Infection Control · patient case question
A strong unfamiliar chemical odour is reported outside the building and its source is unknown. What is the correct immediate action?
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. Shelter in place indoors and await instructions
- A. Opening windows draws the contaminated air inside and defeats the purpose of sheltering.
- B. Correct. When an airborne hazard is outside and its nature is unknown, the building shell is protection. Shelter in place: remain indoors, close windows and doors, shut down systems that draw in outside air, and follow official instructions.
- C. Evacuating moves people into the plume. Evacuation is the answer when the hazard is inside, as in a fire or an internal spill.
- D. Sending someone out to investigate deliberately exposes a person to an unidentified hazard and is never correct.
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