21 Jul Important Announcement
IMPORTANT NOTIFICATION REGARDING THE NEW AMALGAM SEPARATOR EPA GUIDELINES! Now that our dentists have implemented amalgam separator devices into their practices to conform to the new EPA regulations, there are still a few things to keep in mind in order to remain compliant in the years to come. Some parts of the new ruling may be confusing, so Yaeger Dental is stepping in to help you figure out what you need to do to remain compliant. Please review all the following materials! Compliance is more than having an amalgam separator installed alongside your suction system. There are ongoing requirements to maintain compliance to the new rulings.
1 Keep your user manual on hand and follow the instructions Be sure to keep a copy of the amalgam separator user manual on hand in the office. We recommend storing it with your documented weekly inspections of your separator, that way if an inspector stops by to check your records, everything will be in one place and take very little time to review. Inspectors will be rolling out enforcement of the new EPA rulings soon, so it is best to remain prepared. If you don’t have your manual on hand, most can be obtained on the manufacturer’s website. Check with your local water authority if you need more information on enforcement procedures.
The link below will take you to the Yaeger Dental blog, where you can find multiple videos with more information on this topic in podcast form!
2 Use the proper line treatment Using the proper vacuum line flush treatment is absolutely critical in remaining compliant, as well as avoiding damage or malfunctions to your amalgam separator and vacuum system as a whole. Finding a compliant, pH neutral cleaner that is effective can be a tricky and expensive trial-and-error process, so we’ve done the homework for you! The Bio-Pure Liquid Flush has been our #1 recommendation for some time now, and is still our highest rated product by far. If you wish to continue with another line treatment product, consult with your technician to be sure it is compatible with your separator system.
3 Log your weekly inspections This is an incredibly important aspect of the legislation that is often overlooked! Per the legislation, records must be kept as follows:
Sections 441.50 (b) Dental Dischargers or an agent or representative of the dental discharger must maintain and make available for inspection in either physical or electronic form, for a minimum of three years: (1) Documentation of the date, person(s) conducting the inspection, and results of each inspection of the amalgam separator(s) or equivalent device(s), and a summary of follow-up actions, if needed. (2) Documentation of amalgam retaining container or equivalent container replacement (including the date, as applicable). (3) Documentation of all dates that collected dental amalgam is picked up or shipped for proper disposal in accordance with 40 CFR 261.5(g)(3), and the name of the permitted or licensed treatment, storage or disposal facility receiving the amalgam retaining containers. (4) Documentation of any repair or replacement of an amalgam separator or equivalent device, including the date, person(s) making the repair or replacement, and a description of the repair or replacement (including make and model). (5) Dischargers or an agent or representative of the dental discharger must maintain and make available for inspection in either physical or electronic form the manufacturers operating manual for the current device.
Don’t worry, it’s less complicated than it seems! Below is a link to a printable document that you can fill out and keep on hand for any and all inspections.
Note: If you have a Solmetex brand separator, remember to set a reminder for yourself to check and document the status of your separator every week in order to maintain compliant. In partnership with Stephanie Smiles, we also offer an online logging option for your amalgam separator record keeping! For all of our Yaeger Dental customers, simply go to https://dds-epa.org and use the code CA-YDS-MMC to gain access to the free record keeping software. There is also a subscription based version with added benefits, including added assistance in monitoring your amalgam separator logs by Yaeger Dental, which you can upgrade to at any time you wish.
Stay up to date with Yaeger Dental Supply! Special thanks to Stephanie Smiles, a 501c3 charity organization, for the record keeping templates and free use amalgam separator logging software for our doctors! |