Infection Control · patient case question
A hazardous chemical spills in the operatory and vapour is filling the room. Which immediate action is most appropriate?
Patient case: Preparing the practice
demo: New associate dentist
chief: Reviewing the practice infection control and emergency protocols before starting clinical work.
history: The practice is updating its exposure control plan and its written office emergency procedures.
meds: Not applicable.
findings: The office manager asks a series of questions about immunisation, sterilisation monitoring, waste handling and the hierarchy of hazard controls.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Stay as low as possible while moving away from the spill
- A. Recirculating the air spreads the vapour through the whole building. Ventilation should exhaust to the outside, and only if the safety data sheet supports it.
- B. Correct. Most hazardous vapours are heavier than air and settle, so the breathable air is nearest the floor. Staying low while evacuating the immediate area limits inhalation. Then isolate the area, consult the safety data sheet and use the appropriate spill kit.
- C. A damp cloth is not respiratory protection against chemical vapour, and continuing treatment keeps both patient and operator in the hazard.
- D. Water can react violently with some chemicals, and it spreads the spill and creates contaminated runoff. The safety data sheet dictates the neutralising or absorbing agent.
Practice Infection Control questions Infection Control study notes