What are the guidelines for sterilizing dental burs, according to OSHA?
A Since sterilization of instruments is not an employee health issue, OSHA does not provide guidance for sterilization. However, since used burs are a contaminated sharp, employees must wear the appropriate personal protective equipment when handling them after patient care. Like other contaminated disposable sharps, used burs should be discarded into sharps containers(1). Because dental burs are difficult to clean and are degraded by the sterilization process, dental offices should consider making burs a single use disposable item.
