2. Control: eliminate, then PPE last
Hierarchy
- Stop using it if you can (change a process).
- Substitute a less harmful product that still works.
- Engineering: extraction, lids on ultrasonic baths, closed amalgamators, local exhaust for gypsum trimming.
- Systems: who mixes, when, with the window or AHU on.
- PPE: gloves, eye protection, apron, the right mask for the dust or vapour — fitted and actually worn.
Disinfectants
Use the dilution on the label. More concentrate is not more professional; it is more asthma and more damaged surfaces. Do not mix chlorine and acids. Ventilate. Keep caps on.
Monomers, solvents, adhesives
Lids on, minimal quantity on the bench, no heating unless the IFU says so. Eye protection when there is splash risk.
Dusts
Alginate and gypsum: do not shake bags like flour. Damp methods or extraction for trimming. Do not dry-sweep a cloud toward reception.
Amalgam and mercury
Where amalgam is still used or removed, encapsulated systems, spillage kit, separator, and no emptying traps into the sink. Follow current environmental and HTM-related practice rules as well as COSHH. If you are amalgam-free, you still need a plan for legacy traps and for patients who attend with old restorations.