STATEMENT OF PRACTICE POLICY

Bayhead Dental Practice attaches great importance to the health, safety and welfare of employees, and asks all staff to help in maintaining a working environment which is safe as possible for everyone in the practice, including patients.

The practice will take all reasonable steps to maintain premises, equipment and work systems so that they are without risk to health.  All appropriate regulations and codes of practice will be observed.  At the same time employees have a duty to take care of their own and others health and safety, and to co-operate with the practice in the maintenance of a safe workplace. 

Staff will be instructed in safety procedures as part of their general instruction in practice working procedures.  However there are certain basic safety rules to which special attention is drawn. 

You are required to keep informed of any changes in practice procedures by reading all practice minutes and every three months reading through the “Statement of Policy and Practice rules”.

·        Report all accidents (including spillage’s etc) to Mr K N MacDonald immediately whether or not they involve personal injury.  The practice first aid box is in the kitchen.  An eye bath is also kept in the sterilisation room.  Ensure  all accidents are reported to the Practice Manager and recorded in the Incident Report File located in the office.

·        Cross – Infection control policy: It is requirement of employment and contract that you follow the policy.  There are further guidance notes on protective clothing and personal hygiene in this book which must be followed for your own safety and welfare.

·        Take care in the handling of all substances used in dentistry, whether or not a specific hazard has been pointed out to you.  Minimise the possibilities of ingestion, inhalation or contact with the skin. The Control Of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations mean that we have an information sheet on all materials used in the practice (QF 6.40).  You should make yourself familiar with the guidance notes before using any new material.

·        Make full use of the protective clothing, gloves, masks and glasses provided.

·        Never run in the practice.

·        Never touch electrical equipment with wet hands.  In the case of malfunction, disconnect from the mains, label as not safe for use, report to Practice Manager and put report in the fault book.

·        Radiation Safety.  Radiation Safety assessments are carried out at regular intervals and there is a further section in this book detailing the local rules and guidance with Bayhead Dental Practice..

·        Manual handling:  Please read carefully the guidance notes and take precautions to prevent any injury or damage.

·        Visual Display Unit: Please read carefully the guidance given to prevent any repetitive strain injuries or damage to eyesight.

·        Emergencies:  You must be familiar with all procedures in the event of fire or medical emergencies, and frequently check you know the location of all safety and emergency equipment.

·        If any sharp instrument is dropped, do not try to catch it. 

·        Do not use equipment where you have not received instructions in its use.  Do not use any electrical equipment in the Practice unless it has been checked for electrical safety by Mr Macdonald or the Practice Manager.

·        Pressure vessels: Compressors and autoclaves are periodically inspected.  They must not be used by anyone who is unfamiliar with their safe operation.

The practice intends to keep safety matters under regular scrutiny in the form of an annual risk assessment with a view to identifying hazards and taking appropriate remedial action.  Employees suggestions will be welcomed and should be made to Mr K N MacDonald who is responsible for the co-operation of measures to secure safety at work in the practice.

Each dentist must:

1)                  Ensure that the patients receive dental care and treatment in a safe and appropriate environment.

2)                  Use materials that are safe and suitable for their purpose.

3)                  Ensure that every member of their team is trained and competent to carry out the tasks that have been delegated to them.

4)                  Comply with Health and Safety legislation and keep up to date with changes in legal requirements.

Responsibilities:

Staff:                All staff have the responsibility to maintain the premises and equipment as instructed  and to report any faults to the Practice Manager and record it in the Faults Book QF 7.60.11.  Correct and report on any potential problems you become aware of.

Practice Manager:         Is responsible for the management of the cleaning and maintenance of the practice, as well as ensuring compliance with Health and Safety Regulations. The Practice Manager will maintain all reporting systems and maintenance records.