Use of Tuberculocidal Disinfectant Spray

OSHA’s Bloodborne pathogens standard at 29 CFR 1910.1030 requires that items and surfaces contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) be immediately decontaminated with an appropriate disinfectant, and at the end of the work shift if the surface may have become contaminated since the last cleaning.

While soap and water may be appropriate for general cleaning purposes, it is not appropriate for decontamination of blood or OPIM. EPA-registered tuberculocidal disinfectants are appropriate for this purpose. including tuberculocidal intermediate-level disinfectants for removing blood from surfaces and knowing how to treat surfaces and when to use low, intermediate, and high-level disinfectants.

Please be aware that under OSHA’s Hazard Communication standard (29 CFR 1910.1200), employers must maintain material safety data sheets (MSDSs), provide training and the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for all chemicals that pose a health hazard to their employees.

Prevent Needlestick Injuries with OSHA Sharps Handling Best Management Practices (BMPs)

OSHA estimates that 5.6 million healthcare workers are at risk of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Each year, an estimated 384,000 skin puncture injuries are sustained from needles and other sharp devices – that’s more than 1,000 each day!

As a dental professional, you want to minimize the risk of injury to your staff and liability to your practice through OSHA recommended BMPs for sharps handling and disposal.  HealthFirst has provided a helpful infographic and compliance guide on the subject, which  can be found on the following link.

Sterilization of all Dental Equipment as Recommended by the Manufacturer

follow ADA recommendations and CDC guidelines for proper dental equipment sterilization and OSAP FAQs regarding sterilization of instruments & equipment.  Following CDC guidelines for proper testing of sterilizers using biological monitoring strips on a weekly basis.

Third Party Spore Testing and Reporting Services

Dental offices benefit from incorporating weekly mail-in biological monitoring services into their practice.  Not only is it recommended by the CDC, but it utilizes outside test labs to properly test and provide 3rd-party documentation that proper sterilization of dental equipment is achieved in your practice.  We also recommend to use a service (Such as BIOlogical by HealthFirst) that also provides online interfaces.  This allows you to log into your personal account and produce compliance documentation and sterility reports at any given time you need to provide documentation to local authorities .

Need Additional Information: HealthFirst Can Help

HealthFirst’s customer support team is always ready to help you to get the right products and solutions in place for your specific needs in the help of preventing infectious outbreaks.  Whether if it’s help with Boodborne Pathogen Training for your staff, OSHA-approved sharps and medical waste mailback solutions, or mail-in spore testing with online compliance reporting.

Feel free to call us at 800-331-1984, or email us.

Read more at healthfirst.com