Infection Control

1. Scope

This policy applies to all laboratory personnel, contractors, and visitors who enter laboratory work areas or handle dental materials, equipment, or devices processed in the laboratory.

 

2. Responsibilities

Management: Ensures adequate resources, training, and monitoring systems are in place to maintain effective infection control. Employees: Must follow all infection control protocols and immediately report any breaches or incidents. Health & Safety Officer: Conducts audits, provides training updates, and ensures compliance with national and local regulations.

 

3. General Principles

Treat all incoming items (impressions, prosthetics, appliances) as potentially infectious.

Follow Standard Precautions at all times: hand hygiene, PPE, and safe handling of biological materials.

Maintain clear separation between “clean” and “contaminated” work areas.

 

4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Gloves, masks, protective eyewear, and laboratory coats must be worn when handling dental items.

PPE must be changed or disinfected between tasks to prevent cross-contamination.

 

5. Hand Hygiene

Hands must be washed thoroughly with soap and water or cleaned with an alcohol-based sanitizer: Before and after handling impressions or prosthetic items, After glove removal and Before breaks and at the end of shifts

 

6. Handling of Impressions & Appliances

All impressions and appliances must be disinfected upon receipt before processing.

Use only disinfectants approved for dental materials and items must be clearly labeled as “disinfected” once processed.

 

7. Laboratory Environment

Maintain strict separation between contaminated and clean zones.

Clean and disinfect benches, equipment, and frequently touched surfaces regularly.

 

8. Waste Management

Infectious or potentially infectious waste (e.g., gloves, wipes, impression material waste) must be disposed of in designated biohazard containers.

Sharps must be discarded into puncture-proof containers.

Waste collection must comply with local biomedical waste regulations.

 

9. Sterilization & Equipment Maintenance

Reusable instruments must be cleaned, disinfected, and sterilized according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Autoclaves and sterilization equipment must be validated, maintained, and tested routinely.

 

10. Training & Education

All employees receive infection control training during induction and annually thereafter.

Training records must be maintained and available for inspection.

 

11. Incident Reporting

Any exposure incident (e.g., needle stick, splash, suspected contamination) must be reported immediately.

Incident forms must be completed and reviewed by management for corrective action.

 

12. Monitoring & Review

Regular audits will be conducted to ensure compliance.

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if new guidelines, regulations, or risks arise.