Final answer:
The correct safety equipment to be used on dental laboratory lathes is Safety, eyewear. Protective measures such as safety eyewear, lead aprons, and knowledge of the location of safety equipment are essential to minimize occupational hazards in dental laboratories.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the safety equipment that should be used on dental laboratory lathes. The correct answer is b) Safety, eyewear. In a dental laboratory setting, it is essential to ensure that technicians are equipped with the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the safety of both the technicians and patients. Safety eyewear is crucial as it protects the eyes from flying debris, dust, and potential chemical splashes. Furthermore, understanding the location of safety equipment, like fire extinguishers and eyewash stations, is vital in a laboratory setting.
Moreover, protective measures such as wearing a lead apron during dental x-ray procedures are commonly employed to limit radiation exposure to tissues other than those being imaged. The general rules for protection against radiation include the use of heavy clothes, gloves, lab coats, and ensuring radioactive materials are stored in shielded containers. With advancements in technology and awareness, occupational exposure to hazardous materials has been greatly reduced, and safety has become a paramount concern throughout the health industry, beyond just dental environments.
For instance, Figures 32.10 and 32.7 from LibreTexts illustrate how lead aprons and other shielding methods are used to protect patients and technicians during x-ray procedures, emphasizing the importance of minimizing exposure time and maximizing distance from the radiation source to reduce dose exposure.