C.O.E. CONTINUING EDUCATION

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1 Continuing Page 1 of 27 Safety Concerns in the Beauty Industry Infection Control Principles As you know, microbes are everywhere, including in the air around you; so infection control requires diligence. Infection control is the term used to describe efforts to prevent the spread of disease and kill microbes. Prevention is practiced at three varying levels of control, which include sanitation at the lowest level, disinfection at the second level and sterilization at the third, and highest level. General practices used during infection-control procedures include hand washing and using personal protective equipment, such as gloves and safety glasses when needed. It also means properly disinfecting all skin care implements and surfaces to prevent cross-contamination (when bacteria are spread by contaminated equipment, surfaces, equipment or food). Gloves must be worn for waxing or extraction procedures when there is the possibility of exposure to blood or body fluids. You may also choose to wear gloves during the facial procedure. This may be required by law in some regions. Check with your regulating agency, but a general rule to follow is this: When in doubt, wear the gloves. There are different types of gloves available on the market, but the two most common types that you will encounter are latex or vinyl gloves. In general, latex gloves cost less than vinyl, but it is advisable to have both types available. Though both are effective some clients and estheticians may have an allergic reaction to latex. A latex allergy could produce reactions such as redness, swelling, itching, burning or 1

2 Continuing Page 2 of 27 hives. An esthetician should inquire about whether a client has this allergy during the Client Consultation. If you notice any unusual redness or reaction during the procedure, you should discard the gloves and wear another type. Infection Control General Terms Infection Control is the prevention of the spread of infectious agents to you and your clients. Sanitation, Disinfection and Sterilization comprise the three levels of infection control. Sanitation is the low-level destruction of surface bacteria. Disinfection eliminates bacteria, viruses and most organisms on inanimate non-porous surfaces. This procedure is recommended for all esthetic implements and surfaces. Sterilization eliminates all living organisms on non-porous surfaces, including bacterial spores that adhere to surgical instruments in medical treatment rooms. Antiseptics arrest or prevent the growth of microorganisms on the skin. Infection-control procedures include hand washing, using personal protective equipment, such as gloves and safety glasses when necessary, and properly disinfecting all skin care implements and surfaces to prevent cross-contamination. Universal Precautions, a set of guidelines established by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), means using the same infection control practices on all clients. Since we cannot identify clients with infectious diseases, it is safer to handle the blood spills and body fluids of all clients as potentially infectious. Exposure to blood and other body fluids presents a risk for skin care professionals. For the esthetician, exposure can occur during the extraction process of a facial, as well as during other services, such as waxing Hand washing removes microorganisms by lifting them from the surface of the skin. Hands should be washed between each service, before and after a lunch break, after using the bathroom, or any time they become contaminated. OSHA s Bloodborne Pathogen Standard should be followed for all tools and implements that come in contact with blood or body fluids. This type of high-level disinfection requires the use of an EPA-registered hospital-level (commonly referred to as hospital-grade) disinfectant that is 2

3 Continuing Page 3 of 27 labeled as effective against HIV-i and Hepatitis B or tuberculocidal (effective against mycobacterium). In relation to disinfectant products in the U.S., EPA Standards require efficacy labels on all disinfectants to inform the user about what organisms the product is effective against. Reading the label and following the directions ensures that the product will perform according to the efficacy claims on the label. Reading the manufacturer s directions plays a significant role in ensuring infection-control practices. You will notice that methods vary from product to product. For example, immersion times (length of time for soaking) in a disinfectant, storage practices and application methods differ for each product. Follow the directions. It cannot be emphasized enough that two steps are necessary for effective infection control, which include reading the label and following the directions. Understanding the importance of reading and following directions, and being familiar with the role of efficacy during infection control, prepares you for a closer look at the procedures used to implement these practices in the workplace. In today s salon or spa environment, infection control has become a major focus of attention. Client concerns about safety, along with new standards set by regulatory agencies, have resulted in heightened awareness of the procedures necessary to prevent cross contamination. The three levels of infection control are sanitation, disinfection and sterilization, which are used to protect you and the public you serve. Determining the appropriate level of decontamination (free of germs) and infection control depends on how a tool or implement is used. Diseases That Can Spread as a Result of Poor Sanitation Procedures Staphylococci Staphylococci are among the most common human bacteria and are carried by about a third of the population. Staph can be picked up on doorknobs, countertops, and other surfaces, but is more frequently transferred through skin to skin contact, such as shaking hands or using unclean implements. Antibiotics once controlled these bacteria, but certain strains of staph are now resistant to the drugs. There is now a greater need than ever for proper use of infection control measures in the cosmetology industry because of these resistance bacteria. Tuberculosis TB is spread through the air from one person to another. The bacteria are put into the air when a person with TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs or sneezes. People nearby may breathe in these bacteria and become infected. When a person breathes in TB bacteria, the bacteria can settle in the lungs and begin to grow. From there, they move through the blood to other parts of the body, such as the kidney, spine, and brain. TB in the lungs or throat can be infectious. This means that the bacteria can 3

4 Continuing Page 4 of 27 be spread to other people. TB in other parts of the body, such as the kidney or spine, is usually not infectious. HERPES Inflammatory diseases of the skin caused by one of several herpes viruses and characterized by clusters of blisters. Hepatitis Hepatitis, a disease marked by inflammation of the liver, is caused by a bloodborne virus similar to HIV in transmission. It is more easily contracted than HIV, however, as it is present in all body fluids. Three types of hepatitis are of concern to a cosmetologist. 1. Hepatitis A. The illness usually lasts about three weeks. Symptoms are similar to those of the flu. Adults often have yellowing of the skin or the eyes. The disease is spread through close household contact, such as common bathroom use; poor sanitation; poor personal hygiene, contaminated food, milk, water, and shellfish; infected food handlers; and sexual contact. A vaccine is available. 2. Hepatitis B. This illness can cause long-term hepatitis, cirrhosis, and or liver cancer. About half the people with the disease do not have symptoms, although the disease can mirror the flu. The disease is primarily transferred through sexual contact or parenteral exposure (piercing mucous membranes or skin barrier) to blood or blood products. A vaccine is available. 3. Hepatitis C. The illness can progress slowly, and about one-third of those with the illness do not have symptoms, though symptoms can include fatigue and stomach pain. The disease is transferred through parenteral contact and sexual activity with infected partners. No vaccine is available. Hepatitis A The illness usually lasts about three weeks. Symptoms are similar to those of the flu. Adults often have yellowing of the skin or the eyes. The disease is spread through close household contact, such as common bathroom use; poor sanitation; poor personal hygiene, contaminated food, milk, water, shellfish, infected food handlers; and sexual contact. A vaccine is available. Hepatitis B This illness can cause long-term hepatitis, cirrhosis, and or liver cancer. About half the people with the disease do not have symptoms, although the disease can mirror the flu. The disease is primarily 4

5 Continuing Page 5 of 27 transferred through sexual contact or parenteral exposure (piercing mucous membranes or skin barrier) to blood products. A vaccine is available. Hepatitis C The illness can progress slowly, and about one-third of those with the illness do not have symptoms, though symptoms can include fatigue and stomach pain. The disease is transferred through parental contact and sexual activity with infected partners. No vaccine is available. Sanitation Sanitation is the lowest level of infection control and serves as the foundation of your infection- control program. This first level of infection control is the physical removal of debris, which reduces the number of microbes present. Sanitation also removes organic matter, such as blood and skin particles, which may interfere with proper disinfection procedures. Infection-control practices for sanitation of the school, spa or skin care center require shared responsibilities from everyone on the team in order to provide and maintain a healthy environment. The goal of infection control is to eliminate the transfer of microorganisms. This goal can be accomplished in many ways, but it begins with cleanliness. Standards for infection control are developed by your area s regulating agency to protect the consumer. Sanitation practices that meet these established rules are carried out by you to keep the working areas, esthetic implements and all equipment clean. As the lowest level of infection control practiced in the skin care center, sanitation practices are performed on non-critical objects (objects that come into contact with intact skin). Sanitation begins the process of protecting you and your clients from the 5

6 Continuing Page 6 of 27 transmission of diseases. Following is an overview of steps to take to achieve the highest standards of sanitation. 1. Wash your hands with a liquid antibacterial soap and water immediately before and after each service. Liquid soap is recommended, since bar soaps can harbor and transmit microbes. 2. Sanitize all surfaces before and after each service. 3. Provide hot and cold running water at all times. 4. Provide clean restrooms, with well-stocked liquid soap, toilet tissue and paper towels. Never use restroom areas for storage of chemicals. 5. Provide disposable drinking cups. 6. Clean sinks and water fountains regularly. 7. Keep the skin care center free from insects and rodents. 8. Empty waste receptacles daily. 9. Wear clean, freshly laundered clothing. 10. Provide freshly laundered towels for each client. 11. Use a fresh, clean sheet to cover the treatment table, facial bed or chair before each service. 12. Launder all towels and linens on a regular basis. 13. Store soiled towels in a covered receptacle until laundered. 14. Avoid touching your face, mouth or eyes during services. 15. Wear protective gloves if you are performing; service that exposes you to a client s blood or body fluids, such as during extractions or waxing 16. Never allow pets or animals in service areas, except for Service Animals as identified in the Americans with Disabilities Act. 17. Provide a new loofah or sponge for each client during a body treatment, or for showering. Loofahs and sponges are porous and cannot be properly disinfected. 6

7 Continuing Page 7 of Dispense all semi-fluids and powders with a shaker, dispenser pump, spray-type container, spatula or disposable applicator. 19. Label all chemicals and keep them covered when not in use. 20. Use a fresh spatula or applicator stick for each client every time you dip in for more product. No double-dipping, which means using the same spatula or stick more than one time in any product. This can spread bacteria and contaminate the product. This precaution applies to waxes as well as other skin care products. 21. Mix skin care formulations in flexible mixing bowls that are manufactured with FDA- approved materials. Traditional rubber bowls contain contaminants and are not intended for use with products that touch the human body. 22. Dispose of sharp objects (razor blades, insulin needles, etc.) in a sealable, rigid (puncture-proof) container strong enough to protect you, the client and others from accidental puncture wounds. Sharps containers'" (puncture-resistant containers for biohazardous waste) exist for this purpose. 23. Discard disposable items, porous implements and sponges after each service. 24. Maintain a file of Material Safety Data Sheets for all products used in the skin care center or spa. Sharps containers are red, puncture-resistant containers labeled with the biohazard symbol and the words sharp waste or biohazard. Disinfection Disinfection is the second level of infection control and means using products (or methods) that kill or destroy bacteria and a broad spectrum of viruses. However, chemical disinfectants do not eliminate bacterial spores. This is the main difference between disinfection and sterilization. The 2001 OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard requires the use of an EPA-registered disinfectant with an efficacy against HIV and HBV or tuberculocidal. This requirement applies to all implements that come into contact with blood or body fluids. Because disinfection products claim to kill or destroy bacteria, and most of these products are toxic, they are regulated by law through a governing agency such as the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). Standards for disinfection apply to all non-porous surfaces, tools and implements in the esthetics room. For example, tweezers, extractors and probes, which can be exposed to blood during 7

8 Continuing Page 8 of 27 service in the skin care center, as well as all esthetic implements and surfaces, require pre-cleaning (sanitation) and disinfection after each use. These objects are considered semi-critical objects and require a high level of disinfection since they may come in contact with mucus membranes or skin that is broken (not intact). Instrument disinfection and pre-cleaning can be done by hand or with an ultrasonic cleaning machine, which uses high-frequency energy waves. While both methods are acceptable, ultrasonic cleaners have proven to be 16 times more effective than hand scrubbing with a brush. Ultrasonic cleaners also eliminate handling of sharp instruments that may be contaminated with blood. The use of an EPAregistered, broad-spectrum disinfectant effective against HIV-i and HBV, which is also tuberculocidal, is recommended to eliminate or minimize occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens in the 2001 OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. DISINFECTION GUIDELINES 1. Discard or disinfect every implement that comes into contact with the client. 2. Remove all debris from non-disposable implements and pre-clean by washing the implements thoroughly with soap and water, by hand or with an ultrasonic cleaner. 3. Rinse thoroughly and pat implements dry prior to immersion to avoid dilution when immersed in disinfectant. 4. Completely submerge all non-porous skin care implements in a disinfectant that is EPAregistered, broad-spectrum and designated as effective against HIV and HBV or tuberculocidal. Follow manufacturer s instructions for submersion time and for dilution, if you are using a concentrated formula. 5. Change chemical solutions in disinfectant containers daily, or as recommended by the manufacturer. 6. Remove implements with forceps, tongs or gloved hands, or use a self-draining basket, which is usually included with the soak tray. Do not leave implements in solution for extended periods of time, or beyond manufacturer directions. 7. Follow the manufacturer s directions for disinfection. 8. Store implements that have been disinfected in a clean, dry, covered container or cabinet until needed. 8

9 Continuing Page 9 of Never use an implement or towel that has been dropped onto the floor. Even though your floor may be cleaned daily, always discard or prepare the item for disinfection, then continue services with clean, disinfected materials and implements. 10. If towels and body wraps are laundered in your facility, use an additive that disinfects and sanitizes wet linens. 11. Keep a first-aid kit on hand. 12. Refer to guidelines on blood spill procedures for cuts or broken skin exposures. 13. Dispose of any material that comes in contact with blood or body fluids, such as discharge from open sores, pimples and sebaceous glands, in a sealable plastic bag (or appropriate sharps container) and place inside a covered waste can liner for disposal. This process is called doublebagging. You may be required to label this bag with a red or orange marker to indicate that it contains hazardous waste. Check with your area s regulating agency for disposal guidelines. Disinfection Considerations Since the regulatory agency in each area determines efficacy standards, they may vary from place to place. Some areas may recommend disinfecting all tools and implements regardless of whether or not they have come in contact with blood or body fluids, while others recommend disinfecting only those that have come in contact with blood or body fluids. A broad-spectrum disinfectant with an efficacy label that reads effective against HIV and Human Hepatitis B Virus or tuberculocidal meets both of these requirements. Chemical disinfecting agents come in varied forms, including liquid, capsule and powder. When choosing one from your supplier, consider the following: Is it non-irritating to the skin? Is it in compliance with your area s regulating agency or health department? Is it economical? Is it easy to use? Is it an agent that works quickly? Is it safe for use with metal and plastic implements? 9

10 Continuing Page 10 of 27 Is the recommended storage container sufficient for usage? Read the directions carefully and follow recommended safety precautions! Always note and follow specific immersion times, and always cleanse implements before disinfecting. Remember that disinfection methods do not work instantly but require some time to destroy microbes. Procedures and timing will vary, based on the product used to disinfect. Read the label to determine the length of time required for implement and surface disinfection. Sanitation and disinfection practices are the methods most often utilized in the skin care center. The third level of infection control, sterilization, is used less frequently, but is far more effective. Moreover, it is sometimes imperative. However, it is more costly. Precautions for Mixing Chemicals Since chemical disinfecting agents can be dangerous, remember to take the following precautions to prevent accidents and mistakes: 1. Tightly cover and label all disinfecting products and other chemicals for use in the skin care center. 2. Store in a cool, dry area. Air, light and heat can weaken chemicals. 3. Purchase chemicals in small quantities. 4. Do not inhale (or smell) chemical solutions. Avoid contact with skin or eyes. Wear protective gloves. Refer to MSDS for procedures if contact does occur with the skin or eyes. 5. Wash hands with soap and water after handling all chemicals. Avoid using bar soap that can harbor and transmit microbes. Use a liquid, antibacterial soap from a pump-type dispenser. 6. Try to avoid spilling. If you do spill, wipe up all spills at once. Refer to MSDS for proper handling. 7. Change chemical solutions in disinfectant containers daily, or as recommended by the manufacturer. 8. Always follow manufacturer s instructions. 10

11 Continuing Page 11 of 27 Proper Hand washing Procedure Hand washing is one of the most important sanitation actions you can take to prevent the transfer of microorganisms from one person to another. Washing hands with an antibacterial liquid soap removes microorganisms from the folds and grooves of the skin by lifting and rinsing them from the skin surface. In the skin care center, wash your hands before and after each service. At the end of the day, wash your hands again thoroughly to prevent carrying microorganisms outside of the skin care center. 1. Use a paper towel or tissue to turn the water on, if you have a paper towel or tissue dispenser (some facilities only offer hands-free air blowers). Dispense an additional 10 to 12" (25-30CIT1) and leave hanging in place from the dispenser for later use (#5). 2. Wet hands with warm water. 3. Apply soap and clean hands, nails and between fingers 4. Lather and scrub for approximately 15 seconds. 11

12 Continuing Page 12 of Rinse hands; then tear off paper towel and dry 6. Turn off water with paper towel or tissue not with your clean hands! If more paper is needed, use the paper in your hand on the dispenser handle. Helpful Hints If possible, use a paper towel or tissue to turn the doorknob to exit the restroom. Those who left before you may not have followed the procedure to the left. Contaminated is defined as not free from dirt, oil and/or microbes. Antibacterial soap can cause your hands to become dry and cracked, so keep some moisturizing hand crème or lotion handy. Single-use paper towels are most effective and do not carry the risk of cross-contamination posed by communal cloth towels. Avoid bar soap, since it is more likely to become contaminated with bacteria. Antibacterial soaps are more likely to kill resident microorganisms in deeper layers of the skin than plain soap or detergents. Be sure to rinse the soap off of your hands from just above the wrist down to the fingertips. Keeping your hands angled downward prevents soapy water from dripping down your arm to your elbow it also keeps your sleeves from getting wet! Ventilation Guidelines A properly ventilated skin care center ensures that air does not have a stale, musty odor or the odor of various chemical solutions. Insufficient ventilation can transmit allergens and pathogens throughout the 12

13 Continuing Page 13 of 27 air in the skin care center. The average room temperature should be about 70 Fahrenheit (21 Celsius). The following guidelines provide an overview of various ventilation and sanitation practices for a healthy environment: Air conditioners regulate changes in the quality and quantity of air brought into the skin care center as they cool, dehumidify (remove moisture) and eliminate pollutants from the air. Remember to change air filters as needed. Forced-air furnaces heat the air and purify it by filtering out most dirt and debris. Remember to change air filters as needed, usually when dirt is visible. Exhaust fans help circulate the air but do not clean it. Position fans to draw air away from you and your client. Air should be mechanically supplied through vents and air returns and/or through opening windows and doors, or by using blower fans to direct air as desired. Whenever possible, direct exhaust air out of the building. Ventilation and Odor 13

14 Continuing Page 14 of 27 A well ventilated, clean work area provides a safe working environment for both the client and nail technician. Simple sanitary procedures and established work habits will help eliminate odors associated with the use of nail products. Sources of Odor You probably will not be able to stop all odors, however, first decide where the odors are coming from: The towel you wipe your brush on (most odor): 55% Trash can (a lot of odor): 30% Your dappen dish (some odor): 10% Open containers and miscellaneous (small amount): 5% Solution Materials Needed Sealed container (heavy duty plastic container for liquids with a pop-up lid). 3 x 5 or 4 x 5 inch pieces of a good absorbent paper towel (heavy 2-ply), cut from a larger towel. When you have done a few nails and your paper towel is wet with liquid, put soiled paper towel in sealed container. Also put cotton you use to remove polish in sealed container. Any paper towel or towel wipes that get wet should be thrown away into your sealed container. The ''natural airflow" in any salon will circulate odors. So, it is very important that you keep waste in sealed containers. Opening windows and doors, where possible, helps dissipate odors. Also, the nail liquid odors are non-toxic and the sealed containers can usually be purchased at the grocery store. Ventilation Precautions Most manicuring tables used exclusively in the application of artificial nails are equipped with a metal vent and/or filter. These vents and filters are activated by the beauty professional prior to the filing procedure or the application of nail products. The vent and/or filters are used to control dust particles from the filing process and odors from the nail product. All applications should be done directly over the vent or filters. Filters should be changed regularly. 14

15 Continuing Page 15 of 27 Odor Control Odors are induced by vapors in the air. Rapidly vaporizing liquids give out great measures of vapor. The amount of odor is immediately connected to how promptly a liquid evaporates. Hence, preventing the rapid evaporation of liquids can lower the odor in the environment. If vented tables are not in use, simple sanitary work habits and materials used by the manicurist will help reduce odors. Some examples of sanitary work habits are: Change paper towels when wet during application procedure. Keep all containers for soiled items sealed. Discard cotton, etc. into a covered container immediately after use. Some examples of equipment used to control odor are: Dan dishes that have only a small amount of liquid at all times to minimize evaporation of fumes into the air. Individual containers with pop-up lids for liquid and powder dispensing to contain fumes from entering. Opening windows and doors, where possible, helps dissipate odors. Having proper air conditioning or vents and frequent changing of their filters will help control odors. Excess liquid or unused nail product should be discarded immediately if not used. All containers should be sealed tightly when not in use. The "natural airflow" in any salon will circulate odors; therefore, it is important for all waste product and materials to be kept in sealed containers. Food, beverages or smoking should never be allowed in the work area. Hazardous Chemicals in Beauty Products The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), estimates 32 million workers are exposed to chemical hazards. OSHA estimates there are 575,000 existing chemical products. Many products used by practicing cosmetologists contain chemicals which produce toxic dust and fumes. A 1987 expanded ruling by OSHA requires beauty product manufacturers to identify and provide a listing of the harmful ingredients in their products. 15

16 Continuing Page 16 of 27 Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) establishes uniform requirements to ensure that hazards of all chemicals used in the work place are evaluated and this information is transmitted to employers and employees. The basic goals are: To insure employers and employees know about work related hazards ("Right to Know Laws). To insure employers and employees know how to protect themselves. To minimize chemical associated illness and injury A hazardous chemical is any chemical which creates a health hazard or physical hazard. Any chemical is listed as a health hazard if there is significant evidence shown by scientific study that acute or chronic health effects may occur by exposure to it. A chemical is a physical hazard if there is valid scientific evidence that the chemical is a combustible liquid, compressed gas, explosive, flammable, organic peroxide, an oxidizer, unstable (reactive), or water reactive. The HCS does not regulate chemicals, but rather the dissemination of information on chemicals. The HCS standard is different from OSHA health rules, as HCS covers all hazardous chemicals and incorporates a downstream of information. In general, it works like this: Chemical Manufacturers and Importers a) determine hazards of each product and b) communicate hazard information and protective measures necessary through labels on products and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). Methylmethacrylate Consumer Alert Methyl Methacrylate is an ingredient that was commonly used in early "nail porcelains." In the early 1970 s, the Food and Drug Administration received numerous complaints of personal injuries associated with the use of acrylic monomer formulated with MMA. The reports included serious nail damage or loss, contact dermatitis, organ damage from long term use, soreness and infection due to breaks caused by rigidly adhered acrylic. By the end of the 1970 s, the FDA had taken action against several manufacturers that marketed MMA liquid monomers. Since the FDA does not review or approve cosmetics before they go to market - only taking legal action if a product poses a safety problem - certain disreputable manufacturers continue to formulate products with MMA. 16

17 Continuing Page 17 of 27 Most main stream acrylic manufacturers use a product called EMA or Ethyl Methacrylate which has been deemed much safer for use in the beauty industry. With the surge in salon growth and many salons looking to cut costs of supplies MMA has shown it's ugly head again. (MMA is 1/6th the price of EMA.) Recently articles have appeared in newspapers and industry gossip has said that if consumers want the salon to use MMA on their nails because it will last longer... what is the big deal? Well the big deal is...we do not know how much internal organ damage, respiratory, eye damage & allergic responses etc... MMA does and at what speed it happens...but it does happen...make no mistake about it. I was outraged when I read an article from a consumer in a New Hampshire newspaper claim it was her right to have MMA applied to her nails if she wished it. How irresponsible of her! Getting MMA out of the salons and off clients hands will take the combined effort of state regulators, salons and consumers. In lieu of federal intervention, there are steps salons can take to discourage the use of products formulated with MMA. While the industry waits for the FDA to put more force behind the MMA issue, many manufacturers are addressing the dangers. Storage Precautions Everyday handling or nail care chemicals can make you so accustomed to being around them that you forget they have special storage needs. The consequences of improper storage range from the merely annoying (a product becoming weakened or contaminated) to the more serious bodily harm or a fire. Proper product storage means more than just keeping the product in the bottle or jar. It means storing your stock in a manner that prevents waste and accidents. How are your products stored? Nail salon products are potentially hazardous chemicals. They need to be stored in the right container at the right temperature, in the right place in the salon, with use and safety guidelines close at hand. Following are a few tips to getting the most out of what you ve got. All products should be clearly identified. It should be immediately evident to you and anyone else what is inside a container, both by its label and w hero it s stored. You don t want anyone in your salon mistakenly grabbing a bottle of primer and applying it as top coat, for example. Many entirely different products come packaged in similar containers, and it s easy to grab the wrong product if you re rushed or careless. Nail plate sanitizers can be mistaken for fiberglass catalysts, for example, and nail adhesive containers can look like (and have been mistaken for) eye drop bottles. Keeping like products together in the same area for instance, on a labeled shell can help prevent this scenario. 17

18 Continuing Page 18 of 27 In case you accidentally do grab the wrong bottle, have all MSDS close at hand so you ll know what to do next. MSDS give all necessary information on proper storage and handling of the product and what to do in case the product was mishandled. Proper storage also means minimizing evaporation and contamination. Keep containers tightly closed when not in use and use small quantities of product at a time. A familiar (and pertinent) nail product warning is Use Only with Adequate Ventilation. Keeping containers closed when not in use and using small quantities are essential components of conscientiousness to limit exposure. Minimizing product evaporation can help minimize product odor in the salon, as well. Product Refills Use the Correct Container Buying refill sizes of products can help you keep costs down in the salon, but be careful refilling old bottles. Here are some guidelines to make your smart shopping payoff: Make sure that you follow the manufacturer s instructions when refilling containers. Never refill one type or maker of a product into another s container. Never put anything in a container that isn t intended to hold it. Nail products require storage in special containers because the chemicals can be reactive, which means they can be affected or contaminated by a variety of sources, including light, minute particles in the salon air, other products, or the container itself. For example, many primers, acrylic liquids, and top coats require storage in an opaque container. This is because the products contain light-sensitive ( photo-chemically reactive ) chemicals that cause the product to weaken or prematurely harden when exposed to light. Says Carol Helms of CLM Distributors, a distributor of professional nail care products, Primer, especially the methacrylic kind, is lightsensitive. Putting it into a clear bottle will weaken it. Powders can be stored in any type of container (except metal), as long as it is tightly sealed. If powder becomes contaminated, it can yellow. Gene Packer, a chemist at California Chemical in Orange, Calif., says, Most nail products require storage in an amber glass bottle or a white or black plastic container or else they can become discolored or hardened. Nail liquid can gel prematurely if it is exposed to light. The disadvantage of plastic is that liquid and activator can go through plastic. The molecules can go through the plastic and even through caps on glass containers if they aren t tightly sealed. 18

19 Continuing Page 19 of 27 The disadvantage of glass containers is that they can break in the salon, causing a hazard both because of the glass and because of the spilled product. Packer says metal containers have a disadvantage, as well. A metal container itself, especially the soldered metal kind, can contaminate product. Charles Knight, president of Menda Scientific Products, which makes product dispensers, says you should store products in the original manufacturer s container, or, when pouring out a quantity to work with, in a container made for that purpose. Product Storage Temperature Can Affect Products The temperature in the salon can have an effect on products. Heat is generally more of a problem than cold. Explains Packer, Chemicals in the salon are reactive. Heat speeds up the redaction, and cold slows down the reaction. Nail adhesives and liquid are okay at room temperature, but if it gets too warm you re going to have problems. They may harden prematurely. Newer use product at a higher or lower than room temperature, which should be between 70 and 77. Unopened cyanoacrylate rosins and adhesives can be refrigerated (under 40 o ) to extend their shelf life. According to Bill Hunter, president of Satellite City an adhesives manufacturer in Simi Valley, Calif., refrigeration can double their shelf life. When you re ready to use the adhesive, take it out of the freezer and let it come to room temperature. Wipe off any condensation from the container to prevent premature curing of product. However, Packer says, Don t store nail products with food products, because you can contaminate both. You should have two refrigerators, one for food and one for product. Allow the cooled product to come to room temperature before using it to avoid cracking or crystallization. Says Helms, Primer can freeze at 63, but once it s been warmed to room temperature (75 ), it s fine to use. Products That React Should Be Kept Separate While unopened containers of adhesives and resins maybe refrigerated, opened nail resins and adhesives are best stored in a cool, dry place in the salon. Minute amounts of moisture can cause adhesives to cure, and so can soaps, alkalies, and any solvent-based product. Products that are designed to react with each other should be stored well away from each other, even in separate cabinets, so they don t commence their chemical relations prematurely. Just as you would store light-sensitive products in an opaque container in a dark cabinet or drawer away from any light, you need to store activator away from resin and liquid away from powder. Says Helms, Liquid and powder, even when they are each stored in tightly closed containers, can evaporate in minute quantities 19

20 Continuing Page 20 of 27 from their containers and contaminate each other if stored improperly. I recommend storing them on different shelves. Solvents and Sparks Are A Dangerous Mix Solvents are both combustible and evaporative. When a solvent evaporates and becomes a vapor, it can be actually heavier than the air in the salon and can sink to the ground and spread out. It can travel to your water heater or to an area of the salon where employees or clients smoke, and a spark there can ignite it. Once ignited, the fire will travel quickly, following the trail of solvent vapor to its source, igniting other improperly stored volatile materials in the salon on its way. Pouring solvents down the drain isn t environmentally friendly nor does it get rid of their danger. The rapidly evaporating solvent can form pools of vapors in drain traps. A spark near the sink can be enough to trigger a mini-explosion. To reduce the risk of fire, Joel Coster, hazardous materials specialist for the Redondo Beach, Calif., Fire Department, advises minimizing the number of open containers in the salon, using small quantities of product at a time, and discarding contaminated product properly. Chemicals should not be randomly mixed. When a product is contaminated, it can become combustible. However, according to Coster, the quantities of dangerous chemicals in nail salons are so small that they aren t considered a fire hazard. The fire code starts requiring special storage of hazardous materials in quantities of 1-10 gallons. Nail salons are dealing with relatively small quantities. An exception would be a salon chain where the products are purchased in bulk and stored all at one location. In this case, we recommend spreading the bulk sizes of products among several of the salons. Activators, primers, and accelerators are examples of solvent-based chemicals. They are best kept stored tightly closed in a cool, dry place away from any area that has a possible exposure to heat, sparks, or flames. Storing Products Safety Keep all products labeled Keep MSDS for all products easy to reach and find Always keep containers tightly capped Dispose of any containers that cannot be opened, closed, and reused When in doubt, throw it out (follow your local toxic disposal regulations) 20

21 Continuing Page 21 of 27 Do not permit smoking in the salon Minimize the number of open containers Use small amounts of product at a time Place a fire extinguisher near the exit, and check it at intervals for leakage Regulating Agencies In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the regulating agency under the Department of Labor that enforces safety and health standards in the workplace. OSHA standards require that employees be informed of the dangers of the materials used in the workplace and the exposure they might have to toxic substances and that all workplace conditions are sanitary. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and labeling of products are two important regulations that this agency has instituted to assist in safe operations. An MSDS (sample below) provides key information on a specific product regarding ingredients, associated hazards, combustion levels and storage requirements. Remember that, for your protection and safety, you have a right as an employee to know what is contained in any product being used. OS HA standards significantly impact the industry by helping to ensure general safety, especially in regard to mixing, storing, labeling and disposing of chemicals. 21

22 Continuing Page 22 of 27 An MSDS for every product used in the skin care center or spa must be kept in a file or a binder that is easily accessible to all skin care center personnel for reference and in the event of an emergency. The MSDS provide information on the product ingredients, including potential hazards. Such information may prove helpful if an allergic reaction or injury occurs related to the product s usage. MSDS must be supplied by the manufacturer with each shipment (or made available upon request) by the supplier or manufacturer of the product. This standard applies to disinfectants, soaps, lotions, crèmes, exfoliants, oils, and any other products used in the skin care center. Regulatory agencies outline very specific rules pertaining to thoroughly pre-cleaning non-porous instruments with soap and water before immersing in any disinfectant solution. The pre-cleaning (washing with soap and hot water) of instruments is the first step to proper disinfection. Always follow the manufacturer s directions, and always wear protective gloves and safety glasses when mixing disinfectants. Read the label on all disinfectant products to determine the specific organisms the product has been proven effective against. 22

23 Continuing Page 23 of 27 Broad-spectrum disinfectants, formerly known as hospital-level disinfectants, will state on the label that they are as follows: Germicidal, Fungicidal, Pseudomonacidal, and Virucidal. If the disinfectant is not proven effective against pseudomonas aeruginosa, or Pseudomonacidal, and if this does not appear on the label along with an EPA Registration Number, the disinfectant is not broad-spectrum. The disinfectant must also be effective against HIV and HBV or tuberculocidal. If it is effective against these organisms, it will always be stated on the label as shown below. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approves the efficacy of products used for infection control. The manufacturer must submit a product to the EPA for verification of effectiveness against the organisms listed on the label. Once verification has been established, the product receives an EPA registration number, along with approval of the efficacy claims on the label, stating what organisms the product is effective against. Complying with the Standard (MSDS) Regulations require manufacturers to send a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) with each initial shipment of beauty products which contain a hazardous substance. Ingredient fact sheets are available from your beauty supply dealer, distributor or manufacturer. A MSDS contains all the necessary information about a product. These sheets list the hazardous ingredient information, product information, and chemical identity, physical properties, flammable and explosive limits, health hazard data, and protective and precaution information. Employers are required to develop a program for chemical safety in the workplace, which must include: Identify and list hazardous chemicals in the workplace. Obtain the labels and MSDS for each hazardous chemical. Develop and implement a written hazard communication program, including label information, MSDS s and employee training based on list of chemicals. Label all containers. Create an inventory of hazardous chemicals which includes manufacturer's product name, location and telephone number, and the location in the work area where this chemical is being used. Develop a program to keep labels and training up-to-date. 23

24 Continuing Page 24 of 27 The original copy of all MSDS should be kept in a master file. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on all hazardous chemicals in a nail salon should be kept in a convenient location for all manicurists to read and understand. Hazardous products, some of which contain toxic dust and fumes, can cause allergies, dizziness, headaches, nausea, rashes, kidney and liver damage, short-term memory loss, asthmatic conditions and several other disorders. The OSHA regional or area office provides more information. Beauty Salon Safety tips Keeping your establishment safe should be a top priority for you and your staff as it communicates the trustworthiness your clients should have towards your salon. Practicing safe procedures also ensures that you make the most of your salon equipment's life and that you keep your business running as long as you possibly can. In the salon business, there are several major hazards that you will need to caution yourself against and those are: fire-related incidents, burglary, and accidents within the salon space. 1. In order to protect your salon furniture and salon equipment from fire-related incidents, there are several factors to consider: Set up an intruder alarm detection system with codes for your establishment. 2. When deciding to put combustible materials (aerosol cans of hairspray, solutions containing alcohol, etc.) in waste bins, make certain that these bins are a good distance from regularly used electrical equipment. Have your staff of employees undergo fire hazard training. 3. Make certain that they know where the fire extinguisher is located as well as procedures to follow when a fire does arise. Prohibit smoking indoors. If your establishment allows smoking on the facade of the business, provide a metal-lidded bin for their disposal of ashtray contents. 4. Unplug salon equipment not currently in use to avoid short-circuiting. Do this when you close the salon every night. Have a qualified electrician come by regularly for maintenance purposes. 5. Avoid using portable heaters with naked flames or exposed, radiant, hot surfaces. Never directly heat alcoholic solutions like acetone to make them work faster--instead, use a warm bowl of water to do the heating indirectly. 6. Keep all combustible materials not currently being used, in a locked, dry cabinet. 24

25 Continuing Page 25 of 27 Protecting your salon from crime can be easy if all staff members are aware of safety procedures and abide by them on a regular basis. Care and caution every day can lessen your chances of being burglarized. Here are some helpful tips: 1. Set up an intruder alarm detection system with codes for your establishment. 2. Ensure your locks are working with a locksmith on a monthly basis. Permit key duplication with your own personal discretion. 3. Put away any costly electronic equipment that may tempt intruders in back storage closets in order to make your space less appealing to intruders. 4. Have at least two employees open and close the business every day. Install a surveillance camera behind the cash register. 5. Keep a low balance in the cash register. When making a bank deposit, vary the times that this is done. Little accidents are common to most businesses, but you will want to work to lessen these instances as there is likely to be a great deal of foot traffic flowing in and out of your salon. Protecting your clients & staff from accidents is possible with the following tips: 1. Keep the floors as neat and tidy as possible. Encourage your staff to clean after each client has left. If this is not possible because of the traffic your establishment receives on a regular basis, have one of your staff members be designated to manage the floor that particular day (this works best on a rotation). 2. Repair damaged floor coverings immediately--this is not only a major safety risk, it is unsightly for everyone (especially your clients!). 3. Have on hand a first-aid kit at all times. 4. Post safety procedures on a discreet wall of your establishment and ensure that your staff knows the necessary steps. 5. Repair or replace (if necessary) damaged salon equipment in order to avoid accidents. You will want to uphold the best safety standards possible in your establishment and keeping your salon equipment in amazing shape is a large part of that. 25

26 Continuing Page 26 of 27 Keeping Safety First! Microorganisms inhabit bodies at all times both yours and your clients. Practicing Universal Precautions protects everyone and eliminates the spread of infection. By adhering to strict guidelines for hygiene using the proper procedures, tools and solutions for sanitation, disinfection and sterilization you exhibit the utmost professionalism. You also demonstrate concern for your clients health and wellbeing, putting them at ease and making them feel secure and relaxed in your hands. This is the best peace of mind you can offer them. Protect your clients and yourself by practicing proper infectioncontrol procedures throughout your workplace. Your clients will appreciate your efforts to protect their health, but the true benefactor is you, today s beauty professional. Tips on Keeping Your Salon Environment Healthier and Safer Reduce Limit Chemical Exposure Use less toxic, safer, natural products Use pumps instead of aerosol containers Use products with low volatile organic compound content Use non-toxic products for disinfecting and cleaning Conserve Water Have a low-flow plumbing system Reduce hot water usage, use warm or cool temperatures when possible Turn off water when not in use Minimize Waste Use refillable containers for products Use a dispensing system for shampoo and conditioners 26