A clean and safe dental laboratory can improve employees’ health, safety, and performance. It can reduce risk and save money as well. Business owners and managers wear many hats. A clean and safe lab environment will reduce the risk of loss. Here are some strategies to help maintain a clean and safe environment in a dental laboratory:
1. Refer to OSHA: OSHA is a great source for workplace safety information and a good place to start as a reference. You can visit https://www.osha.gov/dentistry for industry specific information.
2. Ergonomic workflow and planning: Having enough space for people to work and move around in the dental lab space can minimize the risk of obstructions or employees colliding into one another. There are many different functions in the lab and often people work with different types of materials and chemicals. Avoiding obstructions and collisions is paramount when handling these materials. Allowing enough space and planning the workflow properly can avoid hazardous situations. Talk to your distribution representative and contact a reputable lab furniture solutions expert such as Handler Manufacturing LLC. Click here to learn more about the lab design process
3. Regular Cleaning Schedule: As is the case with many different types of operations such as a dental lab, it is a good idea to establish a routine cleaning schedule. Surfaces should be wiped down at least daily, and more often if visible debris or contaminants are present. Floors should be cleaned regularly to avoid the accumulation of dust and debris. Supplies and tools should be returned to their proper location after using them. Equipment must be shut off and powered down when not in use.
4. Proper Storage: This is an area of big concern. More often than not, there is not enough consideration for proper storage, or there is disregard for storage. When there is clutter, there is risk of hazard. It is that simple. Dental labs have equipment, electrical appliances, water, compressed air, and sometimes open flame from natural gas lines. Clutter can cause human accidents when competing for open space to perform applications and tasks. Proper and easily accessible storage reduces and can even eliminate the clutter that can cause accidents, spills, injuries, and loss of inventory. Ensure that all materials and tools are stored properly when not in use. This not only keeps the lab organized but also minimizes the risk of contamination and accidents. Handler Manufacturing offers a wide variety of storage options including lower (base) cabinets, upper wall mounted cabinets, flammable storage cabinets, plaster storage cabinets, tooth cabinets, CAD/CAM cabinets, 3D printing cabinetry, workstations, free standing tall storage closets. View furniture and workstations
5. Ventilation: Good ventilation is essential in a dental laboratory to prevent the buildup of dust and chemical fumes. Use exhaust fans and, if possible, work in a well-ventilated area with air filtration systems. Using dust collectors and fume extractors is a great way to keep air quality at acceptable levels for all involved in using the lab. If dust gets on the floor, it could create a slippery work area, and someone could easily slip and fall. View dust collection equipment and accessories
6. Disposal Systems: Have proper waste disposal systems in place for different types of waste, including sharp objects, chemical waste, and biodegradable material. Clearly label disposal bins and make sure they are emptied regularly. Most labs that are mixing plaster and stone should have a “waste chute” which is typically a 5” round opening in the counter to dispose of excess material easily right into a trash container that is typically enclosed in a cabinet below.
7. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): The Carona Virus 2019 aka “Covid” really brought this subject to the forefront in a big hurry. PPE literally means Personal Protective Equipment, but figuratively speaking means protecting oneself from harmful pathogens that could cause illness or the spread of infectious disease. Labs are receiving cases all day every day, and there is no real way of actually knowing what you are opening up each time a case comes in. Always use appropriate PPE such as gloves, masks, and eye protection to safeguard against exposure to hazardous materials and to prevent the spread of contaminants. Every case that comes in should be disinfected before any further action is taken. Also, consult equipment manuals and procedures. This is critical. For example, it is never recommended to wear gloves when using a Red Wing Lathe. A glove can get caught in the tool and cause harm to the person using the lathe.
8. Equipment Maintenance: Regularly maintain and clean all equipment according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This helps prevent the buildup of residues that can affect both the function of the equipment and the cleanliness of the lab. Equipment, tools, and machines that are not maintained can fail and lead to accidents that can cause harm. Equipment that fails will also cause delays in delivering quality work. This downtime will lead to loss of revenue and dissatisfaction of the clients.
9. Spill Management: Have a protocol in place for dealing with spills, including having spill kits readily accessible. This ensures that any spills are dealt with promptly and effectively to prevent slips and exposure to harmful substances.
10. Training: Generally speaking, there are many case studies and written reports that show training is often not adequate or nonexistent. Many times, employees are hired and told how to perform their job and that is it. All staff must be trained in proper laboratory practices, including the use of equipment, handling of materials, and emergency procedures. Regular training updates can help maintain high standards of cleanliness and safety. This type of training will reduce the risk of accidents, loss, exposure to risk and increase the value of the employee, making them feel safer and more comfortable in the work environment. All these factors lead to better quality and increased performance. Consult your insurance provider. Many business insurers offer training documentation at no extra cost to the business owner. Work with suppliers and ask for assistance with their equipment and products.
11. Observe and Engage: Look for erratic or hasty behavior in yourself and your staff. Haste makes waste. Look for people moving about too quickly or cutting corners, such as not turning off equipment when they walk away from it. Many times, people do not get enough sleep, so be aware of employees who appear tired or stressed. Lack of focus is a major cause of accidents when operating equipment or working with high temperatures and volatile materials. Make sure that people get enough time for clarity breaks during the workday.
12. Signage: Use signs to remind staff of cleanliness protocols and to mark hazardous areas or substances. This helps maintain awareness and promotes a culture of safety. Again, business insurers may be able to help with safety signs at no cost to the business owner.
13. Safety Committee: Many businesses form a safety committee with a committee chair. The committee can be the advocate for the company and the employees with scheduled monthly meetings and record keeping. Employees can provide necessary feedback to implement upgrades and changes that are documented. The safety committee should conduct regular audits to assess the effectiveness of cleaning and safety protocols. This can help identify areas for improvement and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
In summary, owning or managing a dental lab or a dental practice that has an in-office lab is rewarding and challenging. Good restorative dentistry requires a safe and clean lab that delivers quality and reliability. The dentist, owner or manager does not need to shoulder this burden alone, however. Every employee and individual involved has a stake in maintaining a safe and clean work environment. Working with reputable and knowledgeable supplier partners such as Handler Manufacturing LLC can add value and aid. Implementing these strategies can significantly contribute to maintaining a safe and clean working environment in a dental laboratory. Click here to view other articles about the dental lab space