Questions and Answers
What is the difference between a LibertyBOSS and an AmalgamBOSS?
Although the outside dimensions are the same, the internal media chamber and the sludge collection area of the LibertyBOSS is significantly larger to accommodate larger flows and sludge collection.
What is involved in the service of the BOSS separators?
At the end of its scheduled service life the separator is replaced. The BOSS line of amalgam separators are NEVER opened in the dental facility. This is done to eliminate any possibility of Pathogen or Mercury Vapour being released from the separator.
All Doctors are aware of the dangerous nature of the contents of a used amalgam separator. Ask yourself this question “Do I want to inhale anything that has been in an amalgam separator?”
How long will install or service take? Will my suction be turned off for long?
- Service of an existing BOSS separator should only take 10 minutes.
- Installation of a new BOSS system can be completed in less than 30 minutes.
- Replacement of a non-MARS system may take an hour or less, dependent on the system being replaced.
- Installation of a new BOSS system can be completed in less than 30 minutes.
- Replacement of a non-MARS system may take an hour or less, dependent on the system being replaced.
Will I receive a certificate of destruction when the unit is serviced?
M.A.R.S sends the facility a Certificate of Compliance after the installation and a Certificate of Destruction when the separator is serviced. Both certificates are to be kept in the facility for three years.
Why is the Flow Rate the Amalgam Separator was tested at so important?
It is very important because as the flow rate decreases it allows more time for the contaminants in the wastewater to settle into the collection chamber. As flow rates increase this settling time is reduced and the efficiency of the separator in reduced accordingly. This is why M.A.R.S has selected a flow rate of 750ml /min. This flow rate will easily handle up to 10 chairs.
It is important to buy an amalgam separator that has been designed and certified under realistic operating conditions. ISO 11143 testing is performed at the manufacturers suggested flow rate and the separator is them certified according to that flow rate. A separator with a flow rate of 100 ml /min may achieve a 99% efficiency rating however when that same unit is asked to process 500 ml /min the efficiency will drop significantly.
It is important to buy an amalgam separator that has been designed and certified under realistic operating conditions. ISO 11143 testing is performed at the manufacturers suggested flow rate and the separator is them certified according to that flow rate. A separator with a flow rate of 100 ml /min may achieve a 99% efficiency rating however when that same unit is asked to process 500 ml /min the efficiency will drop significantly.
Why should Dentists be concerned about Amalgam Waste in the Environment?
Mercury can change from solid to liquid to vapour depending on its surroundings. Capturing amalgam waste at the source is the only way to prevent the release of mercury into the environment. Once released into the sewer system Mercury will find its way into our waterways, where it enters the food chain. What starts out as stable, encapsulated mercury in the amalgams may be converting to a form of mercury toxic to humans and aquatic life. Based on information from the US Navy, biological activity in the sewer system can release mercury from amalgam.1
1. Mark E. Stone, DDS, et al "Methyl mercury Content in Dental Unit Wastewater",Naval Research Institute. Article available at: http://www.dentalmercury.com/publications.html
1. Mark E. Stone, DDS, et al "Methyl mercury Content in Dental Unit Wastewater",Naval Research Institute. Article available at: http://www.dentalmercury.com/publications.html
What are all the Amalgam Wastes in a Dental Practice?
The following are all the amalgam wastes found in a dental practice:
• Amalgam capsule mixing waste
• Used or broken capsules
• Scrap amalgam carvings
• Extracted teeth with amalgam
• Chair side traps
• Vacuum line screens (traps)
• Amalgam capsule mixing waste
• Used or broken capsules
• Scrap amalgam carvings
• Extracted teeth with amalgam
• Chair side traps
• Vacuum line screens (traps)
Why do you need an Amalgam Separator that uses Chelation to remove Soluble Mercury?
Modern high speed dental instruments create very fine mercury waste particulate when an old amalgam filling is removed. Traps, screens, filters and settlement chambers only collect larger particulate waste. Adsorption onto ion exchange resin in the separator's treatment chamber serves to bond with and capture dissolved mercury before it leaves the amalgam separator.
Chemical chelation, then, prevents dissolved mercury from passing through the finest screen filters, literally collecting and keeping soluble mercury inside the amalgam separator.
Chemical chelation, then, prevents dissolved mercury from passing through the finest screen filters, literally collecting and keeping soluble mercury inside the amalgam separator.
What if the Landlord or another Dental Practice oversees the Vacuum System?
Each dental practice is legally responsible for ensuring that an approved amalgam separator has been installed for a shared vacuum system. Communicate with the other dental practice(s) and the building owner to determine who is responsible for installation, maintenance, and compliance.
What should a Dentist do if there is a Mercury-Spill?
Mercury-spill kits are available from M.A.R.S Bio-Med Processes Inc. and a number of companies that specialize in Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) compliance supplies and equipment. It is important to train staff members in proper mercury-spill clean-up procedures.
What happens if there is a Large Quantity Mercury-Spill?
First of all, let's define what a large quantity mercury-spill is! You'll be surprised to learn that the definition of a large quantity mercury-spill is only a couple of tablespoons! Do not touch the mercury and do not vacuum or try to sweep or wipe it up. Isolate the spill area; keep people away, and call 9-1-1 or your local Poison Center for more detailed instructions and numbers of professional spill responders.
The beauty of M.A.R.S' Amalgam Separators is they are simplified, self-contained and sealed. With no requirements for in-office decanting, or cartridge removals at the regular maintenance interval, there is no possibility of the danger and inconvenience of a mercury-spill.
The beauty of M.A.R.S' Amalgam Separators is they are simplified, self-contained and sealed. With no requirements for in-office decanting, or cartridge removals at the regular maintenance interval, there is no possibility of the danger and inconvenience of a mercury-spill.
Why do I need to recycle/dispose of my Vacuum Screen (Trap)?
Having your vacuum screen (trap) picked up by an authorized hazardous waste disposal company keeps captured mercury out of the sink, the sewer system, the garbage, and the anatomical red bag.
What do I do with my Contact and Non-Contact Amalgam Waste?
Get a large dedicated and labeled container from M.A.R.S, or your local waste hauler that can be sealed for transport and put your contact and non-contact waste in it. Check with your local waste hauler, if disinfectant is required inside the container.
What do I do with my Cuspidor?
Do not let your cuspidor drain amalgam wastes directly into the sewers. By linking the cuspidor to the vacuum system, the amalgam waste will go through the vacuum screen (trap) directly into the amalgam separator.
Some of the contaminants of the evacuation system are saliva, blood, debris from cutting teeth, amalgam, composite resins, fluoride gels, and polishing paste. Under normal conditions, the ¼" inside diameter of the cuspidor tubing tends to get clogged by these contaminants, and increases the bacterial load in the evacuation lines with potential for cross-contamination. Look for warning signs such as compromised suction power.
The M.A.R.S Cuspidor Retrofit Kit uses ½" inside diameter tubing, connecting your cuspidor directly to the amalgam separator throughout the vacuum system. M.A.R.S' wider-sized tubing, without kinks and low spots, allows 100% of the dental evacuation line cleaner to do its job.
By keeping lines unplugged, stress on the evacuation pump is reduced. The threat of productivity downtime and expensive repair work is removed, and your suction will continue to operate at maximum efficiency.
Some of the contaminants of the evacuation system are saliva, blood, debris from cutting teeth, amalgam, composite resins, fluoride gels, and polishing paste. Under normal conditions, the ¼" inside diameter of the cuspidor tubing tends to get clogged by these contaminants, and increases the bacterial load in the evacuation lines with potential for cross-contamination. Look for warning signs such as compromised suction power.
The M.A.R.S Cuspidor Retrofit Kit uses ½" inside diameter tubing, connecting your cuspidor directly to the amalgam separator throughout the vacuum system. M.A.R.S' wider-sized tubing, without kinks and low spots, allows 100% of the dental evacuation line cleaner to do its job.
By keeping lines unplugged, stress on the evacuation pump is reduced. The threat of productivity downtime and expensive repair work is removed, and your suction will continue to operate at maximum efficiency.
Why can't I use Bleach in my Evacuation Lines?
Bleach dissolves mercury from amalgam and releases mercury into the evacuation lines, and then directly into the sewer system. In other practical terms, diluted bleach tends to corrode metals and may affect the integrity of non-metallic components of the chair and evacuation system, too. There are excellent alternative disinfectants to bleach.
M.A.R.S' PowerLINZ evacuation cleanser uses 1.7% chlorhexidine gluconate, more than 2X the potency of some other brands. This active ingredient is very effective against mycobacterium tuberculosis, pseudomonas, staphylococcus, and other pathogens like hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and HIV. Eco-friendly and 100% biodegradable, PowerLINZ is a powerful disinfectant that gives the more thorough and deep cleaning a vacuum system with an amalgam separator requires.
M.A.R.S' PowerLINZ evacuation cleanser uses 1.7% chlorhexidine gluconate, more than 2X the potency of some other brands. This active ingredient is very effective against mycobacterium tuberculosis, pseudomonas, staphylococcus, and other pathogens like hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and HIV. Eco-friendly and 100% biodegradable, PowerLINZ is a powerful disinfectant that gives the more thorough and deep cleaning a vacuum system with an amalgam separator requires.
How often do I need to disinfect my Lines?
Every day! Biological growth can impair the amalgam separator's performance leading to an increase in your practice's mercury discharge. Recommended procedures vary, but NEVER USE BLEACH or other corrosive solutions!
What Detailed Records need to be maintained with respect to Amalgam Separators?
1. Hazardous Waste Disposal Log: Dental offices must keep records of all hazardous wastes generated onsite regardless of whether wastes are disposed off-site. Hazardous Waste Disposal Documentation must be kept for a minimum of three years. Keep a log on: wastes generated; wastes sent to recycling; wastes taken to a licensed hazardous waste site.
2. Amalgam Separator Maintenance Log: Amalgam separator units must be serviced regularly and according to manufacturers’ recommendations to ensure proper efficiency. Contact your separator vendor for specific information about service requirements and frequency. A record of maintenance services along with date and type of service must be documented.
3. Employee Training Log: A log of training activities must be kept to verify all employees have been trained in hazardous waste management.
2. Amalgam Separator Maintenance Log: Amalgam separator units must be serviced regularly and according to manufacturers’ recommendations to ensure proper efficiency. Contact your separator vendor for specific information about service requirements and frequency. A record of maintenance services along with date and type of service must be documented.
3. Employee Training Log: A log of training activities must be kept to verify all employees have been trained in hazardous waste management.
What other Best Management Practices should I know about?
Use a licensed hazardous waste hauler and recycling/disposal firms to take your wastes.
It is the practitioner’s responsibility to ensure that his waste hauler is licensed by the Ministry of the Environment. (M.A.R.S MOE Lic.# 7147 6LZK4G)
It is the practitioner’s responsibility to ensure that his waste hauler is licensed by the Ministry of the Environment. (M.A.R.S MOE Lic.# 7147 6LZK4G)