Precautions Taken in the Salon to Prevent Contamination and Cross-Infection

Precautions Taken in the Salon to Prevent Contamination and Cross-Infection

Precautions Taken in the Salon to Prevent Contamination and Cross-Infection

Hands

Wash with soap/disinfectant and warm water before and after each client—dry hands with a paper towel or blower.

Surfaces

Wipe over with disinfectants, e.g. Alcohol, Surgical spirits.

Treatment of Wounds

If the skin bruises or bleeds after the insertion of a needle, a small pad of dry cotton wool should be used over the area to cover it and apply pressure until the bleeding stops. Apply aftercare solution to the area and work in a different area. The same applies to extractions or any other form of skin piercing. Use disinfectant to clean area.

Disposal

Sharp metal instruments, e.g. needles, lancets, should be placed in a sharps box after use. When the box is about 3/4 full, it may be disposed of by special arrangement. Usually collected by local health office and incinerated at a local hospital.

Metal Instruments

Sterilised before and after each client in Autoclave or in Glass bead steriliser, and wipe with Chlorhexidine Gluconate or Methylated spirits.

Skin Preparation

Do not use sharp or pointed instruments on or at least near areas of a client’s skin that are obviously diseased, infected or inflamed. Except in facial treatments during the extracting phase (a tile with a lancet and cotton wool dampened with methylated spirits and an antiseptic solution containing Chlorhexidine Gluconate must be prepared, hands should be washed before and after extractions and finger cots or gloves must be used).

Cuts on your Hands

Cover existing wounds with a waterproof dressing, wash fresh cuts and encourage bleeding under running water and then cover with a waterproof dressing. Clean with an antiseptic. Always have a box of plasters/waterproof dressing available. No salon should be without a first aid kit.

Needles

Do not test needles on yourself. Test needles on a damp of cotton wool held with tweezers. Needles should only be used once, and needles must not be used on more than one client.

Creams

Tubes are better than jars. Always use a spatula to obtain creams from containers. Never use fingers and always close a container after use. Excess product must not be returned to containers.

Blood

Anything that has come into contact with blood must be disposed of in the correct manner. Pay attention to the following: Hands, lancets, tweezers, surface, disposal gloves, bin liners, cotton wool or gauze and needles)

Colds/Flu/COVID 19

Wear a surgical mask. Wash your hands regularly, especially after sneezing or blowing the nose. Also, wash hands in general after touching other surface areas. General advice – stay at home when feeling ill or send employees home if they develop cold/flu/COVID 19 symptoms at work.

Waste Bins

Bin liners. Emptied regularly. Bins should have lids.

Gloves

Surgical gloves can be used, e.g. epilation or, to prevent contamination. Used always when performing any procedure that breaks the skin and any action that may come into touch with blood.

Instruments

Must be cleaned, sanitised and sterilised or where appropriate disposable tools should be used.

Antiseptics and Disinfectants

Antiseptic

A diluted disinfectant that is safe to apply to the skin. Its’ task is to slow down multiplication, growth and in some cases may destroy/kill micro-organisms if the strength of the solution is correct, e.g. some soaps (hands), alcohol and hydrogen peroxide etc.

Disinfectant

A chemical agent which destroys or kills all micro-organisms. Safe to apply on surfaces but too toxic to be applied directly onto the skin, e.g. Quaternary Ammonium compound/Quats, formalin, ethyl or grain alcohol.

 

Storage

  • Make sure you receive a copy of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) from your suppliers.
  • All staff must be trained on the use of products and equipment.
  • Training manuals and information leaflets should be accessible to all staff.
  • Store your products correctly by following the guidance on the MSDS.
  • Carry out a risk assessment on each product or COSHH report if required.
  • Keep products in original containers where possible and ensure any decanted products are fully labelled in smaller, purpose-built containers.
  • Keep all flammable products out of direct sunlight and at room temperature or below.
  • Mobile therapists must make suitable travel arrangements to avoid spillage and ensure safe working practice and be professional in appearance.