Test Your Salon Sanitation Knowledge with this Quiz

Take the short quiz below to see where you stand


True or False?

1. All bacteria are dangerous and we should aim to kill all of them around us in the salon.

2. A written cleaning log should be kept for each pedicure station.

3. EPA-registered means that a product has Extra Protective Action in killing germs.

4. Hand-washing will kill all the germs on your hands before a service.

5. Fungal spores can easily be killed with white vinegar.


Multiple Choice

6. The most comprehensive guidelines for sanitation requirements for your state may be found-

a.  In your cosmetology textbook from school.

b. On the manicure governing board’s website for your state.

c. On disinfectant packaging.

d. From coworkers in the salon.


7. If an implement is dropped on the floor during a service-

a. Blow off any dust before continuing with the service.

b. It must be fully disinfected before being put back into service again.

c. Check it to see if it got dirty before continuing.

d. Hope the client didn’t notice.


8. Failure to comply with sanitation guidelines set by the state board may-

a. Put your health and your clients’ health at risk.

b. Put the salon at risk for fines, revocation of licenses, or salon closure.

c. Put the salon at risk of lawsuits.

d. All of the above.


9. Disinfection is-

a. Something you should do to your hands before working on a client.

b. Something you should do to the client’s nail before applying an enhancement.

c. A chemical procedure that eliminates virtually all pathogenic microorganisms but not all microbial     forms.

d. A process that destroys all microbial life on a surface.


10. The kill time for a disinfectant is-

a. The exposure time required to be effective in killing pathogens.

b. The time before a disinfectant goes flat or needs to be replaced.

c. The time in which it is toxic to humans who are exposed.

d. None of the above.


11. Ventilation is an important part of sanitation because-

a. It keeps you from sweating during the summer.

b. It is a way to remove particulates and vapors from the indoor air.

c. It makes things smell clean.

d. All of the above.


12. The best way to handle sanitation is to-

a. Make every member of the salon an informed participant.

b. Have written guidelines and regular employee trainings on procedures.

c. Let clients see the process going on in the salon.

d. All of the above.


13. Quaternary ammonium solution used for immersion disinfection-

a. Must be fresh to be effective.

b. Will stay fresh for days or weeks at a time allowing you to disinfect many implements before
    changing it.

c. Allows users to forgo the pre-cleaning requirement and saves time.

d. None of the above.


14. If implements cannot be sanitized-

a. They can be gifted to the client at the end of her service.

b. They should be disposed of in a properly labeled trash receptacle.

c. Both a and b.

d. None of the above.

______________________________________________________________________
Answer Key

1. False. Some bacteria are beneficial and even help with things such as digestion.

2. True. Clients or inspectors may ask to see the log as evidence that proper cleaning is taking place.       Be ready to answer any questions they may have about the process.

3. False. EPA-registered means the product has been registered with the Environmental Protection        Agency.

4. False. Hand-washing will remove many, but not all, disease-causing pathogens when done
    properly. It is one of the best ways to stop the spread of germs in the salon.

5. False. Spores are difficult to kill. Never attempt to treat a suspected disease in the salon.

6. b. Most states now post regulations online.

7. b. Accidents happen. It’s always a good idea to have backups of disinfected implements in case           one malfunctions or is dropped.

8.  d. Just keep it clean. It’s not worth the risks.

9.  c. Disinfection is used on implements and equipment to eliminate virtually all pathogenic
     microorganisms. Sanitization must take place before disinfection in the form of pre-cleaning to rid      the items of soil and debris. Living human tissue is not disinfected.

10. a. Items must be pre-cleaned and then remain wet or submerged in disinfectant for a specified
      period of time to work effectively. Check labels for the specific kill time required.

11. b. Ventilation removes some of the contaminants from the salon air by exhausting it to the
      outside air.

12. d. Go ahead, make a production of sanitation. Clients and employees should be well informed.

13. a. Always mix up fresh “quats” solution according to the label instructions and dispose at the first       sign of contamination or visible debris, or when it has expired. Label containers with the
      date/time mixed to track it. And, yes, pre-cleaning is required.

14. c. As long as the item is appropriate for home use there is nothing wrong with gifting it to the
      client instead of throwing it away. Under no circumstances should it be reused.

Quiz and answer key courtesy of Nails Magazine

www.backscratchers.com

The Proper Way to Sanitize

     
Following Proper Procedures
A successful and responsible salon needs to do all it can to prevent fungal, skin, and nail infections in the course of their business routines. When we think of effective methods for controlling the spread of potentially infectious organisms, we often focus on sanitizing, disinfection and sterilization. The fact is that thorough cleaning procedures can have a huge impact on an effective infection control program. Chemically eliminating infectious organisms is an important goal, but cleaning and rinsing can create a safer environment by removing organisms from items, reducing their population to below infectious levels, or exposing them to the efficacious effects of the biocides you are using. Effective infection prevention requires that each component of the process must be thorough.

Nail Technicians - Hand Washing
Hand washing is essential before and after each service. The use of soap and water before appointments is one of the most common techniques for preventing infections during salon treatments. Washing hands in front of customers is optional, but may assist with forming positive impressions by allowing customers to see the methods being used to ensure proper cleanliness. Some nail technicians prefer to use gloves during service, which is not required in most states, but creates and additional barrier of safety.

Cleaning Implements 
Cleanliness of equipment and implements is the most important step to preventing nail infections and cross contamination.  Tools/implements such as nail clippers, cuticle cutters, files, etc. should be cleaned and disinfected using an EPA Registered Hospital Level Disinfectant that is effective against Hepatitis B or is Tuberculocidal.  Backscratchers Salon Aseptic System with Cavicide is E. P. A registered and is a convenient, ready-to-use disinfectant that is effective against  TB, HBV, HCV, viruses (hydrophilic and lilophilic), bacteria (including MSRA and VRE) and fungi.

Foot spas should be cleaned and disinfected by also using an EPA Registered Hospital Level Disinfectant after each client.

In All Circumstances

Any employee who has contact with any tools or equipment in any way should be thoroughly trained on the proper cleaning and care of the tools with which they will interact. Any employee who is not sufficiently trained in the care of the tools should avoid interacting with them unless supervised to reduce the potential for infectious material to be transmitted. Before any clean item is handled by an employee, they should sanitize their hands  following the instructions above to ensure that no new infectious material is applied to the tool after its cleaning. All tools should be stored in appropriate containers away from contaminants that can cause a nail infection or cross contamination.

For Guidelines on cleaning and disinfecting manicuring and enhancement equipment, download information from the INTA (International Nail Technician Association) and PBA/NMC (Nail Manufacturers Council), HERE

See the entire Salon Aseptic line HERE

Information taken from Guidelines on Cleaning and Disinfecting Manicuring and Enhancement Equipment.

Salon Sanitation and Guidelines - Continuing the Conversation

Heading into 2016 we continue to focus on how important salon sanitation has become in our industry.

Over the years, we have read stories of nail salons that have used unclean implements or have a dirty salon. Not only can salons be fined for these violations, but they are also putting their clients at risk. A nail station, pedicure chair, and implements must be sanitized, disinfected or sterilized before each client. It is important to follow your stat's law regarding salon sanitation. If you are unsure of the law or are curious if there have been any changes in 2016, CLICK HERE.

Can't Keep the differences between the three straight? 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) these are the definitions:

Sanitation*: To wash with soap and water and to remove dirt and debris and to reduce the levels of microorganisms to a safe, acceptable level. Before implements or equipment can be disinfected, they must first be sanitized.
*Generally accepted definition

Disinfection: The use of a chemical procedure that eliminates virtually all recognized pathogenic microorganisms but not necessarily all microbial forms (e.g., endospores). (Microorganisms are living organisms - good and bad - that are invisible to the naked eye.) All implements and equipment used on clients must be disinfected before each use.

Sterilization: The use of physical or chemical procedure to destroy all microbial life, including highly resistant bacterial endospores (Endospores are thick-walled bodies formed within the vegetative cells of certain bacteria. They are able to withstand adverse environmental conditions for prolonged periods.) Sterilization is not required in the salon.

Click on the link provided HERE to a PDF Guideline for Cleaning and Disinfecting Manicuring and Enhancement Equipment. This guide was written by Doug Schoon of Schoon Scientific and sponsored by Professional Beauty Association (PBA), the National Cosmetology Association (NCA), and the Nail Manufacturers Council (NMC).

Visit Backscratchers.com for the full Salon Aseptic Line

Definitions and more information found at http://www.cdc.gov

Doug Schoon is an internationally recognized scientist, author and educator with over 30 years experience in the cosmetic, beauty and personal care industry. He is a leading industry authority and is known for his technical and regulatory work that has helped shape the beauty industry. www.schoonscientific.com.

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