NOV
09
0

Efficiency in keeping records CQC compliance - David Gibson of Eschmann

Efficiency in keeping records CQC compliance

CQC compliance requires an ever-growing amount of time, effort and resources in the dental sector. Ensuring effective protocols are in place in preparation for the crucial inspections is essential in order to avoid any nasty surprises or last minute panics.

 

The keeping of records is a particularly cumbersome yet vital aspect, and the equipment used for decontamination and sterilisation lies at the heart of ensuring compliance.

 

HTM 01-05 2.4n states: Equipment used to decontaminate dental instruments should be fit for purpose and validated. This means that the device should be commissioned, maintained and periodically tested by a Competent Person (Decontamination) or service engineer, that records of maintenance should be kept and that correct functioning should be monitored and recorded”.

 

Therefore all testing reports are required to be kept for documentary evidence of the effectiveness of equipment in the dental practice. However, the meticulous task of record keeping can be time consuming and also has the potential for inaccurate logging of data due to inevitable human error. It is therefore crucial to try to find a way to enhance the efficiency of your record keeping and streamline this process, whilst maintaining the quality of data.

 

One area that can be especially time consuming is the recording of daily and weekly test cycle data of your autoclave and/or washer disinfector. From the everyday ACT tests completed each morning to measure the time, steam and temperature of the autoclave, to the weekly residual air and air leakage tests, each check requires detailed annotation, documented in a daily logbook for every piece of equipment in the practice.

 

Although absolutely essential in terms of practice inspections, manually having to record this data and then store it can often be seen as more than a mere inconvenience. Some autoclaves will have a printer installed, which will print off a receipt that should be kept, which makes the process a little easier and more efficient, but it still requires time and effort to collate these print-offs, not to mention the physical space needed to store the data.

 

However, there are new technological solutions that can make all of this a thing of the past. The latest autoclaves from Eschmann are compatible with computer software that can capture all of the data necessary from your tests and automatically save it onto your PC. This means you have no forms to fill in and store, and you don't have to transfer data using memory cards or USB devices.

 

With such software you will benefit from quick and easy cycle sign-off at the click of a button and you could even monitor the progress of your cycle from your PC or laptop. The latest software will also show you when your instruments are ready for use, as the software operates in real-time meaning it is always up to the minute, which is precisely what you need in a busy dental practice.

 

The Eschmann real-time Wireless Cycle Logger with automatic daily/weekly test cycle software is compatible with the company's own autoclaves and washer disinfectors. Providing automatic population of daily and weekly test cycle records, this software is making manual record keeping and storage a thing of the past, while also providing added security through accurately recorded and validated cycles and tests ready for official inspection.

 

To take away any unnecessary worry in the lead up to your next CQC inspection, make sure you have everything in place now.

 

 

For more information please visit www.eschmann.co.uk, or call 01903 753322

 

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5224 Hits
NOV
05
0

Is It a Motorcar? Introducing the Mocom Futura & Classic

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An autoclave should be viewed as if it were a working motor vehicle when making the decision which one to purchase. After all it is now an integral part of the everyday running of a dental practice.

When choosing a motor car or van one considers the marque, the standing in the market place, the residual future value, the running costs, the reliability, the service costs, availability of spare parts, the back-up, and how it is to drive.

If we take the engine and transmission of a motor vehicle the equivalent for this on an autoclave is the steam generator and the vacuum pump (B and S type to ISO En13060). The steam generator on the majority of autoclaves is simply two plates with water channels and a heating rod, sealed by a series of o rings and heat resistant rubber seals. In days gone by motor engines were susceptible to choking up with carbon deposits, causing major and expensive problems. Steam generators clog up because of the build-up of mineral deposits and foreign particles which block the channels and cause back pressure on the vacuum pump and valves (3 in a vacuum autoclave), which inevitably leads to the machine to fail. The steam generator is not usually part of an annual service so the potential problems can go undetected. The problems can be minimised by servicing, such as air filters and water filters being changed annually, however calcium can by-pass these filters creating a baked calcium effect on the plates due to high temperatures.

In summary the most common design of steam generators are susceptible to failure due to a small amount of debris, excess minerals etc. easily getting trapped in the water /steam channels. These foreign particles become baked on by the high temperatures generated by the heating rods in the steam generator. An everyday example of this can be seen by looking at a domestic iron that furs up through the steam ports.

When the steam generator fails it is a sign that it has started a chain reaction with the inline valves and expensive vacuum pump. To remedy the steam generator problem, the engineer has to attend site and spend hours removing it, splitting it, cleaning it (sometimes the deposits are that baked on they cannot be removed), change the seals and o rings, and re assemble it. The engineer will have to then check the valves and vacuum pump causing a lot of work which could have been easily avoided. If one has this type steam generator then the policing of what enters it is crucial. This breakdown is a worldwide problem and so the industry had to come up with a better design.

 

 

 

Well the industry has-say hello to the Mocom Futura and Classic range.

The new patented steam generator has moved away from plates and introduced a serviceable cylindrical design, which is easy to clean and is an engineering masterpiece.
Just to make sure this is probably the most reliable vacuum autoclave on the market they have put the three valves together on a manifold for ease of servicing, and long term reliability.
The vacuum autoclave is now much, much more reliable saving time, money and creating durability.

Dental Decontamination Limited is proud to produce and be the only UK supplier of the Mocom Futura and Classic range, and they are now available to order by phone or by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Please save yourself precious time and expense and put yourself ahead of the game. Contact us now.

 

Phone:- 01253 736355

Email:- This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Web:- www.dentaldecontamination.net/

Twitter:- @DENTALDECON

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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