Cross-infection Copy

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 meet 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

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 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.