Covering the ultrasonic.
OSHA Section 9 - IX comments:
"Although
there has been concern about potential infectivity of aerosols generated
by dental, medical and laboratory equipment, HBV has not been detected
in such aerosols, and risk is posed primarily by large particles of
'spatter' that travel only short distance. (Tr 9/14/89,p.21)"
"The term 'aerosolization'...has been replaced with 'generation of
droplets.'" OSHA Section 9 XI
"...There has been no documented cases
in the literature...of HIV transmission via aerosols..."
"...To the best of our knowledge...there have been no cases."
"...Aerosols are not known to present a risk of transmission of blood
borne pathogens...Therefore, use of respirators for protection against
blood borne pathogens is not recommended.p.50
"...The current opinion of experts is that, while aerosol transmission
is a theoretical possibility, it does not contribute measurably to
occupational transmission..."
"...There are no known instances...nor are other instances known in
which airborne particles containing bloodborne pathogens have presented
a risk to health care workers."p.50
"CDC/NIOSH...Aerosols are not known to present a risk of transmission of
bloodborne pathogens in the healthcare environment. There are no
known instances...
"aerosol" should not be used in the same context as splatters and
splashes (Ex 20-1157)p.51
OSHA intends a distinction between "droplets" and "aerosols"
to make it clear that "droplets" "spatters" "splashes" (such as produced
by power saws and drills) are of concern, not 'aerosolization' (as produced
by ultrasonics). As you read further notice the distinction.
"Splattering of blood onto skin or mucous membranes of the face and upper
respiratory tract against large droplet splattering is needed. ...glasses,
goggles, face shields, and surgical masks...as appropriate to the task being
performed, can provide that protection. "OpCit p.51
Pseudo-scientists put some "marker-dye" in an ultrasonic and
observed the "marker dye" was aerosolized and deposited on
surfaces away from the ultrasonic. They concluded that covering
that ultrasonics was necessary to limit the spread for pathogens and protect
the worker. Their
experiment was faulty and their conclusions were false.
The emphasis by OSHA is to encourage the establishment of procedures that
prevent the initial problem before focusing on protection.
"Paragraph (d)(2)(xi) requires that all procedures involving blood or
other potentially infectious materials shall be performed in such a
manner as to minimize splashing, spattering, and generation of droplets
of these substances."
"The hierarchy of controls provision, paragraph (d)(2)(i), of this
standard requires employers to implement engineering controls and work
practices prior to relying on personal protective equipment for protecting
employees against exposure" OSHA
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Ultrasonic cleaners are used to dislodge fine
particles
that other cleaning methods may not be able to reach or remove.
Ultrasonics are not Washers.
It would be contrary to manufacturer's instructions or expectations to try
and clean grossly dirty instruments. Items to be ultrasoniced must be
pre-cleaned.
Whereas surface tension is broken and aerosolization occurs we can cover the ultrasonic though there is no reason to think it
should be required.
Cavitation is the term used to describe the mechanical (physical)
vibration effect that occurs when high frequency sound waves are
introduced into a solution.
The vibration causes minute vacuum- bubbles to form which
when they contact an object "implode."
The disappearing vacuum is a micro-implosion causing the bubble to disappear pulling its surroundings in with tremendous force.
Fine particles on objects are pulled into the space
releasing them from the object and they become suspended in the liquid by
the soap.
Plain water is a poor cavitator and requires a soap solution to work.
Cost-effective Alconox is the long preferred cleaner because it rinses
clean
without leaving a soapy residue.
Tip 1: Maintain water level to within 1/2" of top rim of ultrasonics.
Tip 2: Always use a basket suspending the object 1/2" or more above the
bottom.
Never place anything directly on the bottom.
Tip 3: Ultrasonics do not sterilize or disinfect, they only remove fine
particles from items being cleaned and the dirt is then suspend in the
solution. Items should be rinsed and dried before packaging for
sterilization.
The Unimax System
for safe handling of contaminated instruments
for tattoo and piercing.
Used contaminated water from ultrasonics should be treated with 10%
bleach and then poured into the sanitary sewer system down the toilet being
careful to avoid splashing.
It is a violation of OSHA regulations to dispose of untreated
contaminated liquids into the sewage system. |
