SANITATION AND STERILIZATION Written by Dallas

DuncanHS_CSII_2

2011

OSHA REGULATIONS

OSHA is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Regulates and enforces safety and health standards in the work environment, such as exposure to chemicals and product labeling

OSHA standards are important to cosmetology because salons mix, store and dispose of a variety of chemicals Cosmetologists must also be aware of what is

contained in all salon chemicals in case of client allergies

OSHA’S UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS Set of guidelines and controls that require the

employer and employees to assume all bodily fluids are contaminated with some kind of bloodborne pathogen, such as HIV

Precautions Washing hands, wearing gloves and other personal

safety equipment, disposal of sharp and contaminated objects

Most clients who have these diseases do not show any symptoms, so it is important to follow these universal precautions to protect yourself and other clients

DECONTAMINATION

Decontamination is the process of removing pathogens and other substances from tools using physical or chemical means

Contaminants include hair, makeup, and nail dust left on implements

Three main levels Sterilization Sanitation Disinfection

STERILIZATION

Sterilization completely destroys both beneficial and pathogenic organisms on a surface, including bacterial spores

Methods include using extreme heat, such as in an autoclave

Can purchase pre-sterilized disposable tools

It is impossible to sterilize the skin or nail, because only surfaces without holes (such as metal) can be sterilized

SANITATION

Reduces the amount of pathogens on a surface

Clean tools and surfaces with soaps or detergents, remove hair from brushes and wash with soap

Proper sanitation discourages mold and mildew growth

Wash hands with warm water and liquid soap for 20 seconds, and do not dry hands with a cloth towel

DISINFECTION

Disinfection controls microorganisms on salon tools by using chemical disinfectants Does not kill bacterial spores

Disinfectants must be approved by the state and the Environmental Protection Agency

Salons need to have access to the Material Safety Data Sheet for each disinfectant Contains information on use, safety

precautions, and storage requirements

TYPES OF DISINFECTANTS

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds Non-toxic, fast-acting, odorless Leaving tools in quat solution too long can damage

them Good for cleaning tables and counters

Phenols These are poisonous but are safe if used properly in

a 5 percent solution to clean metal tools Can cause skin irritation or burns Not good for use on plastic and rubber tools

Alcohols and bleaches Not legal to use as a disinfectant in most states

because they are not registered under the EPA Can actually damage salon tools

DISINFECTING TOOLS

Remove hair and other loose matter by cleaning with soap and water

Rinse completely and pat dry Put on safety equipment and mix the

disinfectant according to the directions Completely immerse tools for the required

time Remove tools and be careful not to

contaminate the disinfectant Rinse completely and pat dry Place the clean implements in a closed, dry,

disinfected container

DISINFECTING OTHER EQUIPMENT Capes and Linens

Use these only once and then wash with bleach Electrical Equipment

Wipe or spray with a hospital-grade disinfectant that was designed to clean electrical equipment

Foot Spas — follow manufacturer’s guidelines Drain, disinfect, rinse and wipe dry after each customer Clean all debris, flush, rinse, drain, and dry each day Clean overnight with bleach every two weeks

Surfaces Use a hospital-grade disinfectant before and after each

client Leave disinfectant on for the full amount of time needed

BLOOD SPILLS

Put on gloves and clean the injured area Apply antiseptic and cover the wound with a

bandage Throw away all contaminated objects in either

a bag or container specifically for biohazards Remove gloves and wash hands before

returning to the worktable Disinfect any tools and surfaces that came

into contact with any body fluids with a hospital-grade disinfectant