Regulatory Compliance
C D A J O U R N A L , V O L 4 9 , Nº 12
Electrical Safety, Fire Extinguishers, Eyewash, Exit Signs and Other Cal/OSHA Regulations CDA Practice Support
D
entists should be aware of certain occupational safety regulations for which dental facilities have been cited for violating. These regulations are found in the California Code of Regulations Title 8 Chapter 4 Subchapter 1 Unfired Pressure Vessel Safety Orders, Subchapter 3 Compressed Air Safety Orders, Subchapter 5 Electrical Safety Orders and Subchapter 7 General Industry Safety Orders and can be viewed on the Department of Industrial Relations website, dir.ca.gov. This article reviews Cal/OSHA regulations on: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Electrical safety. Portable fire extinguishers. Eyewash stations. Exit signs. Maintenance and access to exits.
§2340.16 Work space about electric equipment
Sufficient access and working space are required to be maintained around all electric equipment in order to ensure their safe operation and maintenance. Three feet is the minimum required distance under most conditions, although the table in the regulation should be referenced for more details on voltage and conditions. Proper illumination must be available and provided as necessary to work on equipment.
§2340.17 Guarding of energized parts
Energized parts of electric equipment operating at 50 volts or more must be
guarded against accidental contact through use of approved cabinets or other forms of approved enclosures. Also acceptable are one of these four methods: located in enclosed space accessible only to qualified persons;
and a fire prevention plan that meet Cal/OSHA requirements, the employer need only meet the following inspection, maintenance and testing requirements: ■ ■
Dentists should be aware of certain occupational safety regulations for which dental facilities have been cited for violating.
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use of suitable partitions that only a qualified person can use to access the space; located at an elevated location to prevent access by an unqualified person; or located 8 feet or more above the working area. Other electrical safety regulations govern equipment identification, receptacles and cord connectors and prohibit specific uses and locations of flexible cords and cables.
§6151 Portable fire extinguishers
The regulation applies to the placement, use, maintenance and testing of portable fire extinguishers provided for the use of employees. In offices where extinguishers are provided but are not intended for employee use and the employer has an emergency action plan
Monthly visual inspection. Annual maintenance check. Record date of maintenance check and retain record for one year after last entry. Alternate protection must be provided when portable extinguisher is removed from service for maintenance and recharging. Empty and recharge every six years a stored pressure dry chemical extinguisher that requires a 12-year hydrostatic test, except if it has a nonrefillable disposable container. Hydrostatic testing performed by a trained individual with suitable testing equipment and facilities.
If employees are intended to use the fire extinguishers, an employer must provide training to employees to familiarize them with the general principles of fire extinguisher use and hazards of their use. Training must be done upon employment and at least annually thereafter. Extinguishers should be mounted on the wall and identified and maintained in a fully charged and operable condition. They should be kept in their designated locations at all times except during use. Selection and distribution of fire extinguishers within the dental facility must be based on the types of fires anticipated in the workplace. D ECEMBER 2 0 2 1
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