Dental air compressors condense atmospheric air and give clean, compressed air to ensure the smooth running of the various equipment used in dental surgeries.
Keeping the patients infection-free is every dentist’s priority, and dentists are legally required to annually service and test air compressors for air quality. It is mandatory to keep all the service records and results of these tests, and keep them safe. A dentist should also maintain the suction systems by regularly removing, cleaning and replacing them.
Keep the Moisture Content in Check
When atmospheric air is compressed, condensation occurs. This moisture is ever present in the air compressors, and can be ideal for bacteria to breed and thrive. To take care of this, the air compressors have dryers mounted to remove as much water as possible. The dryer is also paired with a filter to clean the air. The dryer and filter are mandatory to protect patients from compressor-bred microorganisms, which could get transferred to the patients during procedures. Every dentist must periodically check the air compressors for the smooth functioning and hygiene levels of the dryer.
Check the Oil
Along with atmospheric air, air compressors pull in the surrounding contaminants, as well. Plus, an air compressor, like any other machinery, needs to be regularly lubricated. Thus, there is always a possibility that the oil can leak into the air stream and put patients at infection risks. A dentist must prudently check the oil filters, as mentioned in his compressor maintenance manual. Alternatively, dentists could also opt for air compressors with special sealant systems designed to prevent oil leaks.
At the risk of repetition, air compressors pull in atmospheric air and compress it for the various requirements of dentistry. Now, if an air compressor is placed within the proximity of a vacuum system without proper ventilation, the carbon dioxide present in the air near the vacuum can be pulled in to the air compressor, thereby resulting in contamination. It is, therefore, necessary for a dentist to provide the requisite ventilation for a dental air compressor.
Every dentist must follow his maintenance manual very closely and periodically check the air compressors for oxygen, oil, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, odour and taste.
Conducting periodic air audits gives an idea of what needs to be checked, and would also bring to light the areas with leaks and loopholes.
Preventive maintenance, repair and refurbishment, coupled with checking compressor leaks and patching small holes, goes a long way in saving costs and maintaining quality standards.
GCASL supply, maintain and repair air compressors across Bristol and the surrounding areas. For more information contact us today.