1. Implement Required Best Management Practices
- Do not rinse chairside traps, vacuum screens, or amalgam separator equipment in a sink or other sanitary sewer connection.
- Train staff in the proper handling and disposal of amalgam materials and fixer-containing solutions; training records must be available for inspection.
- Do not use bleach or other chlorine-containing disinfectants to disinfect the vacuum line system. Click here for example alternatives
- Do not use bulk liquid mercury; only precapsulated dental amalgam is permitted.
- Store amalgam waste in accordance with recycler or hauler instructions.
The American Dental Association recommends additional amalgam management practices. The RWQCP strongly recommends that dental practices implement all ADA-recommended practices in addition to those mandated above.
2. Install an Amalgam Separator
Dental practices that remove and/or place amalgam fillings must install an amalgam separator by March 31, 2005.
Approved separators are those that meet the International Organization for Standardization's standard ISO 11143 and are certified by the American Dental Association or other qualified testing laboratory to remove at least 95% of amalgam. The City and County of San Francisco is maintaining a list of approved separators. These separators are also acceptable in the RWQCP service area.
Several ADA articles on amalgam separators (located under the Special Reports heading) address issues such as laboratory evaluations of separators, and purchasing, installing and operating separators.
3. Certify Your Compliance
4. Record Keeping
Dental practices must keep the following information on site for 3 years:
- Staff training records
- Separator installation and maintenance records
- Amalgam waste disposal records
All records must be provided to municipal inspectors upon request.
More information and forms are available for download.
