INFECTION CONTROL POLICY

A high standard of infection control is of prime importance in this laboratory, as it is essential to the safety of all who come into contact with our laboratory. Every member of staff will receive training in all aspects of infection control, including decontamination of impressions, appliances and equipment; a policy that must be adhered to at all times. If there is any aspect that is not clear, please ask.

This policy operates in conjunction with the laboratory health and safety policies.

This policy will be reviewed at regular intervals and it is important that you understand it fully and are prepared to answer any questions that clients may ask you about it.

  1. Laboratory staff are immunised against blood-borne viruses as identified by our infection control risk assessment and in accordance with available industry guidance. Records of these immunisations are retained.
  2. The laboratory provides appropriate protective clothing, gloves, eyewear and masks that must be worn by technicians during all production procedures. Protective clothing worn in the laboratory must not be worn outside the laboratory premises.
  3. Before donning gloves, hands must be washed using the laboratory’s preferred hand wash/disinfectant.
  4. Impressions will be disinfected using an appropriate disinfectant.
  5. All working areas will be kept to a minimum, clearly identified and, after session, cleaned with detergent and disinfected using an appropriate disinfectant.
  6. In the event of an inoculation injury, the wound should if possible be made/allowed to bleed freely, then washed thoroughly under running water and covered with a waterproof dressing. The incident should be recorded in the accident book and immediately discussed with the appropriate manager to assess whether further action is needed.
  7. All clinical waste must be placed in the appropriate containers provided in each area.
  8. All dental impressions not marked as disinfected must be rinsed until visibly clean and disinfected using an appropriate disinfectant.
  9. Appliances and work being returned to the dental practice will be cleaned or steam cleaned where appropriate and disinfected to reduce the levels of micro-organisms on the surface of the appliance. The appliance is then packed for despatch ready for preparation/disinfection by the dental surgery before being placed in the patient’s mouth.
  10. Any accidental spillages involving a potentially hazardous substance will be reported to the appropriate manager.
  11. Anyone developing a reaction to any substance compound or chemical or the protective gloves must inform the appropriate manager immediately.
  12. All staff involved with clinical procedures must receive appropriate training in all aspects of infection control including decontamination. This should be reviewed and recorded annually.
  13. Eating and drinking is strictly prohibited in any receiving, production or despatch area.
  14. Smoking is strictly prohibited in the laboratory.

ALL STAFF WILL OBSERVE TOTAL CONFIDENTIALITY IN ALL INFORMATION RELATING TO CLIENTS OF THE LABORATORY.