Department of Periodontology
SOPs
FIRE FIGHTING AND USE OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
Fire Safety: Prevention and Use of Fire Extinguishers
1. Purpose
To establish standardized guidelines for fire prevention, safe handling of fire hazards, and proper use, maintenance, and accessibility of fire extinguishers within the Department, ensuring safety of patients, staff, students, and infrastructure.
2. Scope
This SOP applies to all personnel including faculty, postgraduate and undergraduate students, interns, dental hygienists, administrative staff, and support staff working within the department.
3. General Fire Prevention Measures
3.1 Housekeeping and Storage
- Keep hallways, corridors, and exits unobstructed at all times.
- Ensure proper storage of combustible materials; avoid accumulation of paper, cardboard, and chemicals.
- Maintain a minimum clearance of 18 inches below sprinkler heads when stacking materials.
3.2 Handling of Flammable and Hazardous Materials
- Store flammable liquids only in approved flammable storage cabinets.
- Segregate chemicals according to hazard classification.
- Ensure proper storage and securing of compressed gas cylinders.
3.3 Electrical Safety
- Use only certified and approved electrical equipment.
- Regularly inspect electrical cords, plugs, and equipment; replace damaged components immediately.
- Avoid overloading electrical outlets.
- Report faulty wiring, exposed cables, or damaged outlets to the Maintenance/Electrical Department.
- Switch off and unplug electrical appliances when not in use.
3.4 Heat and Flame Safety
- Avoid open flames (candles, burners, etc.) unless essential for clinical/laboratory procedures.
- Never leave open flames unattended.
- Maintain at least 3 feet distance between heating devices and combustible materials.
- Do not use flammable substances near heat sources.
3.5 Equipment Safety
- Use appropriate tools for handling hot equipment; avoid unsafe substitutes.
- Ensure all heat-generating devices are turned off after working hours.
3.6 Emergency Preparedness
- Be familiar with at least two emergency exit routes.
- Participate in fire drills and safety training programs.
- Assemble at designated safe assembly points during emergencies.
- Emergency contact numbers: 100 / 101 / 112
4. Classification of Fires
| Class | Type of Fire | Examples | Suitable Extinguishing Agents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class A | Ordinary combustibles | Paper, wood, cloth | Water, ABC dry chemical |
| Class B | Flammable liquids | Petrol, oils, paints | CO₂, dry chemical |
| Class C | Electrical fires | Wiring, appliances | CO₂, dry chemical (non-conductive) |
| Class D | Combustible metals | Magnesium, sodium | Special dry powder agents |
| Class K | Cooking oils/fats | Kitchen fires | Wet chemical |
5. Types of Fire Extinguishers
- ABC Dry Chemical Extinguisher: Suitable for Classes A, B, and C; multipurpose but leaves residue.
- Water Extinguisher: Suitable for Class A only; not for electrical fires.
- CO₂ Extinguisher: Suitable for Class B and C; clean agent, no residue, ideal for electrical equipment.
- BC Dry Chemical Extinguisher: Effective for flammable liquids and electrical fires.
- Class D Extinguisher: Specialized for combustible metals; must match metal type.
- Wet Chemical Extinguisher: Suitable for Class K fires (cooking oils and fats).
6. Fire Extinguisher Ratings
- Ratings indicate extinguishing capacity.
- Example: A 4-A extinguisher has approximately twice the capacity of a 2-A extinguisher.
- Class C, D, and K extinguishers are labeled by type only, without numerical ratings.
7. Location and Accessibility
-
Fire extinguishers must be:
- Clearly visible and easily accessible
- Installed along normal paths of travel and near exits
- Free from obstruction at all times
- In large or obstructed areas, signage must indicate extinguisher location.
-
Extinguishers must be:
- Mounted on approved brackets or cabinets
- Installed at appropriate heights as per safety norms
8. Number and Distribution
-
Determined by the Fire Safety Authority/Local Regulations based on:
- Area size and layout
- Fire risk level
- Travel distance to nearest extinguisher
- Type of hazards present
9. Use of Fire Extinguishers (PASS Technique)
All personnel designated to use fire extinguishers must be trained in the PASS technique:
- P – Pull the safety pin
- A – Aim at the base of the fire
- S – Squeeze the handle
- S – Sweep side to side
10. Maintenance and Inspection
-
Ensure extinguishers are:
- Fully charged and operational
- Inspected monthly (visual) and annually (professional servicing)
-
Maintain records of:
- Inspection dates
- Servicing and refilling
- Replacement history
11. Roles and Responsibilities
- Head of Department: Overall supervision and compliance
- Fire Safety Officer/Committee: Implementation, audits, and training
- Faculty and Staff: Adherence to SOP and participation in training
- Students and Interns: Compliance with safety practices and reporting hazards
12. Training and Awareness
- Mandatory fire safety training for all staff and students
- Periodic mock drills and evacuation exercises
- Display of fire safety instructions and emergency contacts at prominent locations
13. Documentation and Audit
-
Maintain:
- Fire safety training records
- Fire drill reports
- Equipment maintenance logs
- Conduct periodic internal audits to ensure compliance and preparedness
SOP's
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE IN DEPARTMENT OF PERIODONTICS
1. SOPs for CLINICS
2. SOPs for OFFICE
3. SOPs for TEACHING
SOPs for CLINICS
Purpose, Aims, Scope, and Service Protocol
Purpose
To provide comprehensive, evidence-based professional services for the prevention, diagnosis, and management of periodontal and peri-implant diseases, while ensuring optimal oral health, function, and aesthetics for all patients.
Aims
Periodontology is the dental specialty concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth and dental implants, along with the maintenance of the health, function, and aesthetics of these structures.
A Periodontist is a dental specialist trained to diagnose, prevent, and manage periodontal and peri-implant diseases using both non-surgical and surgical modalities, with an emphasis on regenerative and implant therapies.
Scope of Services
The Department of Periodontology offers the following clinical services:
- Periodontal Evaluation
- Periodontal Maintenance Therapy
- Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy (Scaling and Root Planing)
- Crown Lengthening Procedures
- Periodontal Pocket Reduction (Flap Surgery)
- Regenerative Periodontal Procedures
- Periodontal Plastic and Mucogingival Surgery
- Ridge Augmentation Procedures
- Sinus Augmentation Procedures
- Laser-Assisted Periodontal Therapy
- Dental Implant Placement and Maintenance
Standard Operating Protocol: Periodontal Evaluation
Aim
To determine the presence, severity, and risk of periodontal disease and to formulate an appropriate treatment plan.
Procedure
All patients reporting to the Department of Periodontology OPD shall undergo a Comprehensive Periodontal Evaluation (CPE) conducted by a consultant periodontist along with a team of postgraduate students.
The evaluation includes assessment of the following six components:
-
Teeth and Restorations
Assessment of the relationship between teeth and supporting structures, including evaluation of existing restorations such as fillings, crowns, implants, and prostheses. -
Plaque and Calculus
Evaluation of the presence, distribution, and severity of dental plaque and calculus deposits. -
Gingival and Periodontal Assessment
Measurement of periodontal pocket depth using a periodontal probe, assessment of clinical attachment levels, bleeding on probing, gingival inflammation, and overall periodontal health. -
Occlusal Analysis
Assessment of occlusion (bite), identification of traumatic occlusion, tooth mobility, migration, or fremitus. -
Alveolar Bone Assessment
Radiographic evaluation (intraoral radiographs/OPG/CBCT as indicated) to assess bone levels, architecture, and presence of bone loss. -
Risk Factor Assessment
Identification of local and systemic risk factors including age, tobacco use, genetic predisposition, systemic diseases (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular diseases), medications, and lifestyle factors.
Post-Evaluation Protocol
- The consultant will explain the diagnosis, disease status, and treatment plan to the patient.
- Patients will be appropriately allocated to undergraduate students, dental hygienists, or postgraduate students based on treatment needs and complexity.
- All patients will receive oral hygiene instructions, including proper brushing techniques and interdental cleaning (flossing/interdental aids).
- Preventive counseling and motivation will be reinforced at every visit.
Responsibility
- Consultants (Faculty): Overall supervision, diagnosis, treatment planning, and execution of advanced procedures.
- Postgraduate Students: Clinical evaluation, treatment delivery under supervision, and patient education.
- Undergraduate Students/Dental Hygienists: Basic periodontal care, maintenance therapy, and reinforcement of oral hygiene practices under supervision.
