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ePaper created 2017-10-26, 15:28:59 | version 1.38.0
| practice management Fire safety in dental practice Author: Stuart Collyer, UK m o c . k c o t s r e t t u h S / k d u R m e t r A © i Being a dentist, you will be familiar with the need to carry out regular checks on your patients to spot potential problems before they become major ones. This preventative approach should be applied to your fi re safety procedures and equipment too. Just like any other business, complying with fi re safety regulations is an obligation. By carrying out a fi re risk assessment, you can secure the longevity of your business by reducing the likelihood of a fi re starting, as well as preparing for the worst. In fact, studies have shown that over 70 per cent of businesses that have been involved in a major fi re either do not reopen or subsequently fail within three years. Fire prevention is far easier than trying to recover from a fi re. More importantly, a fi re risk assessment ensures the safety of your staff and patients. Thankfully, fully meeting the regulations is not as dif fi cult as one might expect, but failing to do so comes with the risk of a large fi ne and even a prison sentence. The fi ve stages of a fi re risk assessment By completing a fi re risk assessment, you will gain a full understanding of your business in terms of the activities that are carried out and the risks present. By going through the fi ve steps, you will have made your dental surgery safer and compliant. Step 5: Record any fi ndings and regularly review the assessment to keep it up to date. The risk assessment should be recorded at all stages, including the actions you have taken along the way. If you hire fi ve or more members of staff, it is a requirement to have written proof that you have fulfi lled your duty as a responsible business owner. Dental practice fi re hazards For a fi re to burn, it needs heat, fuel and oxygen. With one or more of those elements removed, a fi re is instantly less likely to break out. Therefore, you need to identify those items that can burn and potential sources of a fi re and keep them separated. Possible sources that can cause a fi re are radiographic and other electrical equipment when they overheat, are misused or are faulty. This can be avoided with regular inspection and servicing by professionals. Heaters, cooking equipment and smoking materials are other risks. There is also the possibility of arson. When looking around for potential fuel sources, there are many to consider, including medical sup- plies, toiletries, aerosols, furniture, clothing, cleaning products, and waste. In a dental practice, the oxygen stored in cylinders can be a fi re and explosion risk if damaged or used incorrectly. It is therefore important to take particular care in their use and storage. Step 1: Identify all potential combustibles and possible sources of ignition. Identify those at risk Step 2: Consider all the relevant people who are at greatest risk from fi re. Step 3: Remove or reduce the risks of fi re as far as possible and take precautions. Step 4: Prepare for an emergency with fi re safety equipment, by providing correct training and by hav- ing a plan of which everyone is aware. The next step is to consider the people who could potentially be present on your premises at the time of a fi re. Of course, this includes staff and patients, but also take into consideration agency staff, contractors and other visitors to your practice. There may be particular individuals who would need assistance in making a swift escape in an emergency. Those with mobility issues, such as the elderly and disabled, are particularly at risk, as are children. Think specifi - 32 laser 3 2017