environmental Surface and Equipment Disinfection
OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard requires that contaminated work surfaces be disinfected between patient visits. The SPC dental hygiene clinic protocol is “wipe-discard-wipe” for surface cleaning and disinfecting. Surface areas are pre-cleaned with EPA hospital disinfectant tuberculocidal wipes followed by thoroughly wiping all areas with fresh EPA hospital disinfectant tuberculocidal wipes. Allow the area to sit for the manufacturer-recommended time to kill Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Another method practiced is the “spray-wipe-spray” technique. Spray the area with an EPA hospital disinfectant spray, wipe the surfaces with an EPA hospital disinfectant wipe, and respray the surface with an EPA hospital disinfectant spray. Allow the area to sit for the manufacturer-recommended time to kill Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Disinfect Clinical Operatories
Before seeing patients:
- Put on PPE (gown and non-latex utility gloves)
- Obtain disinfecting wipes and get fresh wipes when the one being used starts drying out.
- In a systematic order, wipe down the dental unit:
- a) Dental light with baby wipe ONLY, no disinfectant
- b) Handle, switch, and arm of dental light
- c) Dental chair
- d) Bracket table and arm
- e) Water bottle
- f) All hoses, holders, and air water syringe
- g) Operator’s stool and adjustment levers
- h) Countertops
- i) Cabinet knobs
- j) Safety glasses
- k) Countertop, sink, faucet, and soap dispenser
- Wash utility gloves with soap and water, dry thoroughly, place in a plastic bag, and store in a drawer or locker
- Wash hands following handwashing protocol
- Fill the water bottle up to curve of bottle and place ICX tablet into water
- Screw on the water bottle, turn the unit on, and flush lines for 2 minutes
- Place barriers
- a) Light handles and switch
- b) Cover chair and bracket table
- c) Sleeves over the handpiece and suction
- e) Handle for computer monitor
- f) Mouse and keyboard
- g) Pens, pencils, and wet-erase marker
- h) Have one wrapped pen and one unwrapped pen
Sterilization of Instruments
- Put on utility gloves.
- Remove and discard all disposable items.
- a) All sharp, disposable items are to be disposed of in puncture-proof containers available in the sterilization room and between operatories.
- Prepare instruments for sterilization.
- a) Inspect instruments for bio burden and remove any debris with gauze.
- b) Close and lock the cassette and take it to the sterilization room.
- c) Place the cassette on the rack in Miele and run the Miele according to the directions. Or place the cassette/instrument in the ultrasonic.
- d) Remove cassettes/ instruments.
- e) Place cassette in labeled sterilization bag; seal bag.
- f) Load in the autoclave for sterilization
- g) Remove bags from the sterilizer, ensure that the bags have reached the appropriate heat temperature, and place them in the appropriate drawer or locker.
Ultrasonic Cleaning Unit
Function: to remove debris and bioburden from instruments. Reduces the risk of exposure to pathogens during the cleaning stage of the sterilization process. Debris is removed by mechanical means; sound waves create tiny bubbles that cause inward collapse and removal of material.
Practice: Check the enzyme solution ratio per gallon and compare it to the size of the ultrasonic tank. The enzyme dose should match the ratio listed by the manufacturer. The lid must be closed during the operation of the unit. Instrument process takes 3-10 minutes to complete. Mask, utility gloves, eye protection, and a laboratory jacket must be worn while operating the ultrasonic unit. After use of the ultrasonic instruments must be thoroughly rinsed and dried to be sterilized.
Miele
Function: Automated washing/disinfecting units use a combination of very hot recirculation and detergents to remove organic material. These units are classified as thermal disinfectors.
Practice: the SPC dental hygiene clinic has two Miele instrument washing units in the sterilization lab. Items can either be placed in the Miele to remove debris or placed in the ultrasonic. Clean cassettes/instruments must be placed in a sterilization pouch and sterilized in an autoclave after removal from the Miele before being used for patient treatment. Mask, utility gloves, eye protection, and a laboratory jacket must be worn while operating the Miele.
Steam Autoclave
Function: used to sterilize dental instruments and other items by means of steam under pressure. Sterilization kills all forms of microorganisms. All reusable items that come in contact with the patient’s blood, saliva, and mucous membranes must be heat sterilized.
Practice: When loading the autoclave, ensure that the bag has been labeled properly. Add a label to the bag in the upper-right corner with the autoclave #, date, and initials. This will ensure that instruments can be readily identified in case of a sterilization problem. The student who is initialing the upper right corner of the bag is responsible for making sure the bags have been labeled correctly and that the proper instruments have been placed in the bag. Sterilize instruments in the autoclave according to protocol. When opening the sterilizers, use towels if you need to touch the outside and tray holders to remove trays from the unit. The sterilizers are hot and can burn you. Make sure that sterilizers vent properly. Instruments are to be stored according to the label on the sterilization pouch.
Statim Cassette Autoclave
Function: Quickly sterilizes to kill all microbes, viruses, bacteria, and fungi with steam under pressure.
- Sterilize instruments at 270 degrees
- Time: 3 minutes for unwrapped instruments
- Time: 15 minutes for wrapped instruments
Practice: Use fresh stream distilled water with every cycle.
Maintenance of Autoclave/Statim
Cleaning of the sterilizers is to be performed monthly. Instructions for cleaning the sterilizers (based on manufacturer recommendation) are located on the back of the cleaning solution bottle that is stored above the Statim. Biological monitoring is to be completed on each sterilizer weekly. A log is kept in the cabinets above the Statim documenting the maintenance protocols that are performed in sterilization.
Biological Monitoring
Function: Commercially prepared monitors to assess that sterilization has occurred. Supplied as paper strips or sealed glass ampules of bacterial endospores.
Practices: Must be completed weekly according to OSHA regulations. SPC dental hygiene clinic uses glass ampules and incubators to determine that the sterilizers are functioning properly. Strips/glass ampules are placed in the sterilizer along with the instrument load. One on the top rack and one on a lower rack. When the cycle is complete, the spores are cultured to determine if any have survived. Strips are sent out for incubation, and glass ampules are tested in-house. This is completed every Thursday.
Dropped Instrument Protocol
In the instance that an instrument is dropped on the clinic floor, the instrument is considered contaminated. The instrument is not to be used for patient care until it has followed the sterilization protocol. During patient use, the student is to remove exam gloves, retrieve a new instrument, place on a new set of exam gloves, and continue patient care. If extra instruments are not available, the student is to stop the procedure, pick up the instrument while gloved, and follow sterilization protocol. New gloves should be worn to continue patient treatment.
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.
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.
