Infection Control · single question
When a chemical spill occurs in the office, what would you do?
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Correct answer: B. Turn on the ventilation system
- A. This may be appropriate for some gas exposures (heavy gases settle near the floor) but is not the standard OSHA-recommended first action for dental office chemical spills.
- B. The FIRST action for a chemical spill in the dental office is to TURN ON THE VENTILATION SYSTEM to remove chemical vapors and prevent inhalation exposure. This is the primary engineering control for airborne chemical hazards.
- C. A simple cloth does not provide adequate respiratory protection from chemical vapors — proper ventilation and evacuation are the appropriate responses.
- D. Evacuating personnel from the immediate area may be necessary for major spills, but the structured OSHA response involves activating ventilation, using appropriate PPE, and following the facility's hazard communication plan.
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