DANB Sharps Safety & Exposure Control Flashcards

What is the single most important method to prevent needlestick injuries in a dental setting?

Answer: Never recapping needles by hand

Never recapping needles by hand (or using a one-handed scoop technique/safety device) is the primary prevention strategy against needlestick injuries.

After a needlestick exposure in a dental office, what is the FIRST action to take?

Answer: Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water

Immediately washing the wound thoroughly with soap and water for several minutes is the first response to a needlestick injury to reduce the risk of infection.

According to OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, sharps disposal containers must be:

Answer: Closable, puncture-resistant, leakproof, and labeled with biohazard symbol

OSHA requires sharps containers to be closable, puncture-resistant, leakproof on sides and bottom, and labeled with the biohazard symbol or color-coded red.

When should a sharps disposal container be replaced or removed for disposal?

Answer: When it reaches the manufacturer's fill line (typically 3/4 full)

Sharps containers must be replaced when they reach the fill line (typically 3/4 full) to prevent overfilling, which increases the risk of needlestick injuries during disposal.

Which of the following is classified as a 'sharp' requiring disposal in a sharps container in a dental office?

Answer: Orthodontic wire and broken instrument tips

Orthodontic wires, broken instrument tips, and other items capable of puncturing skin must be disposed of in sharps containers to prevent injury and exposure.

What is the OSHA requirement for employers regarding needlestick injuries and exposure incidents?

Answer: Employers must maintain a sharps injury log and evaluate safer needle devices annually

OSHA requires employers to maintain a sharps injury log, solicit frontline worker input when selecting safer needle devices, and review the log annually to identify trends.