Please enable JavaScript.
Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.
Legislation & Policy - Coggle Diagram
Legislation & Policy
Purpose of Legal Requirements & How they support H&S
8) Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations (IR(ME)R)
Main Aim:
make sure every medical exposure is justified and optimised
In Practice:
exposure must be clinically justified, benefit > risk, dose kept ALARP, clear roles - referrer, practitioner, operator; only trained, authorised staff use x-ray equipment
Protects pts from unnecessary or excessive radiation
9) Local Rules (Radiography)
Practice-specific written rules for radiation safety
In Practice:
set out who can use x-ray equipment, controlled area boundaries, safe working procedures, emergency actions if things go wrong
Ensures everyone in that practice folliows consistent, safe x-ray procedures
7) Ionising Radiations Regulations (IRR 2017)
Main Aim:
protect staff, pts, public & environment from ionising radiation
In practice:
risk assessments, controlled areas around x-ray rooms, equipment maintenance, PPE/shileding, radiation protection supervisor, dose kept ALARP
Ensures x-ray work is safe for workers and public
10) Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)
Main Aim:
ensure electrical appliances are safe
In Practice:
visual checks + electrical testing at suitable intervals, frequency based on risk, staff report damage & help keep records
Prevents electrical faults, shocks & fires from faulty equipment
6) HTM 03-01: Heating & Ventilation of Health Sector Buildings
Main Aim:
specialist ventilation guidance for healthcare premises
In Practice:
local exhaust ventilation (LEV) to remove aerosols & contaminants, you must keep grilles clear and report unusual odours, follow infection control guidance
Helps control aerosols, fumes and infection spread
5) HTM 01-05: Decontamination in Primary Care Dental Practices
Main Aim:
standardise decontamination of instruments in dental practices
In Practice:
validated decontamination processs, written policy updated at least every 2 years, documented training and competency, use of appropriate equipment
Reduces cross-infection and ensures safe reusable instruments
11) Pressure Vessel Regulations
Apply to equipment under pressure e.g., autoclaves & oxygen cylinders
In Practice:
regular inspection and pressure/'hydrostatic' tests to check structural integrity, leaks & safe operation; testing at defined intervals
Prevents explosions, equipment failure & serious injury
4) HTM 07-01: Management & Disposal of Healthcare Waste
Main Aim:
safe and sustainable waste management
In Practice:
correct waste categories, segregation, PPE for handling, secure storage, use of waste hierarchy (Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle, Recover, Dispose)
Protects staff, pts, public and environment from clinical/chemical waste risks
12) Regulatory Standards for Medical Devices (CE/UKCA Mark)
Mark shows devices meet safety & performance standards
In Practice:
dental chairs, handpicks, implants etc; should be CE/UKCA marked = ensures they are suitable, tested & traceable
Reduces risk of harm from unsafe/poor-quality devices & materials
3) Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
Main Aim:
protect staff, pts & others from hazardous substances
In Practice:
risk assessments for chemicals, safe storage and labelling, SDS sheets, PPE, ventilation, training, emergency spill procedures, health surveillance where needed
Controls exposure to things like disinfectants, x-ray chemicals, amalgam & fumes
13) Public Liability Insurance
Provides financial protection if a member of the public (pt or visitor) is injured or if their property is damaged & the practice is found liable
In Practice:
covers legal fees, compensation, medical costs; allows practices to keep operating if a claim occurs
Encourages safe working & proper risk management
2) Health & Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013
Main Aim:
prevent sharps injuries in healthcare
In Practice:
minimise sharps use, use safer alternatives, no recapping needles, sharps disposed of in proper containers, only trained staff (usually dentists) should dispose of them
Reduces risk of needlestick injuries and blood-borne infections
14) Reporting of Injuries, Diseases & Dangerous Occurrences (RIDDOR)
Main Aim:
ensure certain serious injuries are reported to HSE
Covers: serious injuries (fractures, amputations, serious burns, death), occupational diseases (dermatitis, asthma, CTS), and dangerous occurrences (contaminated sharps injuries, small fires, heavy equipment fallings etc)
In Practice:
employer/designated person reports; you must report incidents to manager/H&S lead and follow local sharps/accident procedures
Data helps identify trends & improve workplace safety nationally
1) Health & Safety At Work Act 1974
Main Aim:
ensure health, safety & welfare of everyone at work
Covers:
safe use/storage of chemicals, safe equipment, harassment & stress
In Practice:
must follow H&S procedures, use PPE, report hazards; inspectors can enter the practice and enforce law
Consequences if H&S Guidance is NOT Followed
B) Practice
Reputation Damage -
pts may leave, reduced referrals
Sanctions -
warnings, fines, conditions on registration from regulators
Prosecution -
criminal charges for serious or wilful non-compliance
C) Patients
Injury or Ill Health -
from accidents, infections, faulty equipment, poor decontamination
Loss of trust -
may avoid future treatment or lose confidence in the profession
A) Self (You)
Injury -
e.g., needlestick injuries, chemical burns, musculoskeletal disorders
Ill health -
chronic problems from long-term chemical exposure or poor ergonomics
Loss of employment -
disciplinary action or dismissal for serious/non-repeated breaches
D) Environment
Pollution -
from incorrect disposal of amalgams chemicals, clinical waste
Deterioration -
poorly maintained premises & equipment
Fly tipping -
illegal dumping of waste, criminal offence, harms local environment & community