Quick Quiz

Salon Safety & Sanitation 

Test your knowledge of general salon safety and sanitation rules with this quiz from Nails Magazine. Keep in mind that each state has its own specific rules and regulations covering these areas. Always follow your state's rules and all product manufacturer's instructions. 

Find your State's Rules Here

1. What is an autoclave?

     a. A machine that uses steam pressure to sterilize metal implements.

     b. A type of self-cleaning UV lamp? 

2. Porous tools are: 

     a. Tools that are either one-use (disposable) or require specific cleaning protocols 

     b. Tools that cost less, but are of inferior quality 

     c. Tools that can be disinfected and are generally reusable 

3. True or false? Some porous items that have been used on healthy nails can be re-used. 

     a. True 

     b. False 

4. Which of the following statements is not true concerning non-porous items? 

     a. Non-porous items are multi-use tools made of hard materials like metal, plastic, or glass. 

     b. Non-porous tools should be rinsed and dried. They only have to be disinfected if they contact    

         blood or unhealthy conditions. 

5. True or false? If a client brings in her own manicure implements from home, there is no need for you to disinfect them before use. 

     a. True 

     b. False 1

6. In case of an accidental cut, what should you do? 

     a. If it’s minor, you may ignore it and continue with the service. 

     b. Clean with an antiseptic and bandage the cut. 

7. Why is proper ventilation in the salon important? 

     a. It’s not really very important. It simply reduces product odor. 

     b. It reduces exposure to airborne particles and bacteria, and reduces inhalation of vapors. 

     c. It’s important so that clients who smoke can do so inside the salon. 

8. True or false? Spray disinfectants are adequate for disinfecting tools and pedicure equipment. 

     a. True 

     b. False 

9. What is a SDS? 

     a. Secondary Disposal Site. Off-premise sites that accept hazardous products for disposal. 

     b. Salon Safety Data Sheet. Includes information on spills, ingredients, and chemical disposal.   

10. Whirlpool foot spas and air-jet pedicure basins must be cleaned how often? 

     a. After every client 

     b. When they appear visibly soiled 

     c. Once per month, thoroughly

Answer Key

1. B. An autoclave is an apparatus that uses superheated steam under high pressure to sterilize instruments. 

2. A. Porous items are made of cloth, wood, or other absorbent materials. Porous items include most nail files, manicure sticks, cotton, paper mats, towels, and buffer blocks. Porous items that would be damaged or destroyed by cleaning or have been contaminated by broken skin, blood, or other bodily fluids or infections must be disposed of. See answer number three for cleaning guidelines for porous items that can be saved. 

3. A. Porous items used on healthy nails can be cleaned by manually brushing and removing all debris after each use, then disinfected by immersing in 70% or higher isopropyl or ethyl alcohol or 10% bleach solution. Towels, chamois, buffing bits, and similar items can be cleaned in a washing machine with regular detergent. 

4. B. Non-porous items must always be disinfected. To clean a non-porous item, clean all visible debris then completely immerse the tool for 10 minutes in an EPA-registered disinfectant, bleach solution,( 1 part bleach to 9 parts water), or 70% or higher isopropyl or ethyl alcohol. 

5. B. False. All implements (including those that a client brings or leaves in the salon), equipment, and materials that come into contact with a client must be sanitized and disinfected prior to service. 

6. C. Clean with an antiseptic and bandage the cut. If blood or body fluid comes in contact with any salon surface, put on protective disposable gloves and clean it with an EPA-registered hospital liquid disinfectant or 10% bleach solution. 

7. B. Proper ventilation is essential for client and worker safety and comfort. A local source capture ventilation system will eliminate vapors and dust in your breathing zone, and it also helps to wear an N-95-certified dust mask. Never light candles where nail products are used and do not permit smoking inside the salon. 

8. B. False. Spray disinfectants are for cleaning surfaces only and are not adequate for disinfecting tools and pedicure equipment in the salon. Tools require complete immersion in liquid disinfectant for 10 minutes. 

9. B. Most states require Salon Safety Data sheets to be available upon request by an inspector; a fine may be issued to salons that do not have them. 

10. A. Whirlpool foot spas and air-jet pedicure basins must be cleaned after every client. 

New 2016 Salon Sanitation Laws

Nail Salon Sanitation Requirements

Salon sanitation is one of the most important aspects of the nail salon industry. Proper sanitation prevents the spread of fungal and bacterial diseases from one client to the next and helps to ensure safe working conditions

within the salon. Most states complete annual reviews and applicable updates to nail salon sanitation requirements to ensure that the standards offer the most effective approach in reducing client infection. 

Education

Along with the required education needed to obtain a nail technician license,  most State’s Department of 

Cosmetology require all licensed manicurists, operators and manicure instructors to complete at least two hours of 

sanitation education to meet continuing education requirements. These continuing education hours must be completed 

prior to the expiration of the current license in order to renew the license. 

Sterilizers

All nail salons are required to use sterilizers approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to sanitize metal implements. For proper sterilization, the implements must first be cleaned with hot water and soap, disinfected in wet sanitizer and then sterilized with an authorized autoclave, ultraviolet sanitizer or dry heat sterilizer. Users must operate the sterilizer according to the manufacturer’s instruction to ensure proper sterilization. 

Foot Spa

Nail salons that complete pedicure and other foot-related services are required to meet foot spa sanitation requirements. Under most State Cosmetology Laws, all foot spa systems must be drained, cleaned and disinfected both between customers and at the end of each day. The systems must also be drained, flushed, cleaned and sanitized every two weeks. All sanitation efforts must be recorded in a written log.

Contagions

To ensure proper sterilization and prevent the spread of disease,  most nail salons are prohibited from employing a nail technician, instructor or other employee who carries an infectious or contagious disease.  Check for this rule under your states’ cosmetology law.  However, certain protections are afforded under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Responsibility

Though it may be ideal for each nail technician to sanitize his own implements, most states cosmetology law reads that it is the responsibility of the nail salon owner to ensure that all implements are properly sanitized and sterilized according to regulations. It is also the owner’s responsibility to ensure that the establishment maintains sanitary conditions and meets the sanitation regulations as detailed in Cosmetologists Laws and Rules book, which is updated annually.

Stay Compliant

Check Here for your State Board Information and New 2016 Laws 

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